The only people mad at Lee's manual are the same people that disregard Lee equipment. First book I pick up, because chances are it will have what I am looking for.
In an earlier post I said that I have 65-70 books/load manuals. One of those is the Lee 2nd edition. It is true that I'm a critic of
some of the hardware Lee markets. But that comes not so much from what Lee claims their hardware can do rather from the
overrated claims some Lee users claim they can achieve. The truth is I really don't care what you have on your bench but if you publically make an exaggerated claim about it I will publically call you out on it.
Back to the Lee manual. Completely lost in most discussions on literature of this sort is the distinction between Load Data and Handloading Instruction. Most handloading manuals contain both (data and instruction). The Lee book falls into that category. If you are a beginner and use Lee hardware and can get past the nauseating self-praise of all things Lee sprinkled throughout the instruction, then you will find that aspect of the Lee book useful.
As far as the load data aspect of the Lee book is concerned, Lee Precision does not test loads, all of the data is from outside sources. Most of it is dated and some that use imported powders are of limited value as those powders are not being imported anymore. Vectan powders were off the market in the US for years and have since returned, a example of keeping something that has gone out of style long enough that it comes back in vogue.
It is true that the number of loads in the Lee book is high. One of the reasons for that is the addition of load information that is basically void of value. For example, they list lead RN bullets and plated RN, both of the same weight as separate loads. They will also give separate loads for bullets that have 1 grain difference, for example 124g and 125g 9mm bullets. So technically there are more listings but many of those listings are repeats with minute differences that will go unnoticed in the field.
In conclusion,
get the Lee book and use it as I do but know that it doesn't quite live up to the
consumer hype.
I'm surprised no one mentioned Handloader Magazine... awesome resource. Also, the ABC's of Reloading is good to have on the shelf.
The OP asked about load
data. The ABC book doesn't contain
useful load data.
The data in Handloader Magazine is great. The problem is you get what you get, your particular application may go un-reported for years.
Ken Waters'
Pet Loads is a set of articles and data mostly from Handloader Magazine. It is a bit dated and a little on the expensive side but still worth having in my opinion. His
Notebook is also a fun and informative reading experience.
