tiger rag
Member
Does anyone have any experince with the lee manual? Do you like it pro,s con,s etc. Thanks
Evaluate Lee Reloading Manual
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MMCSRET
Member
it is a great reference book just like all the rest. No reloading manual should stand alone, I have over a hundred of all sizes and brands and am always on the lookout for any I don't have, especially older ones. When working with a new component I never consult fewer than 5 sources.
Griz44
Member
I like it. The data is compiled from the bullet and powder manufacturers data book. The new one (2nd edition) has data for the plated bullets too, which most have chosen to ignore in the manuals. The data is conservative, and you will find max loads from other sources to be a bit higher, so it seems to be a safe guideline. I keep mine on my table for quick reference.
cdrt
Member
I have the 1st and 2nd editions of the Lee manual. They never get opened. I find the Lyman manuals do a better job for the loads I'm dealing with. My back-up is the Speer manual.
NCsmitty
Member
I've never really put much stock in recommended accuracy loads, just too many variables. Different firearms and reloading techniques are just some of those. As noted before, the important aspect of reloading is cross referencing your intended load or loads to several data bases, be it bound manuals or manufacturer's internet data. Another factor is keeping a record of the loads made. Believe me, you cannot remember every load that you put together. I've learned that the hard way.
NCsmitty
NCsmitty
tacmedicp94
Member
If you use Lee equipment it will help you set up you stuff correctly. As the other posters have said it is all information word for word from the powder manufacturers, the book even states this in the opening pages. I use it as my first step to finding loads, once I find a load in the Lee manual that looks good, I goto the bullet/powder manufacturers manuals or web site for more info.
FieroCDSP
Member
It's an interesting history lesson. 
The load data is okay. The info on Lee gear is good. The sales pitch can be annoying. I found his interest and excitement in loading to be infectious.
The load data is okay. The info on Lee gear is good. The sales pitch can be annoying. I found his interest and excitement in loading to be infectious.
aerod1
Member
I have Lee reloading equipment so the Lee book gives a lot of good info when it comes to using the Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure.
I like it.
I like it.
nambu1
Member
My first Lee loading manual has a price of $.98 on the cover. I have both of the new ones. I also have may other such as Barnes, Speer, Hornady, Lyman, Norma and Vihtavuori. It is great to compare the loads listed. I also have Lee presses, dies and casting tools. They are great products.
BullsEye10x
Member
Well worth the $14 I paid (2nd Edition). It's a good overview of the reloading process, and also covers the basics of things like bullet casting, hardness testing, etc... Plenty of starting load data to boot.
Just keep in mind there ARE other brands of equipment out there, which this book doesn't mention very much. Not that there's anything wrong with Lee; I use their stuff almost exclusively and am very happy with it.
Just keep in mind there ARE other brands of equipment out there, which this book doesn't mention very much. Not that there's anything wrong with Lee; I use their stuff almost exclusively and am very happy with it.
I always loan it to prospective handloaders.
It's an easy read, which can't be said for many manuals.
I like his section on casting, the history of the modern handloading market, and especially about bullet design and strength needed for bullets.
I didn't care for his promotion of his own products, but its his book and I can certainly deal with it. I imagine Mr. Lee knows a lot more about reloading than any of us here...
It's an easy read, which can't be said for many manuals.
I like his section on casting, the history of the modern handloading market, and especially about bullet design and strength needed for bullets.
I didn't care for his promotion of his own products, but its his book and I can certainly deal with it. I imagine Mr. Lee knows a lot more about reloading than any of us here...
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I don't care much for Lee load manuals though some reloaders swear by them.
I would rather use Lyman and Speer manuals. I find them to be more useful especially the Lyman manuals. Lyman supplies data for a wide range of bullets from many manufacturers and a wide range of powders unlike most who focus on their products only. (not that I blame them)
If you are looking for a new manual I would suggest waiting a short time. The new crop of manuals are starting to come out and rumor has it Lyman is going to release their new manual soon. (the 49th Edition) I can't wait for that one. I also own Lyman's Handgun manual and their Cast Bullet manual 3rd Edition.
I would rather use Lyman and Speer manuals. I find them to be more useful especially the Lyman manuals. Lyman supplies data for a wide range of bullets from many manufacturers and a wide range of powders unlike most who focus on their products only. (not that I blame them)
If you are looking for a new manual I would suggest waiting a short time. The new crop of manuals are starting to come out and rumor has it Lyman is going to release their new manual soon. (the 49th Edition) I can't wait for that one. I also own Lyman's Handgun manual and their Cast Bullet manual 3rd Edition.
lordgroom
Member
I find the Lee to be more comprehensive with a large selection of powders. I use it as a first go to for powder selection. I also use the Lyman. The Lee is fairly inexpensive and worth having on your shelf.
The_Antibubba
Member
The Lee manual is a fun read. A lot of manuals are rather dry. It'd be the book I recommend for the new or potential reloader because, as Fiero said, "is interest and excitement in loading is infectious".
SteelyNirvana
Member
I'd recomend it. It was the second reloading book I bought, my first was ABC's. The book goes into good detail and product descriptions. I really liked it because it gave a load listing for the powder dippers, which is what I started on before I bought a scale. The Lee book is one of my top three books that I think any reloader should own. My Three being ABC's, Lee and Hornady.
dagger dog
Member
It does cover just about everything, including you know who's autobiography. It truly takes a different approach to reloading , as in no brass, primer brands.Just the fact that primers as far as brand, are the most critical factor in cartridge pressure, all else being equal, leads me to believe that the load data has to be on the conservetive side. The Lee manual has to be one of the safest and usable books compiled on metallic cartridge reloading available , especially to the begining reloader.
And by the way my last name is not LEE
And by the way my last name is not LEE
scrat
Member
Well its been years since i read a lee book. I have one i open it up to double check a load once in a while. but like others you need more than one book. I know its a big help if you have lee products or are a new reloader looking on how things work. the history part of reloading is pretty good. i would have just liked them to get more into casting. However i guess that would have made a book on its own.
It is on the shelf. I can't say that I have looked at it recently, but I have read it cover to cover. I typically go to the powder and bullet manufacturer's websites to find the most up-to-date info when I am working up a new load.
SSN Vet
Member
Well Richard Lee is not shy about promoting his equipment as the best and most innovative. But as noted, the man is passionate about what he does and communicates a lot of enthusiasm.
positive features...
1. a LOT of load data (though much of it is available free on line)
2. loads are ordered from fastest velocity to slowest.
3. the chapter on developing loads for cast bullets and correlating the desired chamber pressure to cast bullet hardness is (imho) very good.
4. loads are posted with Auto-Disk sizes, and though you'll likely have to go one size larger to get the desired weight, this is handy for guys dropping powder with an Auto-disk.
5. loads are published for some popular plated bullets, but not many.
6. All the profits from the 2nd addition go to charities. The book is really Mr. Lee's gift back to the shooting community.
negative features....
1. I think Mr. Lee must have written the book at his home office using MS Word and not bothered to hire a professional editor. I found a few paragraphs that after re-reading several times, I still wasn't sure I understood his point exaclty.
2. the load data does not give any primer info. Even with mag. loads, they don't specify whether mag. primers were used or not. This is a problem when you use a powder like 2400 that is known to not require mag. primers.
3. the load data largely consists of re-publishing other manufacturer's loads that are available elsewhere.
4. there are no articles for each cartridge that give historical or industry data.
Summary....
Is it worth the $14 to put this book on your shelf? YES
Is this the only load manual you will ever need? NO
Does Mr. Lee go over the top cheering for his products? YES
Does Mr. Lee know 100X more about reloading than I do? YES
OBTW.... I use many Lee products and could have never afforded to get into reloading had they not been available.
positive features...
1. a LOT of load data (though much of it is available free on line)
2. loads are ordered from fastest velocity to slowest.
3. the chapter on developing loads for cast bullets and correlating the desired chamber pressure to cast bullet hardness is (imho) very good.
4. loads are posted with Auto-Disk sizes, and though you'll likely have to go one size larger to get the desired weight, this is handy for guys dropping powder with an Auto-disk.
5. loads are published for some popular plated bullets, but not many.
6. All the profits from the 2nd addition go to charities. The book is really Mr. Lee's gift back to the shooting community.
negative features....
1. I think Mr. Lee must have written the book at his home office using MS Word and not bothered to hire a professional editor. I found a few paragraphs that after re-reading several times, I still wasn't sure I understood his point exaclty.
2. the load data does not give any primer info. Even with mag. loads, they don't specify whether mag. primers were used or not. This is a problem when you use a powder like 2400 that is known to not require mag. primers.
3. the load data largely consists of re-publishing other manufacturer's loads that are available elsewhere.
4. there are no articles for each cartridge that give historical or industry data.
Summary....
Is it worth the $14 to put this book on your shelf? YES
Is this the only load manual you will ever need? NO
Does Mr. Lee go over the top cheering for his products? YES
Does Mr. Lee know 100X more about reloading than I do? YES
OBTW.... I use many Lee products and could have never afforded to get into reloading had they not been available.
The only problem is that it does not give the length of the barrel it gives fps for and is not consistent with the powders it uses from load to load. That it will use a given powder for say a 300 gr load and then not give it for a 350 gr load and then give it again for a 400 gr load or will give it for a jacketed load and then not for the same weight cast load. Other than that I like it.
RJ
RJ
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Like I said above, I'm not a big fan of the Lee Manuals. I'm a little surprised so many here are saying it's such a great book when it's really only a reprint of data available free from the powder and bullet manufacturers. They do very little if any of their own work.
Eagle103, I think Lee wrote that the loads listed first were the preferred loads. p. 178. He also mentioned that most of the rifle loads were shot from a 24 inch barrel. See p. 178 for primer recommendations. Rather puzzling that he doesn't recommend magnum primers for any but some pistol powders. My book is the first edition called MODERN RELOADING by RICHARD LEE. I would like to see more specific information in his load listings.
Halo
Member
ArchAngel, Lyman's 49th Edition is apparently out finally. Midway shows the softcover in stock. I'm waiting to get the hardcover. I agree, I think Lyman's manuals are overall the best. I like Speer next best.
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