Manual for lead bullet loads only?

Ernie L · #1 03-01-2009, 01:52 PM

Can someone point me in the right direction. I'm looking for a good lead bullet only loading manual.

Ernie L · #2 03-01-2009, 01:52 PM

Can someone point me in the right direction. I'm looking for a good lead bullet only loading manual.

wheelgun1958 · #3 03-01-2009, 01:56 PM

johnfly45 · #4 03-01-2009, 01:58 PM

One good one is the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, 3rd edition.

Ernie L · #5 03-01-2009, 02:06 PM

two votes for Lyman..thanks

Wyatt Earp · #6 03-01-2009, 05:00 PM

Oregon Trail bullets publishes a load manual for their stuff, but I don't see why it would not apply to any other hard cast bullet in the same size.

Ernie L · #7 03-01-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Oregon Trail bullets publishes a load manual for their stuff, but I don't see why it would not apply to any other hard cast bullet in the same size.

Thanks..more is better...Interesting site
I got off track and found myself looking at their 30 cal lead bullets..hmm..a 165 gr.cast bullet from my 1903 30-06..I wonder how that would work?!

Gatofeo · #8 03-01-2009, 07:28 PM

I vote for Lyman. Their book includes a wealth of information about alloys, casting bullets, sizing and other information -- not just loads.
Lyman's been in the business for well over 100 years. It's the standard.

Ernie L · #9 03-10-2009, 05:58 PM

I did end up buying the Lyman cast bullet handbook..Interesting read that it is ,it seems to list loads only for bullets cast in lyman molds.Of course those of you experienced with cast bullets already new that now seemingly obvious fact..I just started loading with lead bullets this month.(shrug)

I.e I was trying to find some load data for a cast 230gr. for .45 acp. The lyman book lists 185,195,200, and 225..arrrgggg..the same situation for the 44 magnum..no 240 gr. loads listed..good golly

I don't cast bullets .I gladly hand over my cash to let someone else handle that. From reading the posts in this forum I have since discovered that you can buy already cast in a lyman mold bullets. well Ok.

Believe it or not I'm now coming to the purpose of this post I wanted to share a source for the book. Most sources wanted pretty close to thirty dollars plus postage. I found this source for the book at about half that. http://www.kittlesoutdoor.com/...ype=category&id=4810
and wyatt thanks for mentioning oregon trail bullets...I managed to spend some money there as well..he he he

Landric · #10 03-11-2009, 07:07 AM

I would imagine you could translate a 225 grain load listed into a load for a 230 grain lead bullet. 5 grains of bullet weight in a .45ACP isn't going to make that much of a difference, but obviously start low and work up.

walnutred · #11 03-11-2009, 08:57 AM

Reloading, especially with cast bullets, is more art than science.

Spotteddog · #12 03-11-2009, 11:44 AM

Ernie,
Your close enough (5 grains) that as long as you stay with "suggested" or starting load levels from a reputable manual, you should be fine.

Ernie L · #13 03-11-2009, 12:57 PM

Thanks for taking the time to leave your comments Fellas..

JoeHatley · #14 03-12-2009, 04:16 PM

Several years ago, RCBS published their "Cast Bullet Manual". It's an excellent manual, but unfortunately it's out of print now. It can be found by doing an internet search of used books sources.

Good Luck...

Joe

winshooter · #15 03-12-2009, 10:38 PM

As mentioned, both Lyman and RCBS have manuals that pertain only to cast bullets. You say that you will not be casting your bullets but will be buying them. Many of the reloading manuals have load information concerning cast bullets in different weights. Speer is one manual that you will find "generic" cast bullet information with only the weight of the bullet given. You can pick up a Speer manual and get information in addition to the published data in the Lyman manual. You can never have enough reloading manuals.

Mike

Ernie L · #16 03-13-2009, 05:55 PM

Joe I've found a couple of the RCBS books ..one on amazon for $135 yup a hunert and thirty five..a couple on ebay..I put a bid it but its not looking good..

Winshooter "You can never have enough reloading manuals."

so it would seem... so it would seem..
Oregon trail bullet company(laser-cast) was kind enough to include some loading data with the cast 30-06 bullets I bought..that's a first for me
I'm headed to a fairly large gun show tomorrow (800 tables but they all lie.) Hopefully I will be able to find some of the manuals mentioned. Any body need anything ?

gpe55bud · #17 03-17-2009, 06:58 AM

Ernie, I've found a lot of good reloading info here Handloads. Some of the loads are from other members and a lot of them are manufacturers load data. Any of the guest loads should be taken for what they are worth. I would start out lighter and work up to those loads. Just click on the Load Database and then enter for rifle or pistol, Caliber and bullet weight. Hope this helps!

Paul5388 · #18 03-17-2009, 08:09 AM

We aren't allowing any more "guest" data to be posted at Handloads.

The research into the loads was too big of a task to keep up with. All of the loads were actually checked to be within published parameters, which meant checking a lot of manuals and the "pay" just didn't cover the time spent.

The RCBS "Cast Bullet Manual Number 1" is OK, but nothing to compare with the 3rd Edition of Lyman or even the new 49th Edition of the Lyman Reloading Handbook.

Ernie L · #19 03-17-2009, 12:52 PM

Thanks GPE55BUD
I'll eye ball it first chance I get..

Ernie L · #20 03-17-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

The RCBS "Cast Bullet Manual Number 1" is OK, but nothing to compare with the 3rd Edition of Lyman or even the new 49th Edition of the Lyman Reloading Handbook.

The following is a description of the lyman manual ..does seem to be all encompassing

Quote:

The 3rd Edition of the Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook is the most comprehensive we've ever offered. Data encompasses all major brands of bullets, powders and primers. Even the newest Vihta-Vuori and Ramshot powders are included. Most importantly, the 3rd Edition has data covering the popular new rounds like: 45 GAP, .480 Ruger and the powerful .500 S&W. Old favorites that are now the rage of Cowboy Shooting competition are also updated, covering 38-40, 44-40, .44 Russian, .45 Schofield and .45 Colt. More than just data charts, this new handbook also contains a number of captivating feature articles by well-known writers like Phil Spangenberger, Brian Pearce and Stan Trzoniec. The articles cover such popular subjects as: Cowboy Action shooting, loading for big bore revolvers and handgun varmint hunting. This should be the newest addition to any reloader's library.

Paul5388 · #21 03-17-2009, 04:35 PM

Ernie,

I was actually referring to the 3rd Edition of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, since it covers handguns and rifles, but only cast bullet loads.

Ernie L · #22 03-17-2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Ernie,

I was actually referring to the 3rd Edition of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, since it covers handguns and rifles, but only cast bullet loads. Smiler

...oh
...I just bought that one..I may just have to get the other Lyman third addition as well..sometimes accidents happen in your favor