Reloading Manuals

[Phil3]

Just about every article on beginning reloading highly recommends having at least two reloading manuals. On the other hand, one can find on-line reloading data from some bullet and powder makers, as well as load data from specialized sites, such as benchrest (www.6mmbr.com). Is it OK to use this data, or should i heed strictly to the published paper reloading manuals? I am reloading for 223 Remington for now.

[tamalpias]

I would rather trust new and updated data from a manufacturer over published data from 10-20 years back. I use manufacturer online data first and foremost because that is the most current and up to date data available. They should know their product more than anybody else would!

[Ahhnother8]

Just about every article on beginning reloading highly recommends having at least two reloading manuals. On the other hand, one can find on-line reloading data from some bullet and powder makers, as well as load data from specialized sites, such as benchrest (www.6mmbr.com). Is it OK to use this data, or should i heed strictly to the published paper reloading manuals? I am reloading for 223 Remington for now.

6mmbr is a great site, with some world-class shooters. They provide valuable data and real-world experience, so cautiously heed their advice. Much like here, you will find those whose experience/advice is unequivocal, and others who have mastered typing, but not much else.

Lane

[bruceflinch]

The component makers are a great source.

However, a good reloading manual gives you a great wealth of reloading info in general. It is a good building block to a successful pursuit of our passsion.

Be Safe!

[Phil3]

This site looked particularly useful. www.loaddata.com. $30 a year but it looks very comprehensive.

[RobG]

I have one book and use online info from various powder manufacturers as starting guides. I also use other reloaders info as a guideline. Never jump right into someones elses loading, work up. Lots of guys "pet" loads are over published maximums but are still safe for their gun/set up but, may not be safe for yours.

[freonr22]

What about one of our sponsors? http://www.calguns.net/


http://ammoguide.com/

[freakshow10mm]

If you are starting out, I recommend the ABCs of Reloading, a bullet manufacturer manual, a powder manufacturer manual, then a third party to cross reference.

A lot of data online, in forums, etc are from people that have much more experience and can shorthand stuff and post things that are beyond novice levels. Most of these guys are "tweakers", not in the meth sense, but are constantly tweaking loads and venturing into no man's land. Peer pressure is a MFer and manuals are a good safe place to be first.

[Mikeb]

I recommend real paper manuals because they cover most of the technical aspects of loading every sort of cartridge. And they have pictures and index's and you can put them by the John and be sure of reading at least ten minutes a day.
Yeah old school, but I think you are well served if you get a few manuals (on line manufacture data is OK ) and compare it and when in doubt start low and work your way up.
take care
Mike

[tamalpias]

I have one book and use online info from various powder manufacturers as starting guides. I also use other reloaders info as a guideline. Never jump right into someones elses loading, work up. Lots of guys "pet" loads are over published maximums but are still safe for their gun/set up but, may not be safe for yours.

You and I are on the same boat with this one. I only have 1 book and that is to give me vital data such as max overall length and trim to length, that is about all I glean from a book nowadays anyway.

[Beelzy]

Books....one can never have too many.

[krzgoat]

Before I even bought at press I checked out a one caliber one book. I found it had useful data but not enough. I borrowed an ABC's of reloading from my step dad and then bought a Lyman manual. Then I read a lot of forums and information and researched a bunch of different techniques. Online resources are plentiful but use them carefully as guidelines. I always refer back to a manual. The loaddata.com site worth the money. I have found quite a few loads from various manuals I don't owe on that website.

[Fjold]

You can get load data anywhere but not all compent manufacturers put their load data on the net. If you need to use lead free bullets you aren't going to always find data for monometal bullets like Barnes anywhere excep their loading manual. Some manuals like Lee have more different component combinations listed than any of the powder maker websites.

The biggest reason to own the manual is that there is a wealth of internal and external ballistics theory in the published manuals, along with the procedures and safety precautions.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Phil3,

I have been reloading for around 15 years (pretty much a newbie, considering some of these old-timers who have over 2 decades of experience), and below are the only books I still own.




Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook - the best book out there for shotshell reloaders, barr none.
The ABC's of Reloading - the best book out there for pistol and rifle reloaders.
Gunsmithing: Pistols & Revolvers - a great reference book to help you understand your weapons. Great information for advanced tinkerers as well
Load Books - great little manuals that are a consolodation of manufacturers info. Broken down by bullet manufacturer, and also powder manufacturer.


I have gone through many manufacturers reloading books, but have since passed them on to my shooting buddy. The manufacturers reloading books are great, and have fantastic supplimental information regarding reloading history and facts. But for me, I stuck with the books that I found myself going to the most.

One of the things that helped me to give them away, was the fact that for almost all of them, you can go to their website and get the most current information. I believe it was SPEER that has one of the best reloading manuals, that ARE NOT published on their website. (They have a two or three volume binder set).

Load Books are a great starting point. I am aware that some of the older Load Books may have older information regarding powders...but so do some of the older manufacturers reloading books as well. From my understanding (don't quote me on this), older manuals also gave higher pressures. And in this day and age of lawsuites, the "safe pressures" are much lower, and are what you will find in the newer manufacturers reloading manuals.

Bottom line - learn the basics, get experience, and go from there. We all did the same at one time...ALL OF US!

Best wishes.

In Christ: Raymond