Reloading data for 4 popular calibers

[MenaceMan47]

I've been on the forum for a few years now, but this is my first time posting in the H&R section. I've been slowly putting together a reloading setup with a single-stage press. I am very close to starting; my plan is to reload for 9mm, 45ACP, .223 and .308. I need a load data book that encompasses all four listed calibers. Any suggestions?

 

[WestKentucky]

Any reloading manual will have those 4, but you can also go to any of the powder manufacturers websites and look up data. I use https://www.hodgdon.com/ a lot.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hodgdon's load data site had data for all Hodgdon, IMR and Winchester powders. Alliant also has data for their powders.
Western Powders supplies data for Ramshot and Accurate powders on their sites too.

As for a good manual, I really like the newest Lyman manual, the 49th Edition.
For loading cast bullets the Lyman 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook is a must.

If you are going to load the bullets from one company more than others like Hornady, Nosler or Sierra buying their manual is also a good idea.

Good luck, be safe...

 

[rcmodel]

Lyman #49 if you can only have one book.

rc

 

[SwaneeSR]

I am fairly new to reloading. Started with shotgun with a MEC 9000 inherited from my dad. Loaded Pistol 9mm and now .40SW.

Because of lack of pistol and shotgun powder, started handloading rifle which has been the most fun.

Like the other gents have said, you need the Lyman #49. Today, my Hornady #9 arrived, only $16 on Amazon, hardcover. I also spend a lot of time on the powder maker sites. Good to compare load sources.

Best thing I have done - keep a notebook, write stuff down, what works and what doesn't.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have a Lyman #49. I prefer my Speer #14.

 

[rcmodel]

Speer is probably a better manual.
For Speer bullets.

But the Lyman is the only one with cast lead data for almost every caliber there is.

rc

 

[WestKentucky]

Good point on lead bullets. I buy benches and part them out locally, so I get books when I buy. I typically keep what I don't already have. My collection is small but is growing. I use my lyman manual a lot because it is older and lists a lot more lead than newer books. Correction.....my books are speer 14 and lyman 39

 

[MenaceMan47]

thanks all

I have looked at a few of the websites and took notes on a few loads in the past. I will get my hands on a Lyman #49 soon. I plan on loading FMJ loads, no cast bullets at this time. Mostly plinking for the pistol loads and target/possibly hunting rounds for the rifle loads.

Thank you all for your input. If anyone else wants to share their recommendations, I'm all ears. Thanks again, and be safe.

 

[41 Mag]

I use the ones like Lyman, Hornady, Speer and such, however I also have a couple of the "Loadbook's" which are caliber specific and have data from most of these same manuals listed in one book for that particular caliber.

You can browse them here,
Loadbooks

While they aren't quite as nice IMO as the others as they do not all concentrate on the specifics of handloading in general they do cover a lot of loads. The biggest issue I have found however is they aren't as up to date with the newer powders as some others are. So you get what you get, but it is all for that caliber.

 

[Edcnh]

I have several maunals but use the Lyman #48 more than the others as it has more data for lead bullets. Powder manufacturer's websites are also good sources.

 

[Potatohead]

Lyman #49 if you can only have one book.

rc

Not so great for 9mm though.