BEST reloading manual???

[bug_eyedmonster]

Hey Calgunners,

I'm getting my reloading stuff set up slowly but surely... I'll be loading 9mm, .40, .45 ACP, .223, .308, and possibly .38 Super on a Dillon 650 and Square Deal. At this point, I need to figure out loads eventually since the bench is almost done, so I need a manual. I've read that there are different manuals people recommend depending on what I'm loading. At this point, I'll mostly be loading for the range, nothing precision, but still need the various rounds to cycle through my guns and pass neccessary power factors. Any opinions are welcome, thanks in advance!

Jerry

[damndave]

Lymans 49th has a good intro into reloading. Tells you step by step how to do everything.

You can find a lot of recipes on the manufacturer websites and on various forums.

[GeoffLinder]

+1 to Lyman as the 1st and best manual to get to start. Always good to have more than one manual when looking up load data (always compare more than one data source and average the differences). Sierra, RCBS good for second manual choice.

[chim-chim7]

+2 Lyman 49th edition.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

+2 Lyman 49th edition.

Meh....

It's okay.

I have the 49th and Lee's "Modern..." There are a lot of powders and projectiles that Lyman doesn't capture and Lee does. You can also use the manufacturer's websites for hodgdon and alliant.

[bootcamp]

I have both the Lyman and Speer, the Speer is better but watch the bullseye loads for .45acp. They're a little high to me.

[Divernhunter]

Lyman

[Bulleh]

I had Lee's. For the price it reaaallllyyy can't be beat. I got mines for like $10-15 new to my door. Speer and Lyman may or may not be better but you should really have a Lee's manual even if you buy another manual. Already said, but its better to have more than just one.

[mnguyen84]

for starting and max loads..... nothing will beat the internet. however, i reference my nolser reloading guide when for recommendations on the most accurate load.

[bug_eyedmonster]

wow, good info, thanks guys!

Jerry

[tony56shooter]

Take a good hard long look at adition 5 of Sierra. It's a good read!

[LGB Loader]

The best??? That's a matter of opinion. Lyman, Hornady, Sierra, speers, Lee, Barnes, VitVahr, etc are all good. I have them all in various revisions.

For a quick glance at something IMR,Hogdons/Winchester powder related, I glance at the Hornady annual. If I am starting out new on a new rifle, I have a good look at all the above.

My favorite? the Lyman's 46th Edition has my heart.
I learned how to roll my very first cartridge with the Lyman's 45 but the Lyman's 46th taught me how to really understand reloading all cartridges. Before that, I was pretty much just following Dad's, Uncle Joe's, and Uncle Louie's instructions.

LGB

[Low-Pressure]

Lyman's

[pennstater]

Only one mention of the latest Hornady manual, and maybe for good reason. I just bought one and wish I hadn't really. I think I would have been better served with Lyman"s #49.
Just my $0.02.

[bruce_ventura]

I use Lyman, Lee and Barnes.