Recommended Reloading Manual?

[SoCal Gunner]

I'm buying targeted equipment piece by piece and since I'm not buying a "kit", I don't have a reloading manual. I know there are many out there from all matter of suppliers, but are there any that stand out? Any generally accepted superior manuals?

From my experience at the reloading clinic I attended, I learned that the manuals can be quite different.

My initial uses will be for 9mm, 45 cal, 5.56 and .308. Later down the line, the only "exotic" round I may try is 5.7x28mm.

[Ferrum]

Lyman is good, Lee book is good. A lot powder and bullet manufacturers load data is online.

[SoCal Gunner]

Maybe I should have also asked if there are any I should avoid?

[Germz]

I like my Hornady Manual. I do not like Nosler 7th, and am glad I only torrented it and didn't pay for it.

I have heard good things about Lyman 49th

check out http://www.handloads.com

[3RDGEARGRNDRR]

I have a Lyman manual as my crapper reading material, no kidding.
What bullets do you plan on loading? some of the bullet manufacturers manuals are almost manufacturer specific. I have a hornady and speer to attest to this.

[SoCal Gunner]

I'm just starting, so I really have no preference or am leaning towards any specific bullet manufacturer. Initially the pistol calibers will be plinking ammo. The 5.56 will be 62grain or higher based on experience with my barrels depending on what I can find. The .308 is the one I'd spend the most time working up for accuracy and probably would start with a 168 grain bullet and work up.

I'm all ears for recommendations on who to use and who to stay away from.

[IntoForever]

Get a few. I'd recommend starting with Lyman 49th and Lee. Like said above, some information is available on line.

[sghart]

I have several manuals, Hornady, Lee, Sierra, Lyman, etc. I like the Sierra manual. I load for several handgun calibers and I have found that the loads listed in the Sierra book with their stated muzzle velocities are the most accurate in the real world. In other words, if the Sierra manual says that a .357 load that uses a 158 gr JHP and 11.4 gr of Accurate #7 will produce 1150 fps muzzle velocity then that is what you will get.

The other books are all usefull reading material for the reloading knowledge so I suggest that a combination of two or three would be good. I like the wealth of knowledge in the Lee book but the load listings are taken directly from the powder manufacturers and the testing is done with test barrels and not production firearms.

If you want to cast lead bullets then the Lyman cast bullet handbook is the best.

Down the line, if you stay with reloading, (some guys don't), try to find a copy of Philip Sharpes book on reloading, It was originally printed in 1932, I think, and updated extensively in the 50's. It is great reading for a historical perspective on everything from the development of smokeless powder to bullet lubes to pressure testing, you name it.

Some people are geeked on technology, video games, cars, etc. but reloading is my hobby.

[uhlan1]

I have them all, including those cheap 'lil caliber specific books. I like books.
But I use the Lee the most.

[BruinGuy]

The Lee book has the greatest number of loads. They use bullet and powder manufacturer data but don't list whose bullets they are using, so it is a bit generic.

The Lyman is another good manual, although not with as many options for powder choices per load. I use a lot of Hornady bullets so their manual is very useful to me. The other bullet manufacturer's data is useful if you use their bullets (Sierra, Speer, Nosler...).

Pick up the free "app" from Hodgdon for their 2013 reloading manual. Has load data for Hodgdon & IMR powders and some decent articles for toilet reading.

I cross-reference 3-4 sources before starting on any load, so it is not a bad idea to get a few manuals and download or bookmark a few reliable websites.

[klewan]

Lee and Lyman.

[Bumslie]

Speer and Sierra

[mark501w]

Go to the used book store.

[Dutch Henry]

I have Lyman, Speer and Hornady books and I consult all of them when developing new loads. I also like the Sierra book. Though it is a little dated and they need to publish a revised copy that includes new powders and loads for the new calibers; especially handguns (460, 500, etc.).

All of the books are good, however I would suggest obtaining your first one that is specific for the types of bullets that you'll be shooting; i.e., Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Nosler, etc.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[milotrain]

Lyman 49th is great. The older manuals are also good for loads that the lawyers didn't like for whatever reason. I love the Nosler 7th but that's because I shoot a lot of Nosler loads, and it's laid out the way I like.