Question about reloading Data from Manuals

[Hunt]

I am a newbie and piecing together my gear I just got the Sierra Manual
I noticed it is limited to Sierra bullets do I just transfer data based upon bullet weight if using other than Sierra bullets? Also I am reloading 7mm-08 and will use cheaper brass Winchester or similar will want to get as much life
as possible out of brass do I need a 2 die set or 3 die set? I picked up a good rockchucker press.

[762cavalier]

You really should get yourself more than one reloading manual. That being said if you just transfer the data according to bullet weight start about 10% below the max data and work up your load from there.

[Rem222]

If you only have one bolt action rifle in 7mm-08 you should consider neck sizing. Your can reload your cases more often.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1253669064.303=/html/catalog/dies-collet.html

I try and follow the bullet makers data but having several different manuals makes it easier to cross reference. You can get a lot of load data on line.

[Hunt]

If you only have one bolt action rifle in 7mm-08 you should consider neck sizing. Your can reload your cases more often.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1253669064.303=/html/catalog/dies-collet.html

I try and follow the bullet makers data but having several different manuals makes it easier to cross reference. You can get a lot of load data on line.

it says not recommended for hunting? for sure? or are they covering their butt for some reason. I need something for hunting, I would try that if I can use it for hunting.

[Hunt]

You really should get yourself more than one reloading manual. That being said if you just transfer the data according to bullet weight start about 10% below the max data and work up your load from there.

wil do

[Rem222]

I've been reloading for years, but that said when I go hunting I only take factory rounds with me. Whatever you decide to do have fun... Reloading is a blast....

[Ahhnother8]

I am a newbie and piecing together my gear I just got the Sierra Manual
I noticed it is limited to Sierra bullets do I just transfer data based upon bullet weight if using other than Sierra bullets? Also I am reloading 7mm-08 and will use cheaper brass Winchester or similar will want to get as much life
as possible out of brass do I need a 2 die set or 3 die set? I picked up a good rockchucker press.

The Sierra manual is plenty. It offers more bullet and powder combinations than you will ever need. The manuals are only a starting point and a general guideline. As you work up the loads (more powder), you will learn when to stop. Every lot of powder and bullets is different, that is why their data is just rough a guideline and why the manuals don't agree on minimum and maximum loads. It is an art as much as a science. Most any brand of bullet will cross-reference, by weight, just fine. Do be careful with the copper solids though.

A two die set is all that is needed. A full-length sizing die with neck bushings and a bullet seating die. Done. No need to only neck size, when every few firings you must full-length size anyhow. With Redding type 'S' dies, you should get 15+ firings from Winchester brass. You would likely get 25+ firings from Lapua brass.

Lane

[freakshow10mm]

Different bullet styles, brands, weights have different bearing surface lengths and overall lengths (OAL). Try to match the weight/profile of your bullet. Start at the start charge and work up in controlled increments.

As a new handloader I advise you to buy at least 3-4 manuals. Lyman is good as is Hodgdon. Lee is OK.

I like a 3 manual rule. Get a manual for the bullet maker, powder maker, and an independent source.

[Hunt]

thanks for the info guys

[J-cat]

Get one of those loadbooks that has copies of all the manuals for your caliber. Get a Lee collet neck die, a Redding body die and one of those competitions seaters. I like RCBS. The use of the neck die will prolong brass life. The body die will size the case without disturbing the neck when you need to bump the shoulder back a bit, usually after three reloads.

[Wink]

If you want to use barns bullets, buy a barnes manuel. They seem to have higher pressures due to the fact that they are 100% copper.

[Fjold]

You can also use the reloading manual that Hodgdon posts on line for cross referencing.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Click on the "I Agree" after reading their precautions and start your search by the type of cartridge.