Noob: Is Lyman enough?

[AnonUser]

Sorry if this has been discussed before. I tried searching, but I'm not certain how to search this topic.

I have the latest Lyman manual and I've just started loading using basic "stats" from Lyman (loaded 3 batches of 10 rounds so far to get the right CUP to cycle my Glock 21).

Now that I have things down, I want to try different bullets, but I'm finding my Lyman manual doesn't have these bullets listed.

I figure/guess I can take a bullet that's approximate to an example in Lyman (which seems a bit scary when dealing with explosives).

Or I figure/guess I can look the bullet/powder combinations up somewhere else?

Or do I have to buy a new book fore every bullet/powder combination out there?

I did notice the "Internet Reloading Sites" sticky thread (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=750493) that lists "Hornady" site. If I try reloading .45 cal 225gr FTX (http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Cal-.452-225-gr-FTX/), I'm not seeing an obvious link on the Hornday site that gives reloading information.

Ideas?

[TAS]

I always try to use 3 or more sources before starting a new load combination. I would recommend going to both the powder & bullet manufacturers' websites. This is assuming you don't have any other manuals readily available.

Lots of data online that's available. Use w/ caution and work your way up on your loads.

[chicobeaks]

I use the Hornady, Lyman, and Speer manuals. Then I go to the powder manufacturers website and see what they have to say. I tend to trust the Hornady manual more than others, but always start low and work your way up.

[AnonUser]

Thanks for the quick responses. It does seem I'll need a library of books.

I do see references to calling it a "recipe" when it comes to loading. Like educated guess work.

That does make sense since it took me 3 batches to get the best powder load to cycle my glock 21.

[chrometip78]

I've been using Alliant and Hodgon's online data as I've only used there powders. I have used other data from online forums for below max loads. However every cartridge I load for is very common and there's a ton of online data to cross check/reference.

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[Divernhunter]

I have swapped brands of bullets of the same weight and type(Jacketed or lead--I have not used plated) for many years. Just do not start at max load.
I also have approx 25+ books and use online manufactures info.
The Lyman book will work just fine but you might want to get books from the brand of bullets you are using also.

If you load barnes bullets you MUST use the data for their bullets. You can get it online(from barnes), sometimes from the powder manufactures and from their manual.

[Paseclipse]

It's a very good idea to get yourself a few manuals and the Hornady manual is a good one. Also checking powder manufacturers websites helps.

Whatever you don't follow other peoples recipes posted in online forums. This is unsafe.

Start your loads low and work them up to find what works for your firearm.

[CGZ]

The Lee manual is good for generic projectiles ie FMJ, cast lead, plated etc. Their dies also come with a load sheet for the caliber and are generally cheaper than other brands, I'd definitely recommend the dies for pistol calibers.

[milotrain]

You should have a few references as other's have said but in general you can use similar bullets to get starting charges. They must be starting charges only because there are differences in bullet design that cause pressure spikes.

Lyman is a great manual, I like the other "reloading company" books over "bullet company" books because they cover more range, if you find you like a certain company's bullets then I'd buy their book. Right now I have the Lyman 49th, Nosler 7th, Lee 7th, and Berger's book on the way. The older books are just fine for starting loads or data brackets.

[CCrawford]

This is why it's a good ideaPage 774, 357 Sig, Under 100 grain data, Unique and Universal powder names should be swapped. Unique starts at 6.4 grains through 9.2 and Universal starts at 6.3 grains through 7.5 grains.

[CCrawford]

I have the latest Lyman manual and I've just started loading using basic "stats" from Lyman (loaded 3 batches of 10 rounds so far to get the right CUP to cycle my Glock 21).

If I try reloading .45 cal 225gr FTX (http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Cal-.452-225-gr-FTX/), I'm not seeing an obvious link on the Hornday site that gives reloading information.

Ideas?

I reread your post and it dawned on me there is a problem with your request. I do not believe any manual will cover that combination. The FTX bullet is not for the .45ACP (Glock 21), it was designed for level action .45 Colt tubular magazine guns. The "Gummy" tip FTX prevents a magazine full of rounds from going off during recoil. Jacketed .45ACP bullets typically are .451", not .452". ACP bullets normally do not have a cannelure either, the cartridge head spaces off the front lip of the case.

So, let start with why that bullet? Pointed tip or something else? I'm sure that the folks here can point you in the right direction once more info is known about what you want the reloaded round to accomplish.

We were all noobs at one time, so don't worry about that. It is great that you are asking questions before, not after. So, let us know what you want to do with the round and we can help you out.

Criss

[AnonUser]

So, let start with why that bullet? Pointed tip or something else? I'm sure that the folks here can point you in the right direction once more info is known about what you want the reloaded round to accomplish.

Looking for a hollow point to load/shoot. Looking at Hornady because they came well recommended.

Thanks for the correction. I'll need to choose the proper bullet first.

[CCrawford]

Look at this testing and google FBI tests, etc. The FBI was shopping around and put out standards for bullets to meet about 1990 and there really is a bright line between before/old design versus after/new design. Also the CAD/CAM ability of manufacturers has helped as well. Search around more and you can find more testing by different folks as well. One thing the Lucky Gunner testing shows is that there are more than a few "good" bullets now. When the original FBI tests happened, that was not the case. "Good" being defined as meets the FBI goals of penetration, etc. I would not want to get shot with any of the bullets tested, so think about that as well.

I like the Hornady XTP bullets as well as other modern designs. For everyday range shooting, nothing wrong with plated bullets (no lead in G21 without aftermarket barrel). Depending on how much shooting you are going to do, costs can add up quickly. Not all the bullets are available for reloading in the Lucky Gunner testing, but unless you demand to complete all training with exact same ammo, it is not a big deal to buy a 3 boxes of the good stuff, shoot one or two is see how you and the gun do with it, and save one for HD magazine if it works.

Let us know what you need further.

Good Luck,
Criss

[stilly]

Sorry if this has been discussed before. I tried searching, but I'm not certain how to search this topic.

I have the latest Lyman manual and I've just started loading using basic "stats" from Lyman (loaded 3 batches of 10 rounds so far to get the right CUP to cycle my Glock 21).

Now that I have things down, I want to try different bullets, but I'm finding my Lyman manual doesn't have these bullets listed.

I figure/guess I can take a bullet that's approximate to an example in Lyman (which seems a bit scary when dealing with explosives).

Or I figure/guess I can look the bullet/powder combinations up somewhere else?

Or do I have to buy a new book fore every bullet/powder combination out there?

I did notice the "Internet Reloading Sites" sticky thread (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=750493) that lists "Hornady" site. If I try reloading .45 cal 225gr FTX (http://www.hornady.com/store/45-Cal-.452-225-gr-FTX/), I'm not seeing an obvious link on the Hornday site that gives reloading information.

Ideas?

Are you european or something? In USA we use PSI.Or simply Pressure for some of those folks.

Published load data is considered safe, it IS always a good idea to cross check load data because Lyman is notorious for making errors in grammar and spelling and who knows, MAYBE even data, but let's hope not. So to compare a load in their book to a similar load elsewhere or elsewheres is a good thing that will reinforce the good feeling you get from making that load.


If you have found a website that is like this, and a forum for reloading and you find load data published, it is nice to have a book or two to compare the numbers to see how far off they may or may not be.

[Richbutnotwealthy]

You don't need a library. Just use the load data for a like-caliber bullet in the same weight or nearest, and preferably the same composition. jacketed-jacketed, lead-lead.
Unless you are using something really odd, you should find near-equivalents, certainly safe enough. If your preferred bullet is heavier, then drop the charge a similar percentage.
But know that the charges published have a healthy safety margin already built in, to keep pressures below SAAMI spec. So there really isn't cause for anything more than precautionary concern.

So the book's charge listings should be sufficient, but you can readily backstop that with some simple internet searches.

And it's accelerants, not explosives.