I'm looking for a new manual

Thomasino · #1 03-10-2017, 12:20 AM

I have a these two manuals:
1) Lyman 49th edition
2) Speer reloading manual #14
I am looking for a reloading book/manual to complement these two books. Anybody have a suggestion on which manuel would be a good addition? I load mainly pistol rounds (9mm, 38sp/357mag, 44sp/mag, 45LC) with the addition of 223 rifle rounds and the occasional 243 Winchester. Sometimes I have to search the internet for loading values and it would be nice to have a book that would alleviate that issue.
thanls

muddocktor · #2 03-10-2017, 12:56 AM

The Hornady 10th came out only a month or 2 ago. I have the 9th edition and it's a pretty good book.

smithywess · #3 03-10-2017, 01:42 AM

You couldn't go far wrong with Ken Watter's "Pet Loads". Sadly Ken died in Jan 2017 age 91. May he rest in peace. He did more for the handloading community than any one I know.

BLUEDOT37 · #4 03-10-2017, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomasino

Sometimes I have to search the internet for loading values and it would be nice to have a book that would alleviate that issue.

Nothing wrong with using the powder company's website for applicable data. Some you can download as a pdf copy. No matter how many manuals you have they invariably have useful data.

I second adding a Hornady manual to your library.

.

smokindog · #5 03-10-2017, 03:47 AM

Hornady 9th was only $13.99 in hard cover at Cabelas last weekend! Good book and a great price. Yes, the 10th is out but is it worth $20 more? Not to me!

Hornady(R) Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, 9th Edition : Cabela's

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomasino

I have a these two manuals:
1) Lyman 49th edition
2) Speer reloading manual #14
I am looking for a reloading book/manual to complement these two books. Anybody have a suggestion on which manuel would be a good addition? I load mainly pistol rounds (9mm, 38sp/357mag, 44sp/mag, 45LC) with the addition of 223 rifle rounds and the occasional 243 Winchester. Sometimes I have to search the internet for loading values and it would be nice to have a book that would alleviate that issue.
thanls

ArchAngelCD · #6 03-10-2017, 05:05 AM

The powder manufacturers and most bullet manufactures supply data online to supplement your manuals.

If you use one company's bullets most that is where I would look for my next manual.

I use a lot of Hornady and Nosler bullets so I have their manuals along with the full Lyman manual and their Cast Bullet Handbook. (and many more lol)

Biggfoot44 · #7 03-10-2017, 05:13 AM

The magazine format Hogdon Annual is inexpensive enough to pick up every year.

Ivan the Butcher · #8 03-10-2017, 05:48 AM

If you are a rifle shooter, you really need a Sierra loading manual! It has a recommended accuracy load for every bullet they make (and that is a good place to start for any similar bullet!)

In the CD version, you can get it with their ballistic program (and that has the data for almost every factory loaded round by all manufacturers).

Ivan

muddocktor · #9 03-10-2017, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ivan the Butcher

If you are a rifle shooter, you really need a Sierra loading manual! It has a recommended accuracy load for every bullet they make (and that is a good place to start for any similar bullet!)

In the CD version, you can get it with their ballistic program (and that has the data for almost every factory loaded round by all manufacturers).

Ivan

I got the latest Sierra book a 3-4 years ago and unless he can get it for a very good price, I would tell him to stay away. The latest edition must be 10 years old now and is missing several newer calibers and quite a few of the newer powders. I refuse to recommend the Sierra manual until they get off their butts and come out with an updated manual.

littleriver1 · #10 03-10-2017, 08:58 AM

I also second Hornady Manuals.

HarpHack · #11 03-10-2017, 07:12 PM

I have a few of the common manuals on my shelf but I've been especially tickled since adding the e-book version the Hornady 10th. I still like to crack the actual books but there are times when pulling up the new edition on my phone is extra handy.

I also second the vote for Ken Waters' Pet Loads. I find myself reading that one for pleasure as much as for technical info. I was not aware he had passed; I feel like I've lost a true friend.

Dean

BLUEDOT37 · #12 03-11-2017, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddocktor

I got the latest Sierra book a 3-4 years ago and unless he can get it for a very good price, I would tell him to stay away. The latest edition must be 10 years old now and is missing several newer calibers and quite a few of the newer powders. I refuse to recommend the Sierra manual until they get off their butts and come out with an updated manual.

Basically I agree. Their Edition V was copywritten in 2003 & all they've done is come out with a new printing of the same old data. No new cartridges since 2003 are in it. (Rarely see any of their bullets locally either too.) Sad!

Several years ago I questioned them not having any 500 S&W data. They emailed me a suppliment for it. Later I tried to get a supp for the 460 S&W but they said No. I asked when they would be coming out with a new manual & they said not likely soon.

That said, being mainly a pistol reloader I like several of their cartridge sections especially the 45ACP revolver section. While it's a useful addition to my newer manuals it wouldn't be my mainstay.

.

DWalt · #13 03-11-2017, 01:40 PM

I maintain a sizeable collection of older reloading manuals and data from the 1950s-1980s. They don't include newer propellants and calibers, but that's fine with me as I use only old powders and old calibers anyway. The older Lyman manuals are my favorites.