Lyman 49th or Lee modern

[Boogsawaste]

I am looking for a manual that has some good 38 special and 357 loads that are jacketed. I see both the lyman 49th and the Lee modern reloading 2nd mentioned as comprehensive manuals. However I hear the lyman is the manual to have if you don't have any other, which I don't at the moment. I've been using Alliant and hodgdon's sites but want to start expanding on actual manuals. The downside of the lyman is I like to shoot jacketed loads and I keep seeing that the manual doesn't have many loads for them.

So, what I'm looking for is which manual out of those 2 (or any other recommendations), do you recommend for jacketed 38/357 loads? I try to stay away from cast as much as possible for personal reasons. Thanks in advance.

 

[KLYDE]

The Lyman will list data for several jacketed bullets from the various makers along with cast info. I just sent you a PM. I have just about every manufacturers specific manual. PM me what you want data for and I'll look it up. Hold you over to you can get some manuals. I don't have the Lee and can't give a review. May be next on the list.

You can never have enough manuals. I've got a whole shelf on my book case full with them.

 

[Rule3]

The Lyman manual is a better manual. A manual is not just a collection of load data. Lee has compiled a bunch of data all from other sources. They did not do the tests.

Do not think of a manual as a "cook book" read the first chapters and learn the process of reloading. You can get load data anywhere like from the powder companies.

No knocking LEE I have a LOT of their equipment and their Manual. I read the manual kinda like a book or novel. There is lots of interesting and funny stuff by Mr Lee. Good section on pressure also.

Get Hornady and Speer also. Small price to pay to learn the basics.

 

[MyDads38]

I just purchased/updated to all the newest versions of Reloading Manuals for Hornady, Lee, Lyman and Speer. It's hard to pick a "best" one, since some manuals omit some powders or bullet weights/types.

The Lee manual seems to have more data for more bullet weights than the others; but keep in mind, that data came from other sources. The good thing is, now it's all in one place and in print.

I like all 4 manuals for different reasons, and I cross check each one when working up new loads. I will also visit the powder manufacturers website for their data. Long before the internet, I had 3 manuals-Speer #10, Hornady #3 and the Sierra manual from that time period. They were the "bibles" I relied on NOT to blow myself up!

 

[stevehart3578]

I have the Lee and enjoyed reading it. However, the velocities that they post are from powder manufacturers with test barrels and universal receivers.

I use the Sierra manual more than anything. The velocities that they post are from real world guns in real world testing that they do themselves. I have duplicated enough of their loads to know that with an untested (by me) load, if the Sierra manual says that you will get ____fps from ____ bullet with ____gr of ____powder then I know that is what I will see on my chronograph.

 

[jag22]

I have both but seldom use Lyman. True, Lee is a compilation which to me means more choices. The Lyman seems to have a lot of data for lead, including home cast rounds, which I don't do. The first part of the book is a lot of "how to" which is very useful for beginners. The Lee book just has a lot more data that will be useful for a lot more reloaders. Take a look at 38 special, a very popular round for reloaders. Lyman has about 4 pages, Lee has 8 pages plus another 6 for +P rounds. About the same ratio for 9mm.

 

[scooter123]

Get both if at all possible, because you can never have too many manuals. If limited to just one, get the Lee 2nd.

The reason I recommend the Lee is because the data for 357 Magnum in the Lyman manual is a bit out of date and IMO too darned HOT. While not Blow your gun up HOT it is strong enough to increase the rate of flame cutting and wear and tear on your revolver. You'll find the data for the 357 Magnum in the Lee manual is much more in line with what you'll find at the various powder manufacturers sites.

BTW, one issue I've had personal experience with in loading for the 38 special is Position Sensitivity. Choose the wrong powder and you can see a 300 fps swing in velocity depending on whether the barrel was pointing up or down prior to firing. Powders for the 38 special I've found that are NOT postition sensitive are Unique, Accurate #5, and Vihtavouri 3N37 (love it). A powder to avoid is IMR SR7625.

Powders for 357 Magnums. In order to minimize Gas Cutting on your frame it's best to use a powder with a burn rate suitable for the weight of bullet you are using. For a 110-125 grain bullet I recommend Accurate #5. For a 135-140 grain bullet I would recommend Accurate #7, #9, or 3N37. For bullets of 158 grains and heavier you can start with Accurate #9 for lighter loads and go to either H110 or 2400 for higher energy loads. BTW, Unique can also be used for light energy 357 Magnum loads but I tend to avoid using Unique because it's such a miserable metering powder.

 

[Boogsawaste]

Thanks everyone. Just the opinions I was hoping for. I'll just get both to start with. I'm one who believes you can never have enough literature. So with that in mind I'll also eventually pick up the other names mentioned.

 

[Duster340]

I opted to get both as well Boogswaste. Between the two of them I have been able to find loads for just about any of the bullet/powder combinations for the calibers I load, i.e. .44 mag, .44 Spcl and .40 S&W.

 

[Boogsawaste]

Thanks duster340. I just put my order in for the both.