Reloading Manual(s) - Which To Get?

[Ugly Dwarf]

When I started reloading years ago, I read through the Hornady book I had access to (2nd or 3rd Edition IIRC). This book sits on (or in) the bench / cabinet and has been a handy reference. While it is not my only source of load data, I use it to cross reference with the load data I can get from powder manufacturers.

I am now planning to buy a second press to be used in a different location. A good guide (or guides) on the new bench is obviously a must. I've read many here talk about the Speer #14 book and not as many about the Hornady Book(s).

My concern is that I typically shoot Hornady bullets (more because of my positive experiences with them than because the book I use references them), so I wonder if the load data in the Speer book will be of as much use to me. It may provide good 'starting' info, but it won't be providing data about the exact bullet I will likely be using.

1. Can anyone tell me why the Speer book is better?
2. Can anyone share thoughts on the 7th Edition Hornady book? (Again - this is to be stand alone, not an 'upgrade' from an earlier edition)
3. Can anyone suggest an alternate book that is not bullet manufacturer specific?

I have also been considering buying The ABC's of Reloading (C. Rodney James - 7th Edition) as a good refresher on the fundamentals, something I can loan to friends who are interested in taking up the hobby (and ask to "Try it out" on my bench) and as an additional reference for the bench. I understand this is not a "load manual" (with specific load data), but have read it is an excellent resource on the concepts / practices of reloading.

Does anyone here have good (or bad) impressions / experiences regarding the ABC's of Reloading?

Thanks for your input.

Dwarf

[emc002]

I bought the ABC's when I was starting out, it helped me a little. It'snot enough to stand alone I don't think, but as an introduction to new reloaders, it's okay.

I use the Hornady and Speer books, I'd recommend getting both.
If it's one or the other, get the Hornady.

[anyracoon]

Started out with the Speer because it came with my RCBS RockChucker set up. Added Hornady, Sierra & Sierra electronic version, Hodgons, plus several other of less fame. Most of the newer manuals are way more consertive than the older manuals from the 70s & 80s.

[ar15barrels]

I recommend the Lyman as your first manual.
You will want to own several though so also get a Hodgdon (covers multiple powder companies), Hornady, Speer and Sierra.

Between these, you can cross reference different data sets and come to conclusions where one specific manual may show lower or higher charges with similar components.

[tankerman]

I recommend the Lyman as your first manual.
You will want to own several though so also get a Hodgdon (covers multiple powder companies), Hornady, Speer and Sierra.

Between these, you can cross reference different data sets and come to conclusions where one specific manual may show lower or higher charges with similar components.

I agree with purchasing Lyman, also like Sierra. Probably have 12+ manuals and powder manufacterers data brochures.

Consider going to reloading component manufacturers websites and printing their data

[Blacktail 8541]

If you only or mainly use hornady bullets I would get the hornady book. Also I would recomend the Hodgon annual as a good cross referance if you use their powders.

[Fjold]

The ones that I use the most for cross referencing are the Hornady (7, I think) and the Lee manual, plus the Hodgdon website.

The worst to use for me are the Sierra (older version in the three ring binders) and the Nosler (to bullet specific with not enough weight variety)

[Ugly Dwarf]

I recommend the Lyman as your first manual.
You will want to own several though so also get a Hodgdon (covers multiple powder companies), Hornady, Speer and Sierra.

Between these, you can cross reference different data sets and come to conclusions where one specific manual may show lower or higher charges with similar components.

Randall,

As always, thanks for the suggestion. I will look for a copy of the "Lyman '48th Edition Reloading Handbook' Book". Unfortunately, it looks to be out of print - I notice Midway has it unavailable, but on sale right now. I like the idea of a reload book from a reloading equipment (not bullet or powder) company - less chance of them trying to sell me a bill of goods.

I will probably order the Hornady 7th Edition at the minimum (since I've already bought into their bullets). I'll hold off on the ABC's book for now and I'll keep an eye out for a used copy.

Dwarf

[Ugly Dwarf]

I agree with purchasing Lyman, also like Sierra. Probably have 12+ manuals and powder manufacterers data brochures.

Consider going to reloading component manufacturers websites and printing their data

I'll have to look for a used copy of the Lyman since it's now out of print. Thanks to the web and eBay, nothing is out of reach anymore.

Yes, I am a big fan of Mfg Websites. It's so good of them to publish the data (I'm sure it's because they want to limit liability, but hey, I'm not complaining).

I've been largely an Accurate Arms powder guy for the last 9-10 years (rifles and pistols - I don't load for scatterguns), so I've got a few of their manuals around. I've found they have some data available on their website that isn't in the books, so I often have to cross reference even the Mfg data.

When doing some load workup with TAC and H335 last month, I was glad to be able to pull load data from their respective sites (though I found some gaps in bullet weights listed).

I guess it's a science with some interpretive art thrown in for spice.

[ar15barrels]

I will look for a copy of the "Lyman '48th Edition Reloading Handbook' Book". Unfortunately, it looks to be out of print - I notice Midway has it unavailable, but on sale right now.

They might have the 49th or 50th out already.
They release a new version every 5-10 years.

Mine is the 47th, but any of them will do.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lyman-REloading-Manual-47th-Edition-Good-Condition_W0QQitemZ260235055222QQihZ016QQcategoryZ71120QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lyman-48th-Edition-Reloading-Manual_W0QQitemZ310044633886QQihZ021QQcategoryZ111293QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

[otteray]

Go to the powder manufacturers' web sites and download thier manuals to use as a cross reference along with your other data.

When in doubt about a load that you want to develop, phone the ballistician at the various companies. That phone number is usually in the company's free reloading guide.

[Ugly Dwarf]

They might have the 49th or 50th out already.
They release a new version every 5-10 years.

Mine is the 47th, but any of them will do.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lyman-REloading-Manual-47th-Edition-Good-Condition_W0QQitemZ260235055222QQihZ016QQcategoryZ71120QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lyman-48th-Editi...QQcmdZViewItem

Hey, thanks for posting the link to that 47th edition - I was looking on ebay last night and didn't see that. I'm now bidding on it (get back the rest of you pirates, it's mine). If I don't win that one, maybe I'll wait for the 49th to come out (48th was the highest edition I've seen listed on the web).

I found a bunch of 30-44th editions, but was hoping to get a book published after 1970 - I'm guessing there have been some new powders / bullets introduced since then. I found some 48th editions, but the cost seemed to be prohibitive with shipping ($14 to ship a book like that? I'll pass).

[Ugly Dwarf]

Go to the powder manufacturers' web sites and download thier manuals to use as a cross reference along with your other data.

When in doubt about a load that you want to develop, phone the ballistician at the various companies. That phone number is usually in the company's free reloading guide.

Thanks. Definately a good resource there. I've gotten a lot of data from AA's website over the years.

As for calling up their support line, well let me just say they've been great. I've experimented at times with really light / heavy bullets in some of my guns, and the tech support guys at AA have always been willing to give me the info they have and be a sounding board for my load work up ideas. They even seem happy to talk about loads using their 'data' powders - as far as I can tell, they didn't really plan for distributing those at the consumer level, but there has never been a question about helping me out.

[Fjold]

Randall,

As always, thanks for the suggestion. I will look for a copy of the "Lyman '48th Edition Reloading Handbook' Book". Unfortunately, it looks to be out of print - I notice Midway has it unavailable, but on sale right now. I like the idea of a reload book from a reloading equipment (not bullet or powder) company - less chance of them trying to sell me a bill of goods.
I will probably order the Hornady 7th Edition at the minimum (since I've already bought into their bullets). I'll hold off on the ABC's book for now and I'll keep an eye out for a used copy.

Dwarf

I use the Lee "Modern Reloading" but they do try to sell you their equipment in it.

[Ugly Dwarf]

I use the Lee "Modern Reloading" but they do try to sell you their equipment in it.

Are you pretty pleased with the Lee book? I've read a lot of good reviews, but I have heard they push their own gear. I'd like to think I can listen to some propoaganda and not just step in line like a sheep. I'm not what I'd call Lee's biggest fan, but I'm certainly not a hater and I can appreciate the budget market they go after.

I've been considering buying one of their C Frame SS press / book combo's as a single stage to sit on my bench as a collet bullet puller. If I was planing to buy the book, they're practically PAYING me to buy the press too. It's on backorder right now, but I'm not in a huge hurry either.