Ask the Reloading Experts

[TennJeep1618]

I need recommendations for my next reloading manual, I currently only have the Lyman 49th.

The latest edition lee manual has lots more load data than the Lyman.

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[JohnAL]

My problem with most reloading manuals is they only cover their bullets and they are expensive. Lee and Lyman are generic and usually work fine. How many calibers are you reloading for? If just a couple, then I prefer these:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Loadbooks-USA-Caliber-Gauge-Specific-Reloading-Manuals/704597.uts

They contain data from all of the manuals for a particular caliber.

I am not above doing this

 

[gendoc]

midway also has load data books for specific calibers.
using many powders and bullets.
check them out, it is good basic information.

 

[jakec]

My problem with most reloading manuals is they only cover their bullets and they are expensive. Lee and Lyman are generic and usually work fine. How many calibers are you reloading for? If just a couple, then I prefer these:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Loadbooks-USA-Caliber-Gauge-Specific-Reloading-Manuals/704597.uts

They contain data from all of the manuals for a particular caliber.

I am not above doing this

<img src="http://gulfcoastgunforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=20195"/>

Good idea!

 

[M.O.A.]

The powder manufacturers post load data for every possible combination of caliber, bullet weight and charge using their propellants. Its free and you can print it out or download it.

 

[gendoc]

The powder manufacturers post load data for every possible combination of caliber, bullet weight and charge using their propellants. Its free and you can print it out or download it.

like this...........

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com

 

[Khaot1c]

I like those caliber specific books, in the beginning they saved a lot of time and money but putting all the data I needed in one handy location.
I decided to start collecting all of the full-blown bullet and powder manufacturers data when I started experimenting with 'off brand' bullets. Such as Rainer (which I have now replaced with Xtreme).
There is some "official" data out there for these 3rd party brands, but even then - the books are just a guide and they ALL say the same thing - START LOW AND WORK UP!
So, when I got a batch of bullets from Xtreme, that's what I did. I used the data from my favorite powder for a given caliber and selected the bullet type (ie: 124gr 9mm) and started low.

The current Powder Shortage makes this a serious PAIN! I understand that. Nobody really wants to waste a few precious grains of powder. But it won't be like this forever (I keep telling myself that) and the data you collect now and add to your journal ( you DO keep a journal, don't you?) will be invaluable later.

 

[M.O.A.]

I like those caliber specific books, in the beginning they saved a lot of time and money but putting all the data I needed in one handy location.
I decided to start collecting all of the full-blown bullet and powder manufacturers data when I started experimenting with 'off brand' bullets. Such as Rainer (which I have now replaced with Xtreme).
There is some "official" data out there for these 3rd party brands, but even then - the books are just a guide and they ALL say the same thing - START LOW AND WORK UP!
So, when I got a batch of bullets from Xtreme, that's what I did. I used the data from my favorite powder for a given caliber and selected the bullet type (ie: 124gr 9mm) and started low.

The current Powder Shortage makes this a serious PAIN! I understand that. Nobody really wants to waste a few precious grains of powder. But it won't be like this forever (I keep telling myself that) and the data you collect now and add to your journal ( you DO keep a journal, don't you?) will be invaluable later.

In 15+ years of loading I have never seen a difference between bullet " brands " that was worth mentioning. Obvious differences such as contour and base aside they're pretty much just jacketed lead. If I were to load for an unknown would start at minimum charge for that " weight" and just ladder up. Why buy a book that costs more than components ?

 

[Khaot1c]

I failed to mention that I can be a bit of a numbers nerd....and a compulsive shopper. Much to the liking of reloadong/ammo stores

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[oneshot]

Just wondering if you'll think I should stop using my speer # 1 manual and up date to using my speer # 2 do have a Lyman # 35 may need to start using it. My older speer don't seem to have some of the newer powers in it, what do you think. just my 2 cents jj

 

[gendoc]

use what provides you a base load to work up from.
pressure signs are always important to look for with any data.
also an accurate chronograph is nice to have.

 

[JohnAL]

Just wondering if you'll think I should stop using my speer # 1 manual and up date to using my speer # 2 do have a Lyman # 35 may need to start using it. My older speer don't seem to have some of the newer powers in it, what do you think. just my 2 cents jj

The powder manufacturers say to use old data with old powder and new data with newly manufactured powder. JJ, with your 40 year old stash you should probably stick with the old data. Of course with new powder types you would need new data.

 

[Stagman]

My problem with most reloading manuals is they only cover their bullets and they are expensive. Lee and Lyman are generic and usually work fine. How many calibers are you reloading for? If just a couple, then I prefer these:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Loadbooks-USA-Caliber-Gauge-Specific-Reloading-Manuals/704597.uts

They contain data from all of the manuals for a particular caliber.

I am not above doing this

View attachment 20195

Thanks for the info everyone, I just ordered a few of these caliber specific books from Cabelas.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Looking for someone who does a lot of reloading so I may be able to watch and learn. I have an extensive reloading setup that I got from my father in law with an insane amount and variety of dies, powder, primers, and bullets. Does anyone want to teach a reloading newby?

 

[Dan1612]

Looking for someone who does a lot of reloading so I may be able to watch and learn. I have an extensive reloading setup that I got from my father in law with an insane amount and variety of dies, powder, primers, and bullets. Does anyone want to teach a reloading newby?

I only started reloading recently, but I love it. Best thing of all, my whole setup, vice and all, are portable. Given, straight walked pistol rounds are the easiest to load, but at least I could tell you what everything is and familiarize you with the process. In retrospect, that would have been very useful for someone who had never done it before.

 

[bigbulls]

Guys, forget the books.

http://www.loaddata.com

It has all of the manuals on line for you to view, save, print, etc... And a bunch of pet loads as well. You can search specific bullet weights, powders, cartridges, wildcats, gun specific data, short barrel data, etc... etc... It costs $30 for a year membership. Less than a single manual.

 

[Dan1612]

Submachinegun.net

Larry is a local guy and his website has a great link on loading data, he is also very nice and very helpful, should you be able to stop by his shop. He and CalculatedSteps got me setup. MOA (John) is also a great source of knowledge and experience.

 

[HEIST]

Im planning on reloading .243 and starting to collect my supplies.. What is a good powder to work with for this cartridge?

 

[Calculated steps]

There was some imr 4064 at usa proformance. That powder will work for 55gr up to 100gr for 243.

 

[SAWMAN]

Yep ......... Load Data has all the loads available from most any book ... then some. It costs,but not much. I have been a member now for two years. They are constantly updating their info. Any time a new book comes out ... it's on there. --- SAWMAN