Is the lyman manual really that great?

[nitesite]

I have the Lyman #48 book.

Also on my bookshelf are Speer, Sierra, and Hornady plus guides from Hodgdon and IMR and Win and Alliant.

Since I shoot a lot of cast bullets I find the Lyman manual to be quite valuable. And I shoot a lot of Hornady rifle bullets so I really am glad I bought the Hornady book.

I vote YES for having a Lyman Reloading Manual.

 

[res45]

I have Lyman #45 #48 and there Shotshell manual for my rifles,pistols and shotguns. The loads I have worked up with these three manuals will cover all my shooting & Hunting needs for the rest of my days.

 

[NotSoFast]

I have the 48th edition and the 49th edition. I like the 48th edition better.

While Lyman's manual isn't the lowest Max load out there, it isn't the highest either. What I have had to do is list about five loads for the powder I want to use. Then I average both the starting load and the Max load. That way I am not way hot nor am I loading bunny fart loads either. So far that is working for me.

 

[Atlasx]

I have the latest Lyman book and it seems ok , I did find and area of confusion when compared to the Lee 2n ed. I shoot a lot of 10MM ad the Lyman book offers many loads for 10MM but I have at the present time tried to limit the number of powderss I keep on hand. I selected Power Pistol as my "all round powder" . I found information from the Lyman manual for 180 gr JHPs stopped citing the loading was maximum and Lee's book almost starts at that point! I guess the start low and work up applies but even using a chronograph doesn't help much as the Lyman specs yielded lower velocities than they say they will. It is not an easy thing for ahandloader to measure pressure so you have to ease you way up and watch for case problems, I hate having to do that! It is a shame manufacturers will not collaborate and get their data uniform. I imagine it is all because of liability issues.

Atlasx

 

[shadowalker]

No, I found the Lyman manual sits on the shelf where I constantly am referring to the Speer, Hornady, Sierra and Nosler.

I also reference Hodgdon's online data fairly routinely.

The Lyman manual does't provide any information the above sources don't. I used to have a Lee manual as well but had the opportunity to sell it for what I paid for it.

 

[45ACPUSER]

The reason I like the Lyman manual is that lead bullet reloading data. Tis a good resource overall, and I have no qualms with having plenty of resources.
Lyman, Sierra, Hornady. Speer......one reason that it is good to cross reference data as each uses a different brand of brass. Case in point Sierra uses Fed brass working up 308 loads, and if you looked online at say Hodgdo, their data is based on WW brass.

One thing is for sure that a lot of noob and veteran reloaders are cheap. Not knocking frugal, but some times it can be dangerous to not have in your hands resources.

 

[MMCSRET]

When researching a new load and/or cartridge I will consult every manual I have until I reach a consensus on starting charge. I have had as many as 10 manuals out and open at a time, taking notes and starting my log for that cartridge and since I have more Lyman,Speer and Hornady books that the rest those are the ones I reach for 1st.