I looked forward to Speer's #15 manual since I considered their #14 manual to be one of the best. The #15 manual is excellent in many respects, but there are a few errors that I'm aware of, one of which might be serious.
Here are the more notable errors I'm aware of in the first printing of the #15 manual:
Page 843, 44 Magnum Handgun, 210 grain GDHP bullet.
The load data for the 210gr .bullet is incorrectly identical to that of the 200gr. bullet on the preceding page. Since the 200gr. bullet is a short barrel bullet, and the data is “short barrel” data, and the 210gr. data is not, the entire 210gr. table is almost certainly incorrect. Though incorrect, it's probably safe to use the 210gr data as published. Fortunately, the correct data for the 210gr. bullet is published on Speer's website.
Page 870, 45 Colt, 250 grain DCHP bullet.
The load data for the 250gr. bullet is incorrectly identical to that of the 250gr. LSWC bullet on the following page. Though the bullets are the same weight, their construction is very different and the load data should also be different. The correct data for the 250gr. DCHP bullet is published on Speer's website. It should also be noted that the correct loads for the DCHP on the website are all DNR (do not reduce). Comparing the data, it's possible that some of the incorrect loads published in the manual will produce over or under pressure (squib) loads if used with the DCHP bullet.
Additionally, there is conflicting information regarding the 45 caliber 250 grain DCHP bullet itself in the manual. Under the 45 Colt section (page 865) the manual states that this bullet was designed for the low MAP and velocities of the 45 Colt. Under the 45 Colt (Ruger & Contender Only) section (page 873) it states that this bullet is to be used only on pests and small game (because it expands too quickly for use on larger game at the Ruger only velocities). So far so good. But under the 454 Casull section (page 877) it states this same bullet was made for the 454 Casull and is perfect for use on deer sized game. Obviously there is serious disconnect somewhere. Speer's previous edition (#14) manual contains no such confusion, stating that the bullet was designed for standard pressure 45 Colt loads. In short, use of Speer's 45 caliber 250gr. DCHP is not suitable for medium or large game hunting in the 454 Casull, or at Ruger Only 45 Colt levels.
Shortly after the introduction of the #15 Speer manual I wrote Speer about what I had discovered at the time, and suggested that they issue an errata to correct the errors (as well as any others that I might have been unaware of). Their response wasn't particularly encouraging, nor have I seen any corrections beyond the publishing of correct data on their website (without reference to incorrect data in the manual).
Since some of these errors could be dangerous, or result in unnecessarily wounded game, I've decided to write the above to highlight the issues so that other reloaders are aware and can make corrections. Perhaps Speer will offer manual corrections at some point, or make the needed changes in a subsequent publishing. Despite the errors in Speer's #15 manual, I still consider it among the best available and highly recommend it.
Here are the more notable errors I'm aware of in the first printing of the #15 manual:
Page 843, 44 Magnum Handgun, 210 grain GDHP bullet.
The load data for the 210gr .bullet is incorrectly identical to that of the 200gr. bullet on the preceding page. Since the 200gr. bullet is a short barrel bullet, and the data is “short barrel” data, and the 210gr. data is not, the entire 210gr. table is almost certainly incorrect. Though incorrect, it's probably safe to use the 210gr data as published. Fortunately, the correct data for the 210gr. bullet is published on Speer's website.
Page 870, 45 Colt, 250 grain DCHP bullet.
The load data for the 250gr. bullet is incorrectly identical to that of the 250gr. LSWC bullet on the following page. Though the bullets are the same weight, their construction is very different and the load data should also be different. The correct data for the 250gr. DCHP bullet is published on Speer's website. It should also be noted that the correct loads for the DCHP on the website are all DNR (do not reduce). Comparing the data, it's possible that some of the incorrect loads published in the manual will produce over or under pressure (squib) loads if used with the DCHP bullet.
Additionally, there is conflicting information regarding the 45 caliber 250 grain DCHP bullet itself in the manual. Under the 45 Colt section (page 865) the manual states that this bullet was designed for the low MAP and velocities of the 45 Colt. Under the 45 Colt (Ruger & Contender Only) section (page 873) it states that this bullet is to be used only on pests and small game (because it expands too quickly for use on larger game at the Ruger only velocities). So far so good. But under the 454 Casull section (page 877) it states this same bullet was made for the 454 Casull and is perfect for use on deer sized game. Obviously there is serious disconnect somewhere. Speer's previous edition (#14) manual contains no such confusion, stating that the bullet was designed for standard pressure 45 Colt loads. In short, use of Speer's 45 caliber 250gr. DCHP is not suitable for medium or large game hunting in the 454 Casull, or at Ruger Only 45 Colt levels.
Shortly after the introduction of the #15 Speer manual I wrote Speer about what I had discovered at the time, and suggested that they issue an errata to correct the errors (as well as any others that I might have been unaware of). Their response wasn't particularly encouraging, nor have I seen any corrections beyond the publishing of correct data on their website (without reference to incorrect data in the manual).
Since some of these errors could be dangerous, or result in unnecessarily wounded game, I've decided to write the above to highlight the issues so that other reloaders are aware and can make corrections. Perhaps Speer will offer manual corrections at some point, or make the needed changes in a subsequent publishing. Despite the errors in Speer's #15 manual, I still consider it among the best available and highly recommend it.
. So I searched further and found that the incorrect data on pages 842 and 843 is from the Special 240 LSWC - page 838 in #15; and page 937 in #14 (the tables in 14 & 15 are identical for the 240 LSWC).