Reloading Manual Recommendations

[BBBB]

I have a half dozen reloading manuals including all three of the Lyman manuals, Hodgdon, and Speer. However, they are all nearly 10 years old. In recent years I have become much more reliant on the manufacturer's websites for data. There are times when it is handy to have a manual and I am considering updating 1 or 2 to the current editions. My primary interests/requirements are as follows:

1) I have taken in interest in the Ruger/TC only 45 colt loads -so data for these loadings would be mandatory.
2) Handgun data is mandatory. Rifle data is optional.
3) Both cast and jacketed bullet data is a must.
4) Data for heavyweight bullets in the common handgun calibers (357 mag., 44 mag., 45colt, etc.) would be a plus
5) The manuals I have vary in the information they provide on each load. Some list a pressure while some just indicate that all loads are under the max. Some list to COAL for each load (which I think is important) and some don't. I like the manuals that tend to provide as much information as possible.


I would be curious to hear what current manuals people might recommend based on this.

 

[rcmodel]

If you want both jacketed AND lead bullet data for most every caliber, the Lyman manuals are the best and nearly only game in town.

The Hodgdon annual $8.99 "magazine" manual is invaluable if you use Hodgdon, IMR, or Winchester powders.
But, the same info is free info on the web too.

Speer & Hornady offer a little lead target velocity data in the .38, .44 & .45 .handgun calibers they make swaged soft lead bullets for.
But that doesn't mean much when you are loading harder cast bullets to max velocity.

The Lee manual does show lead loads, but it is only a reprint of manufactures data available elsewhere free.
And they very often don't tell you what specific lead bullet thay are even talking about.

rc

 

[BBBB]

Thanks

Thanks for the reply. My inclination before I posted was to update either to Lyman # 49 or the current edition of the revolver and pistol manual. Which one were you referring to in your post? Did you happen to notice if they had the Ruger/TC only 45 colt data?

 

[rcmodel]

I have several Lyman manuals, the #49 being the most recent.

Yes, it has a chapter on the .45 Colt Ruger/TC loads.

Lists 200 Gold Dot HP, 240 Sierra JHC, 250 XTP, and 255 & 325 cast bullets.

rc

 

[BBBB]

Thanks

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[gamestalker]

In addition to the manufacturer manuals, I like those one cartridge books that have an enormous number of loads for just about every powder manufacturer, and nearly every bullet manufacturer. I think they are called "One Book / One Cartridge" or something to that effect. I have one for every carrtidge I load, and at $8 each I can't complain. They don't offer any instruction or advice, only listed loads from major manufacturer's of both, bullets and powders. They have nearly every load available, with rare exception.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

Lyman #49.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I found the Lyman 49th Edition manual to be a good one. I would suggest buying it over the pistol/revolver manual because the full manual has all the same data plus rifle data. For only a few dollars more it's good to have current rifle data in case you need it.

 

[357Shooter]

It's One Book, One Caliber. Search Amazon they have em $9.95

 

[dickttx]

Question? Does the Lyman pistol and revolver manual have only the data included in the Lyman 49 and no more? How about the Lyman lead bullet manual? Aren't the latter two considerably older than the #49?

 

[Ala Dan]

I think the Lyman* and Speer manuals ought too be on every loading bench~!
Add to that, Sierra-Hornady-Nosler; and all your bases should be covered.

* both, the 49th, and the Pistol & Revolver manual

 

[Lead Head]

Absolutely the Speer Reloading Manual #14 unless there's a #15 out now.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Question? Does the Lyman pistol and revolver manual have only the data included in the Lyman 49 and no more? How about the Lyman lead bullet manual? Aren't the latter two considerably older than the #49?

As far as I know the pistol/revolver book has the same data as the full manual, no more or no less. As for the Cast Bullet Handbook, that has load data for more lead bullet than the full manual but as the title says, only data for lead bullets. As for age, I don't think there is a new pistol/revolver book but the 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook was just released a few months ago and is even newer than the Lyman 49th Edition load manual. There is a lot of load data in the Cast Bullet book and for the first time there is load data for lead bullets other than those made from Lyman bullet molds. The 3rd Edition Cast book was published in 1980 so you might want to pass on that one in favor of the 2011 release.

 

[howlnmad]

If your primary concern is pistol but you would like some rifle, I'd say the Lyman 49th, the Lyman Cast Bullet and a recent one from the powder manufacture.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I think the Lyman* and Speer manuals ought too be on every loading bench

I agree. Love em both.

 

[dickttx]

ArchAngelCD:
Thanks, appreciate the info.