New Reloading Manuals

[Steverino]

Good morning Folks,

In the 'Fair Deal?' post below, a few of you have issued the advice to me to ensure that I read all of the reloading manuals that accompany the equipment. (I will be picking the equipment up this weekend)

While I will, of course, read the manuals that accompany the equipment, seeing that these manuals are over 30 years old, I was thinking that I should also buy a current reloading manual as well.

My question is, which to buy? Are the only differences in Speer, Hordandy, etc. reloading manuals going to be their own respective bullet offerings or are their advantages to buying one over another?

Please advise and thank you in advance for your assistance!

[Adam Helmer]

Steverino,

I would think it prudent to buy at least two current reloading manuals. I would suggest Lyman's and either Hornady or Speer. I often compare two or three current manuals when working up a load.

Yes, there will me some differences because different components were used to create the data in a specific manual.

Adam

[Jack]

I think it's wise to have a manual from the bullet maker (Speer, Sierra, Hornady, Nosler) you use most often, and another from the powder maker you use most often. Like Hodgdon, IMR, or Accurate Arms, or Ramshot, etc.

[Steverino]

As always, thank you gentlemen!

[Steverino]

I stopped by my "local" gunshop yesterday and picked up the Speer #13 Reloading manual. After flipping through it compared to a Barnes and Nosler reloading manuals, the Speer manual seemed to have more how-to information and their tables and ballistic information was segregated by caliber-making it easier to find.

I did not see any of the aforementioned powder manuals and unfortunately, the resident reloading guru of the shop was off so I will stop by another time to pick his noodle after I am thoroughly through reading the new new Speer manual along with the older copies provided along with my haul. I can than write down my questions with a little better knowledge.

Thanks again folks!

[Jack]

Steverino, one thing I've noticed about the Speer manuals (which are good ones) is that Speer is far more likely than other manual publishers to recommend a magnum primer with any ball powder.
Often, Speer recommends a magnum primer for a load using ball powder, when the maker of the powder (Hodgdon, for example) recommends a standard primer.
I've never been able to tell why that difference appears.
But, it's an example of why it's a good idea to check more than one manual.
BTW, you may not need to buy the big, bound Hodgdon manual. Hodgdon now prints a yearly update, in the form of a magazine, that contains most of their loading data, less ballistic tables and some of the other extras that many manuals have. The yearly Hodgdon update publication is cheaper, too, running around 8-10 dollars.

[Steverino]

"Often, Speer recommends a magnum primer for a load using ball powder, when the maker of the powder (Hodgdon, for example) recommends a standard primer.
I've never been able to tell why that difference appears.
But, it's an example of why it's a good idea to check more than one manual"

With that being said, would one automatically default to the powder recommendation data or the concensus among other reloading data? (Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself here and this information is listed in my books)

Since I do have a healthy respect for all things firearms and ammunitions and the remanufacturing thereof-especially being a novice, I will be doing my homework. I already picked up a nice fireproof locker for $10.00 at a garage sale over the summer to store my powder.

[Jack]

Steverino, I tend to go with a consensus. If one manual recommends a magnum primer, and several other sources don't, I tend to discount the one odd one.
In addition to manuals, I'm sure you know you can check the bullet makers' website for data, too.

[Steverino]

"In addition to manuals, I'm sure you know you can check the bullet makers' website for data, too"

I do now Jack. Thanks!

[Catfish]

The Layman manuals give alot of info the others don`t and they are not brand specif. The Layman manual will also give you cast data, I would recomand it. Also all of the powder manufactures have a web page where youy can get data for their powders. There are lot of other places to get data on the web, BUT CHECK ALL OF IT WITH A RELIABLE SOURCE BEFORE LOADING IT. Have fun and be safe.

[Ol` Joe]

Originally posted by Jack

Often, Speer recommends a magnum primer for a load using ball powder, when the maker of the powder (Hodgdon, for example) recommends a standard primer.
I've never been able to tell why that difference appears.

Hmmm, Powder company makes powder, Speer/CCI makes magnum primers...............

I don`t know the reason, but I trust the powder maker to know what their product needs to perform. Then again a mag primer in cold weather with ball powders is likely a good thing.

[Rocky Raab]

Some ball powders are indeed harder to ignite than extruded - or even other ball-type powders. So SOME sources use magnum primers with ALL ball powders, no matter what the other circumstances. That certainly works, but it's like wearing rain gear in all weather conditions.

With cartridges holding less than 50-grains of powder, or for when shooting at temperatures above freezing, a standard primer will usually be quite sufficient even with ball powders. If you suspect poor ignition (inconsistent velocity, poor groups, vertical stringing) then start over at START level with magnum primers.

[TKO]

If your looking for a real deal, check your local used book store. I have found some deals. I like Nosler and Speer manuals, there is a lot of data online as well for free.