Ordered the Lyman handbook...

[a1c]

You people got to me. I ordered the Lyman handbook (49th edition). I'll study it before I make any purchase decision (which will be dependent on me getting a job anyway - just got laid off a month ago).

I was wondering how many reloading hobbyists turned their craft into a job with a FFL07 license (I believe that's the one you need to resell factory or reloaded ammo, correct?). I'm not considering it for myself, just curious.

I'm also wondering... Is renting reloading equipment something some of you do or would consider?

[5hundo]

You people got to me. I ordered the Lyman handbook (49th edition). I'll study it before I make any purchase decision (which will be dependent on me getting a job anyway - just got laid off a month ago).

I was wondering how many reloading hobbyists turned their craft into a job with a FFL07 license (I believe that's the one you need to resell factory or reloaded ammo, correct?). I'm not considering it for myself, just curious.

I'm also wondering... Is renting reloading equipment something some of you do or would consider?

DISCLAIMER: Please don't take this the wrong way because I'm only trying to help. I'm honestly not trying to "diss" you when I make this suggestion:

Is there any way you can cancel that order?

I have Lyman's 49th and honestly, I'm not impressed. It's not much use for some calibers and I've found that the Lee "Modern Reloading" Manual is much more diverse.

Even Lyman's 48th (I'm told) is better than the 49th but I can't personally say because I don't own it. However, I definitely recommend the Lee manual over the Lyman 49th...

[a1c]

DISCLAIMER: Please don't take this the wrong way because I'm only trying to help. I'm honestly not trying to "diss" you when I make this suggestion:

Is there any way you can cancel that order?

I have Lyman's 49th and honestly, I'm not impressed. It's not much use for some calibers and I've found that the Lee "Modern Reloading" Manual is much more diverse.

Even Lyman's 48th (I'm told) is better than the 49th but I can't personally say because I don't own it. However, I definitely recommend the Lee manual over the Lyman 49th...

Nah, too late - ordered it through Amazon already (I had a few other unrelated books I needed to order). Thanks for the warning though. I was also planning to order next the NRA handbook after I was done going over the Lyman's.

[5hundo]

Nah, too late - ordered it through Amazon already (I had a few other unrelated books I needed to order). Thanks for the warning though. I was also planning to order next the NRA handbook after I was done going over the Lyman's.

It's not that the load data it gives is "bad", it's just that there isn't enough of it.

Just remember that both Alliant and Hogdon post loads on their websites too. If you're going to rely on Lyman's 49th as your "soul source" for info, it will help to bookmark those websites. The Hogdon website even has loads with Winchester and IMR powders too...

[xrMike]

Just remember that both Alliant and Hogdon post loads on their websites too. If you're going to rely on Lyman's 49th as your "soul source" for info, it will help to bookmark those websites. The Hogdon website even has loads with Winchester and IMR powders too...

Yeah, I'd check the powder manufacturers' websites for their load data first, then check that against what's listed in 1 (or more) handbooks.

Ramshot has load data on their website also, and it's much more comphrehensive than what's in my Lee handbook.

[Technical Ted]

It's recommended to have at least two loading manuals in your library in case you need to cross reference. One may have a load for a specific bullet type that the other does not. I have Lymans, Sierra and Hogdon's manuals on hand.

I particularly respect Sierra because you can call their 800 number and speak to one of their "bullet smiths" and they can give you data for just about any load possible. They don't publish everything in their manual and the often test other manufacturers projectiles performance against their own.

[Mikeb]

Is the "how to part" of the '49th edition still pretty good. That is mostly why I have recommended the Lyman Manual. I gave away my old one and need to get a new one. I liked it better than the Lee... Lee always seemed to have a chip on his shoulder. It's all good you can never have too many reloading manuals...it's part of the cost no one talks about...shhh
Mike

[nn3453]

I liked it better than the Lee... Lee always seemed to have a chip on his shoulder.

And talks about how you don't need expensive equipment. Guess what? You get what you pay for. I have seen enough Lee dies that were manufactured incorrectly to buy the Lee "we make cheap stuff but it works great" argument. Last set of Lee dies I got, the decapper was bent. Another set I got, the seater would mar the bullet badly. Pulled out the seater and it was not concentric. Lee's auto loader is a joke. Flimsy chains don't belong on presses. The fit and finish is like it was made in a sweat shop. Anyway, end of rant.

[Brasspolisher]

Lee always seemed to have a chip on his shoulder. It's all good you can never have too many reloading manuals...
Mike

Agree on both counts.
Richard Lee is inarguably one of the great minds of the metallic cartridge era. Unfortunately, he still wants to argue about it.

A wealth of info in both sections of the book, though. Well worth putting it on your shelf, and usually available inexpensively compared to other manuals. (Just like his gear; there may be some characteristics that make it less-than-a-pleasure to use sometimes, but he always delivers great value!)

Lyman 48 is the best single book I've ever read on reloading -- haven't seen 49.

Here are some links to powder mfrs' reloading data:

Hodgdon, IMR, Winchester
Alliant
Accurate
Vihtavuori

[r08ert209cali]

49 s reloading instruction section is great. I have been reloading for years and still read it from time to time and still gain knowledge. I really like the layout in the lyman book. I also have lees book which is great for the lead cast data. I also have two speers and a siera manual. I plan on getting a barnes as well as a hornady,and nosler manual. they all have aplace on my bookshelf. I also use hodgdends website as well as reloadersnest.com for data.
the lee book can be had on sale for under $10

Just buy as many books as you can,try an get them on sale or used thats how I get all of mine.

[Fjold]

That's the correct way to do it. Read the book and make your decisions.

[GW]

Where Lyman shines is in the reloading instruction chapters and particularly with load data for lead bullets. Their data uses a variety of bullets and powders from different manufacturers.

I have many loading manuals but in If you could only have 1 scenario, I'll always choose the Lyman book

[Mikeb]

For the record I use a Lee Loadmaster for pistol (.45acp, 44 mag) and a Rockchucker for .308 and 38-55
take care
Mike

[chickenfried]

I was a little disappointed with the lyman manual. I already had speer, lee, and sierra. But it's so frequently recommended that I grabbed it. Didn't stand out against the others. How could you not have a 7.5x55 swiss entry or 230 grain FMJ .45 ACP load?

[Technical Ted]

For the record I use a Lee Loadmaster for pistol (.45acp, 44 mag) and a Rockchucker for .308 and 38-55
take care
Mike

I have a Lee handpress with a RCBS Universal decapper die. I sit in front of a TV and decap cases before polishing and resizing.