Hey guys...

So i'm about to start reloading and would like your opinions on which reloading handbook you'd recommend.

Do you they all have the most commonly used powders?

ABC's of Reloading

http://www.amazon.com/The-ABCs-Of-Reloading-Definitive/dp/1440213968/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332426898&sr=8-1

 

Lyman's 49th

http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Reloading-Handbook-49th-Edition/dp/B001FBFW6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332426923&sr=1-1http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Reloading-Handbook-49th-Edition/dp/B001FBFW6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332426923&sr=1-1

ABC's of reloading does not have load data but is a good read for those unfamiliar with the inner workings of cartridges and reloading.

 

I have ABC's, Lee's, and Lyman, along with LoadBooks from Midway for a few calibers. I personally try to stay away from books published by bullet or powder manufacturers because they tend to only include data for their own products. That's why i bought the Loadbooks, because they are just compiled from all of the manufacturer's books.

I have been using Speer's books for years.

I like Ly thman as they give data on bullets from all manufacturers. They are also IMO the most complete as far as data using lead bullets as 95% of my pistol caliber reloading is with lead bullets.

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

Every powder manufacturer has their data online and can be found on the 'net. The powder manufacturer ones (i.e. Hodgdon) will give you data for various bullets from different manufacturers. Most bullet manufacturers have their data online and can be found on the 'net as well. Get one "how to" book to explain all the basics as a resource. The two you have listed are good, I'd give the nod to Lyman.

 

Then get a Speer, Nosler or Hornady book. Join some reloading forums as well. They are good resources as well. A few I'd recommend that I use:

 

For various rifle loads I like -

http://forums.accuratereloading.com/

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/

http://forums.thecmp.org/

http://forums.handlo..._user.asp?FID=0 (for pistol as well)

http://www.longrange...com/forums/f28/

http://www.marlinowners.com/

http://m14forum.com/

 

For lead loads:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/

Nick, PM inbound.

The Lyman book is the one you'll find is the most liked and trusted for load data, most long time reloaders use it as their primary guide.

Hey guys...

So i'm about to start reloading and would like your opinions on which reloading handbook you'd recommend.

Do you they all have the most commonly used powders?

 

Nick, if you were to only have one I would make the Lyman's 49th. or at least get that one first. the more the better, however there is a lot of data on loads on the Powder manufacturers websites. Personal load data put up by people on different web sites be carefull with, especially when you are new and learning and don't ever go outside the recommend max loads, not until you have been at it for a long time.

 

What press are you looking at now??

Nick, if you were to only have one I would make the Lyman's 49th. or at least get that one first. the more the better, however there is a lot of data on loads on the Powder manufacturers websites. Personal load data put up by people on different web sites be carefull with, especially when you are new and learning and don't ever go outside the recommend max loads, not until you have been at it for a long time.

 

What press are you looking at now??

 

This can't be impressed enough!

 

Press selection is another issue. What do you intend to load? Rifle calibers maybe a single stage or turret press is best do to the sequence of loading procedures. I you are loading pistol ammo, if you're careful, no reason not to jump into a progressive.

 

One thing for sure. If you are spending time doing your own loading you will end up being a better shooter, more accurate and measured IMHO. Because you'll have a greater appreciation for your efforts and tend to waste less ammo.

Nick, if you were to only have one I would make the Lyman's 49th. or at least get that one first. the more the better, however there is a lot of data on loads on the Powder manufacturers websites. Personal load data put up by people on different web sites be carefull with, especially when you are new and learning and don't ever go outside the recommend max loads, not until you have been at it for a long time.

 

What press are you looking at now??

 

I'm getting the XL650 w/case feeder for 9mm to start.

 

 

Thank you to everyone. I can't stress enough how much i appreciate all the input.

This forum is just GREAT!

Personal load data put up by people on different web sites be carefull with, especially when you are new and learning and don't ever go outside the recommend max loads, not until you have been at it for a long time.

Agreed. When you become savvy and comfortable to the process you will know where your boundaries are and your firearm's.

Everytime I see a reloading data book no matter how old or new I buy it....I specifically look for ones from the 60's....the old data for cast loads is great....

 

I've been looking for a Lyman book from the 50's or 60's. I'm trying to find loads for some older now less common calibers. I got some off the web, but a Lyman book would be priceless.

I've been looking for a Lyman book from the 50's or 60's. I'm trying to find loads for some older now less common calibers. I got some off the web, but a Lyman book would be priceless.

 

Most of my reloading stuff is from that era. I bought it all from a vintage estate. PM me what calibers you're looking for and I'll send you pdfs of what I have.

Be careful with vintage load books. Those load books were done with the powder at that time. The makeup of a given type of powder can change over the years. A lot of the changes are just CYA legal.

 

But some are real changes. What was safe with 1960's components may not be safe with 2010 components.

 

Don't remember the exact round, but an older load book had the maximum powder, 3 grains higher than a 2010 load book. This was for a 44 mag round.

Sheesh....you *are* a mummy... (ducking and running for cover )

 

 

Ya know what they say, "Don't run boy, you'll only die tired"

 

 

 

BTW see if you can grab some range time Thursday.

Whaddya need????

 

I have one that fits the bill.....

Most of my reloading stuff is from that era. I bought it all from a vintage estate. PM me what calibers you're looking for and I'll send you pdfs of what I have.

 

I'm looking for:

 

.41 Long Colt - have some internet recipes

.43 Egyptian - have nothing

7.35 Carcano - have some info from Lee die set, but couldn't hurt to get more.

 

Also looking for moulds in these calibers, especially .41 Long Colt if anyone has a lead on one.

 

Thanks

 

As far as using old load data, I'm aware of the practice of using minimum charges -10% and then working my way up from there.

You beat me to it Nick. Same manuals I have.

Thank you gentlemen, that is very helpful.

No love for the Lee reloader textbook?

No love for the Lee reloader textbook?

No

No love for the Lee reloader textbook?

 

That's one of the ones I have and use.