Reloading books

[0321jarhead]

As for reloading for past year, and really enjoying it, I am slowly progressing.

At this time I only have two books, Sierra and Lee. There are some loads that I am looking for and cannot find in either one.

What book(s) has the most valuable information that is out there? Could it be the Lyman 49th edition or what?

[orangeusa]

Lyman is really good. I bought the Hornady, but didn't get a lot out of it - except for an explanation of rfle shell expansion. The reload info only relates to Hornady bullets...

I learned a lot from Lee's book. It's not well organized and you have to get past the self serving "Lee is best, and first..." stuff, but it's got a lot of good information. I haven't seen the 1% reduction in powder weight vs. pressure anywhere else... That said, I don't mind most of their equipment. I think Lee got a bad name when they said they have a progressive. I have a Lee 1000, and I wouldn't call it a progressive... (Sorry I went sideways there).

.

[ptmn]

Lyman 49th and ABC's of Reloading is an awesome combo for new and veteran reloaders

[CSACANNONEER]

Lyman and all the powder and bullet manufacturer's free manuals are good to have. If loading Barnes bullets, the Barnes manuals are a must.

[scotchblade]

I have the Lee and the Lyman, but I keep winding up at Hodgdon's Reloading Center for my data. Most of my powders are covered by them.

They just updated the site too - a whole new look and function.

[orangeusa]

I have the Lee and the Lyman, but I keep winding up at Hodgdon's Reloading Center for my data. Most of my powders are covered by them.

They just updated the site too - a whole new look and function.

I think when referring to a reloding book, they are referring mostly to the 'how to' in the front... I just mentioned Hornady's receipes because I can't use it as a comparison against other loads... I dunno.

.

[Ninask]

There is a loading book that has most of the recipes for each caliber,
doesn't much other info but if you're just looking for the recipes this is a must have for each caliber you load
N

[rg1]

Lyman 49th and I highly recommend "Modern Reloading 2nd edition by Richard Lee. It compiles data from several sources and has them all in the Modern Reloading. If you shoot Nosler bullets get theirs or Hornady get it. ABC's I don't recommend.

[FLIGHT762]

The Sierra book you have has a lot more powders listed for popular calibers than most other reloading manuals. I refer to the Sierra manual a lot.

What are you looking for, Rifle or Pistol loads?

As Scotchblade posted, the Hodgdon reloading site has a lot of data in it. I use it often.

It has a new format and to get all of the loads there is for a caliber, you now have to check the boxes. To see everything, just check the box "select all" at the bottom in each of the boxes in step 2,3 and 4. Very easy to use.

[CK_32]

What load are you looking data for exactly?


Might be able to find it with out going out and getting another manual. But if you want another to add to the collection more power to you. Lyman 49th is a pretty good manual that has a lot of useful data/info.

[CCrawford]

OP what exactly are you looking for? Specific bullet, or powder, or caliber info etc. The two books you have are good resources for most things. We can help you better once we know more about what you want.

[sghart]

To the OP,

The Lee and the Sierra are two of my favorites. For how to stuff the Lee is good as well as the ABC's of Reloading.

I like the Sierra manual for a simple reason: the velocities that they post for the loads and bullets given are very accurate, real world speeds. For example, if the Sierra book says that 11.4 gr of Accurate #7 under a 158 gr JHP in 357 mag will give you 1150 fps then that is what you will get, at least as far as my chronograph goes. Manuals published by powder manufacturers tend to be generous in their velocities.

If you are interested in the history of powders, loads, etc. then Sharpe's Complete Guide to Handloading is great. I just bought a second copy to give to my son. It was on Ebay for $10.

Other posters have mentioned the web as a good source and I agree. Either way you sound like you are on the right track. Keep up the good work.

[ivanimal]

Lyman
Lee
These are equipment manufacturers and will have more combos than any others.
Hornaday
Sierra
Hodgdon
Speer

Are my next go to for info

I have a great number of older reload mag/books just to keep me reading.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

The Sierra is the only one you need to explain the basic process.

After that, pick up the one for the specific bullet manufacture you want to use - unless of course you use Sierra Bullets.

[G-Man WC]

Reloading books are good reading. I have a few.
Lyman 49
Lee
Older Sierra (That I had 20years) before I started reloading. Shame on me.
I don't know if one manuals is better than the other. I always get a different perspective reading and comparing loads and pressure and working that load in a specific firearm. -g