Reloading Manual or On-Line?

[Phil3]

I am new to reloading, and wondered if it makes sense to obtain reloading data from various on-line sites (bullet, powder manufacturers, or other known reliable sources), vs physical manuals. I only load for one caliber now, and maybe a couple of others later on. Buying several books for just a couple calibers seems like a waste. However, I am not willing to compromise safety, and will use whatever is necessary to ensure safe loads.

- Phil

[Zeke003]

I picked up the Lyman manual and used the powder/bullet manufacturers websites. Just make sure you find at least 3 credible sources to cross reference and you should be good.

[freonr22]

http://ammoguide.com/ and they are a vendor here

[Aldemar]

Try this online site:

http://www.reloadersnest.com/

Tons of info

[WileyWilly]

It's not just the data in the books that you need, it's also the procedures and techniques that you need to read and follow. Especially if you are new to reloading. Books are inexpensive compared to damaged firearms and people.

[sargenv]

Sometimes there are some little snippets in books that you won't get from online sources.. I have several loading manuals from various powder and bullet manufacturers as well as using online sources.. More info is better in my book..

[Phil3]

It's not just the data in the books that you need, it's also the procedures and techniques that you need to read and follow. Especially if you are new to reloading. Books are inexpensive compared to damaged firearms and people.

Thanks. I am about as well versed in reloading procedures and techniques as a new person can be, having read a LOT, and talked with many, some of who are Benchrest guys, for quite some time. I have loaded a few rounds under the supervision of others, and purchased quality equipment to do things exactly right and safely. I fully recognize this is no substitute for experience, but want to gain the experience safely.

I have some reloading manuals now (2), but one is older (Lyman 48th), and was not sure if I needed a 3rd or more, or would online suffice. Believe me, if there is increased risk without a printed manual, I will be buying the manual. Just don't know if there is (increased risk).

- Phil

[Cowboy T]

I have Lyman's 49th, and it's a good book. I'd imagine Lyman's 48th is equally fine. Richard Lee's Modern Reloading is also good for methodology and load data. In addition to all that, I use the powder manufacturer's Web sites.

The fundamentals of reloading don't change. It's a well established practice, like making ammo, so just follow the rules of safety, BEGIN WITH THE STARTING LOADS, and you'll be fine.

Go slowly, take you time, and make sure you pay attention. Those are the chief rules for getting started.

[Divernhunter]

The lyman 48th is not that old. I have a dozen manuals I have colleted over the years but two are probably ok UNLESS you are loading Barnes then you need THEIR manual for their bullets. Data from bullet and powder manufactures sites on line is also good to add to your list. The Lyman is a good manual. IF you plan to load Nosler bullets then I would get their manual if you do not have it.

[CSACANNONEER]

I would not suggest having less than 2 reloading manuals on your shelf. After that, you can use online sources as well. Always cross reference EVERY load with at least two (I prefer 3) independent sources too. Every reloading manual/site has a mistake or typo so, I prefer to use a little extra caution and question even the best reloading souces.

When it comes to Barnes Bullets, if you do not have their manual, you can always call them. DO NOT assume that their bullets will work with any other recipe but theirs! They are longer bullets and require different loads than other bullets of the same weight.

[Phil3]

I will be shooting Sierra and Berger bullets, and have some Hornady A-Max as well. But, mostly Sierra and Berger. Powders I am trying are Hogdon, Vhitavouri, and Alliant. This is for Remington 223 used in an AR15 target rifle.

- Phil

[Cowboy T]

There are AR-15's in Kalifornia??

Quick, call Sen. Feinstein so she can grab it and sweep another crowd with it like she did with that AK-47! LOL

[mnguyen84]

online. pretty much, the info that you find in most or some reloading guides are also available online. when i bought my lee's kit and reloading dies.. they came with mini-guides too. i also have a nolser reloading guide, which i got pretty cheap. And while i consult both mediums of literature for info, i believe you can pretty much compile your own reloading data from internet sources, which would give you a greater variety data and perhaps even more up-to-date info than any one reloading book.

there are a bunch of youtube videos where dudes swear that you need a handbook... or you shouldn't be reloading... but i think they're just being old and dont want to learn new tricks.... and in someways, they have no reason to since their method has been working for them for years. but you dont sound like you have a method yet... lookup the website of manufacturers of power and bullets... if you dont know any names..then midway.com would be a good place to start.

[Fyathyrio]

Definitely get a couple manuals, after that I find the Loadbooks USA manuals a great resource. They have all the load info from the major bullet and powder manufacturers for a given round in one handy book for only a few bucks. Makes it easy to work up a new load when you change components.

[freonr22]

what about Quickload? its like $140 ish i mean isnt that the price of a few manuals with more data?