Best reloading book
- Thread starter Fox1972
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I have the Sierra and Hornady that I use for data. Both are excellent for techniques for beginners IMO.
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The Lee Modern Reloading data is especially good if you're using Lee bullet molds since it covers many the of the bullet types made from them. The "how to load" information is more Lee specific, and often sounds like a Lee commercial. There is a fair bit of good general info there though.
For just raw load data, many of the caliber specific mini-books or the powder or bullet manufacturer publications are often more useful. I used to really like Midway's "Loadmaps" for the sheer number of bullet types, powders, and weights for the most popular calibers.
Always important of course to cross reference more than one resource and also use a chronograph to develop your loads if possible.
For just raw load data, many of the caliber specific mini-books or the powder or bullet manufacturer publications are often more useful. I used to really like Midway's "Loadmaps" for the sheer number of bullet types, powders, and weights for the most popular calibers.
Always important of course to cross reference more than one resource and also use a chronograph to develop your loads if possible.
Rocket Surgery
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Yeah it's weird, but I usually find what I'm looking for in the Lee book. I own the Lyman and Hodgdon books. Lee took the load data the manufacturers made available and put it all the book, while I believe Lyman's is all original research? There are huge differences if you cross reference your loads. I don't remember which caliber, I think it was 7.62x39, but the Lee book says don't go over 31.5g of h335 and the Lyman says you're good up to 34.5.
What i especially like about the Lee book is the cast bullet section. I realize the Lyman dedicated cast bullet book is better, but when you compare Lyman's 49th vs Modern Reloading 2nd edition I have to give it to Lee for cast bullets. It goes into some awesome detail on pressures and reduced loads.
If you buy Lee rifle dies, the info will come with each set, so you're better off getting the Lyman book. If you're not buying Lee dies, you should get Modern Reloading 2nd edition.
I've spent time with every other reloading manual commonly available except Hornady, so I'm basing my recommendations on that. For all I know the Hornady one could be the best, or it could just cover their line of bullets and promote their products.
Do keep in mind the Lee book is frustrating because it's written like a grade 11 English assignment. Richard Lee just slams the competition and pumps up his own products for the whole first part of the book. There's photocopies, diagrams, and general rambling that should have been edited out, but whatever it's his book. Lyman does the same thing, in a more professional manner though.
Two is the best. Aalthough the big boys are very scrupulous about proofing, and re-proofing their data and their print set, errors do find their way onto the pages of most manuals, one edition or another. Cross-check all data with another source. Used manuals are cheap, and if you read the test conditions, you can usually make allowances for minor differnces in min and max loads. More is better, especially if you have that pandemic disease of seeking the hottest load you can find. Bullet style is at least as important as weight, (bearing surfaces vary by design) and more data sources give a higher chance of not having an oops.
I have more than a dozen. The first book I go for is the Lee (I have both 1st and 2nd eds) then to Sierra for projected ballistics and terminal performance. However, If I were to recommend for strict procedure and no data...it would be one of Grennels editions of the ABC's. I have the newest edition (11?) by Rodney James, but did not find it as interesting a read. Technically correct, but lacked Dean's "average Joe" style.
I have just picked up Lyman's 49th and will be reading that over the next few weeks. We'll see if that will turn my world around and have me reaching for that instead of Modern Reloading first.
In summary, I recommend you need at least two books...Modern Reloading and The ABC's of Reloading.
I have just picked up Lyman's 49th and will be reading that over the next few weeks. We'll see if that will turn my world around and have me reaching for that instead of Modern Reloading first.
In summary, I recommend you need at least two books...Modern Reloading and The ABC's of Reloading.
