Good Load Data Source for Poor People

[Alk8944]

One issue I see over and over seems to be people who want to re-load but object to the cost of re-loading manuals. In this case, and for all of us, a good data source that is far better than on-line or, Heaven forbid, using data found on internet forums that cannot be verified, is the "One Book, One Caliber books published by Loadbooks U.S.A. :Loadbooks USA, Inc.

These books contain compiled data from several well known and reliable sources such as Lyman, RCBS, Hornady, Speer, Sierra, etc. The only issue is these have been around for several years and do not contain data for any propellants issued in recent years. They do contain data for any of the standards from the past that are still available. Some have data for obsolete calibers that you can't find data for anywhere else, one example is the .40 S&W/.41 Action Express book.

These used to be available from Sportsman's Warehouse stores' and Cabela's. I don't know if they still are.

The cost was about $12 when I got my last ones. Looks like they are $16 now from the web-site. You get data from manuals that would cost well over $100 if bought separately now. Old data is just as valid now as it was when first published!

I thought many of you are probably unaware of these books and would appreciate the information. They are well worth the money, especially for new re-loaders and those only loading for one or two calibers. Per the web-site these books were all up-dated effective 1/1/2017

 

[venomballistics]

another option is the Hornady reloading app.
$1 per caliber until you buy 20, then they all open up.

I have a love hate relationship with loadbooks.
The love part is that they cover many of the lost loads from yesterday.
The hate part is they tend to be a few years behind, missing new products. For the new loader, that can be a major problem as many of the old classic powders are hard to find.

In any case, the manual affordability issue is one of contempt.
They afforded the firearm ... because it's cool.
They afforded a press ... because that's cool too.
They afforded dies ... because, you guessed it, it's cool.
They afforded all the cool powders and bullets too.
Get to the book, which at this time might be the least expensive part of the whole kit ... and they balk. Some just hate the book work and the learning process.
That being the case, the argument can be made that they do not belong here.

 

[Old&Retired]

Graf & Sons has a large selection of the "One Book, One Caliber" manuals at $10.99 each.
Also, some of the powder manufacturers offer free PDF manuals for their powders.
Western and Alliant are both extensive in their data.

 

[smoothshooter]

If someone can’t afford a good reloading manual (preferably two), then they can’t afford to reload in the first place.

 

[brucev]

Thank you! Have many reloading books dating back to 1966. Have some original leaflets that came with powder containers ... dating back to 1979. But, current information is always best. This will be most helpful. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[jem102]

Yes, I have seen this reluctance to purchase authenticated load data and the accompanying procedural information. Concerns me when I am on the range with new folks and their ammo is coming out of a plastic reloader's box. I keep an eye on them and if I see them pounding ejector rods to remove empties or hitting the back of the slide to get the gun in battery I know its time for a coffee break off the line leaning on the car 30' away...

 

[BE Mike]

Yes, I have seen this reluctance to purchase authenticated load data and the accompanying procedural information. Concerns me when I am on the range with new folks and their ammo is coming out of a plastic reloader's box. I keep an eye on them and if I see them pounding ejector rods to remove empties or hitting the back of the slide to get the gun in battery I know its time for a coffee break off the line leaning on the car 30' away...

This kind of talk is what keeps a lot of folks scared of the thought of reloading. Not everyone has the personality to safely reload ammo, but for most folks, it not only is possible, but desirable for a special load that isn't available commercially or for cost savings (priced a box of factory .38 SPL match wadcutter ammo lately). Sometimes a reloader will load a batch of ammo that worked in other guns. He gets a new gun and they don't function well. That doesn't mean that they are unsafe, just that they need some tweaking for the new gun or it could mean that a die got a tiny bit out of adjustment.

 

[raljr1]

Reloading Data Center | Hodgdon

Hogdon provides this info for free. Just have to use their powders. Maybe the other powder makers do also.

I have six or seven different printed sources. Most I bough before I ever started reloading.

 

[venomballistics]

Reloading Data Center | Hodgdon

Hogdon provides this info for fee. Just have to use their powders. Maybe the other powder makers do also.

I have six or seven different printed sources. Most I bough before I ever started reloading.

Yes... Hodgdon covers data for all their brand holdings.
Alliant does this as well.... The catch is trying to find their powder in the wild.
Another interesting newcomer to the free online data camp is good old Speer.
All great sources, just as long as you have a good manual to get you squared away with the process.

 

[Autonomous]

The load books are in need of updates. I don't use them like I hoped.
The Lee manual has a fantastic compilation of loads.
Confirming published loads is easy in many cases with powder makers online data.

 

[DWalt]

Thank you! Have many reloading books dating back to 1966. Have some original leaflets that came with powder containers ... dating back to 1979. But, current information is always best. This will be most helpful. Sincerely. bruce.

Some of mine go back into the 1950s. Most are from the 70s and 80s. I have dozens of old reloading manuals from everyone and folders of reloading recipes from all of the powder makers, even Hercules and DuPont. My personal favorites are the Lyman and Speer manuals. Lyman is best for cast bullet loads, Speer is best for everything else. Sure, all they list are recipes using "old" propellants and for "old" cartridges, but that is all I own and use anyway. I have absolutely no need for the current "new" propellants as they offer no benefits of any value to me. Powder is still pretty much powder. Bullseye, Unique, and 2400 are the same today as they were 50 years ago, and those three are still all anyone needs to load any handgun cartridge made or used today. If there is a cartridge that can't use one of those powders to make a load you want, it must have come from another solar system. Likewise, you can easily select no more than three older powders, at least one of which will fit any need for reloading any CF rifle cartridge.

 

[mikld]

When I started reloading, waaay pre-web, I only had a Lee Loader data sheet, but the local library had copies of most reloading texts and manuals, free to use.

I don't care for the one caliber pamphlets as the ones I had seemed dated and just thrown together (not real good photocopies reprinted). Besides, there is way more info in a reloading manual than load data. The Lee manual uses data compiled from other sources too, but much better format (I have one but rarely use it). Today there are powder and bullet manufacturer's websites that offer plenty of data. If one is on a very tight budget and cannot afford a computer, most libraries have computers free for use. There is no excuse for "I can't get load data because it costs too much"...

 

[GypsmJim]

If someone can’t afford a good reloading manual (preferably two), then they can’t afford to reload in the first place.

That's the way I look at it.

 

[GypsmJim]

Concerns me when I am on the range with new folks and their ammo is coming out of a plastic reloader's box.

So, what should we do, keep the original cardboard boxes?

When prices were dirt cheap I bought a ton of surplus riffle ammo. Back then, Midway sold 50 round rifle ammo boxes by the dozen.

If you see me at the range you won't see me with anything BUT plastic reloader's boxes. But you won't have a clue what's in them.

 

[venomballistics]

I have been looking for decent process and load development instructions online to go with the data.
So far, Speer has the best site, but it is still short of what I'd like to see in terms of pressure signs and case inspection.

 

[Nevada Ed]

That's the way I look at it.

Loading is like Golf.

Sort of hard to play, with out a golf ball.

 

[smoothshooter]

I am pretty satisfied with the same older powders I have been using since 1972. Of the ones that are still available, they usually sell for a little less than some of the newer ones.
As for newer powders, I have come to have a fondness for Titegroup.

 

[RobertJ.]

If someone can’t afford a good reloading manual (preferably two), then they can’t afford to reload in the first place.

I agree completely.

I've always thought that at least one good manual (Speer, Hornaday or the like) should be bought with the initial set-up. I started reading my dad's Speer manual when I was about ten, then bought my own (the updated version) when I was 19 and actually started reloading.

And I have a few "one caliber, one book" guides. I like them.

 

[IAM Rand]

I use everything. I have reloading manuals that date back to the late 60's/early 70's. They belonged to my dad. I use the internet and Hornady. I also have QuickLOAD. As was stated above, if you can't buy a book or 2 then you shouldn't be reloading.

There are plenty of ways to get reloading books cheaply. Estate sales, Goodwill, Arc thrift stores and other thrift stores. Ebay might also have some at a good price.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I am pretty satisfied with the same older powders I have been using since 1972. Of the ones that are still available, they usually sell for a little less than some of the newer ones.
As for newer powders, I have come to have a fondness for Titegroup.

Me to. I pert much settled my loads for various guns long ago.......100 year old Unique & 2400 play a big part for handguns and shotguns.