Other than the little data in Speer and Hornady manuals for their bullets, there seems to be little data for use of 158 LSWC bullets in these manuals. I assume you have to buy a Lyman manual to get any more useful information.

I ran across a link to some software that tells you more than you'll probably ever need to know about lead bullets, Brinnel hardness and how to match to chamber pressure and powders to give the optimum levels of pressure, BHN and powders to achieve the maximum amount of efficiently. Admittedly, it's quite expensive for software but an excellent source of info available if you're willing to fork over the money.

quickload quicktarget software

Google M.D. Smith and reloading. He lists a lot of data.

Quickload is great. It is not perfect though. I am sure I have saved far more money then I spent on it by not wasting money on bad combinations of powder and lead. You can experiement with it and understand where you are in the ballpark. You then can calibrate the software to your gun and get surprisingly accurate results. That is the fun of it.

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SWCA 1646

I use the regular Lyman manual a lot for lead data. Most of the powder companies on line have good data for the 158lswc bullet.

I use a lot of Hodgdons/Win/IMR powder and like their web site.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

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Still Running Against the Wind

You can used jacketed data too so long as your cast weight is close to the same.

Most of the time a lead boolit over the same load as a jacketed of the same weight is going to give less pressure. Lead is easier to push down the bore.

Just stay near the start load end of things and you should be just fine.

The new Lyman Cast Bullet #4 manual is out and available most places. The last one was published in 1980 so it's about time. Mine will be at my house Tues. or Wed. and I'll see for myself but everyone who already has it says it's a very good book and not a rehash of data from their #3 lead bullet manual. You might want to pick one up if you load lead bullets.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

38 Special Load Data - Handloads.Com

Reloading The .38 Special Page

I may pick up a copy of it as I need something to spend my tax money on. It could save a lot of time and research.

What's the difference in this one and their 49th Reloading Handbook? I have an older Cast bullet handbook with the scoped rifle and targets on the front but can't locate it. It's here somewhere.

Handloads.com is a good source for different calibers/bullet/powder combos but I believe the data comes from individuals that have simply posted their favorite loads...could be wrong there.

From what I'm told there is a lot more cast bullet load data in the Cast book but I won't know until I get the delivery for sure. As for the difference between the 1980 #3 book and the new #4 book, again from what I'm told, it's not a reprint and there's a lot of new data along with all the newer powders that have come out in the past 30 years.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Here is what I do. I use the data websites from powder manufacturers first. All of them have a good deal of lead bullet data. They want to sell their powder to us too!

I have lots of old manuals too. They are chocked full of lead bullet data.

The Lee manual has a bunch of lead bullet data.

Mike's pages are good to.

I have a subscription to LoadData.com and most of the articles for handgun handloading employs lead data. Brian Pearce is the on of the main writers there and he always includes lead bullets. He is also a caster so.......

There is an electronic reference I use from time to time and it is free. You can find it here: Reloaders' Reference | Download Reloaders' Reference software for free at SourceForge.net

It has the ability to store your data too. Has search functions and other pretty neat tools. It has a BUNCH of firearms manuals and printable targets too. Did I say its free too?

Of course we will expect a full review and critique of the book after you review it.

I have it on my wish list and ready to press the move to cart buy button based on your review.

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Still Running Against the Wind

My God-has it been that long?!! It seems like I bought that #3 just ten years ago. Then again, I've discovered it's only 8 months between one Christmas and another whereas when I was a kid it was three years.

I have that manual and intend to find it before the sun goes down. I had a lot of old Gun Digest books, Hornady manuals with the guy in a Cowboy hat and rifle on front and a host of other oldies boxed up for some time until I got back recently to reloading. I may have to locate all that and do a little reminiscing.

The "possible" problem with such old manuals and data is that perhaps primers have changed in their composition over 20-30 years as has powder(maybe). The 2400 from 25 years ago under Hercules may not be an exact equivalent of 2400 today under Alliant.

Well, it took a few more days than I thought to get here but I finally got it on Wednesday. I looked it over and as requested I did a review. I started a new thread which can be found HERE.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Thanks!

add some more characters to make 10 and waste band width.

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Still Running Against the Wind