Manuals

[Utah]

I'm in need of a good loading manual,
I've collected most of the tools/equipment I should require to reload pistol calibers - Beginning with 9mm as I've so far only purchased 9mm dies/conversion.
I've been reading the ABC's of reloading, and honestly for anyone who's read it, it's funny!! As in the author's sarcasm not bad.. anyways, back to the manual..
I'm having trouble as I was checking out a couple at Wholesale Sports earlier tonight, and found the data lacking, but maybe i'm missing something.. I am new to all this..

For example I was considering the following Lyman book, but when I flipped to the 9mm Luger section, I couldn't find the very bullets I had bought - 115GR RN - I only saw 115GR JHP.

I also looked at this one and found the same thing:

So what do you fellas think I should look for?
Also should I be looking for data on the specific types of pistols I own?

Thanks!

 

[upnorth]

pick up a copy of loadbooks for the 9mm. Basically, they take just the 9mm info, or whatever caliber they are doing, from all the loading manuals and put it in one. Easy to compare load info, without spending a pile of money on manuals.

 

[Utah]

pick up a copy of loadbooks for the 9mm. Basically, they take just the 9mm info, or whatever caliber they are doing, from all the loading manuals and put it in one. Easy to compare load info, without spending a pile of money on manuals.

Thanks UN.. looks good!

 

[ben hunchak]

I's get Lyman's 49 th reloading manual, also lots of good info on computer from the powder manufacturers.

 

[dan belisle]

Data for a 115 gr JHP will be very similar to a 115 gr RN. Just use the correct bullet weight, make sure it's jacketed, not lead, and start at the low end of the stated loads. You'll be fine. - dan

 

[Utah]

What about overall length? Surely a Jhp would be shorter

 

[legi0n]

What about overall length? Surely a Jhp would be shorter

you mean longer don't you?
any jacketed bullet is longer than it's lead counterpart since copper is lighter than lead.
JHPs also have the nose cavity that's nothing but air which is way lighter than lead.

 

[explorin2]

I have 3 reloading books now, and looking at getting one or two more. I have found that they all have different information and all were of benefit, in addition to covering the general points of reloading. At this point I've purchased/own books that are specific to the bullets I shoot, simply for the load data. Ie .. Sierra 5th, Speers, and lymans. Would like to aquire ones for Hornaby and Nosler next. May be a bit excessive, but I like to be able to reference reliable info.

 

[Utah]

May be a bit excessive, but I like to be able to reference reliable info.

Are there books that have unreliable info that I should avoid?

 

[dan belisle]

No. Some info changes over time, as testing procedures and components change. Keep in mind that all manuals are simply a guide, and you need a little bit of common sense. - dan

 

[dan belisle]

Just to add, there are occasional mistakes in publishing in new manuals, but they get corrected quickly, one of the joys of the internet. - dan

 

[ykkid]

If you buy a good manual - Hornady, Sierra, Nosler, Lyman, they will explain which data is interchangable, and which is not. Like for a specific Hornady bullet weight, they will list which other Hornady bullets you can use that same data. If you happen to have a manual by the same manufacturer as made your bullet - serendipity defined - the OAL will be provided, and the reason for that OAL. Some are for function through magazines, some are for case capacity/pressure considerations, and some are for headspace versus the SAMMI leade for the specific caliber.

Since the OP did not specify LRN, but rather just RN, I'm thinking he wants to load a 115 grain jacketed RN bullet. In 9mm, OAL probably will be mostly determined by function. That is, will the loaded cartridge fit in the magaazine? Next, will it feed reliably? Some guns have a distinct preference for a different OAL for different bullet forms. All must fit in the mag, and all must respect minimum case capacity issues as they affect pressure, and all must stay off the lands, but within those limitations, some juggling is frequently required.

Load one, see if it will go into the mag. Load a few more, and try them at the range. If they work, then, within previously discussed limits, adjust longer or shorter and assess accuracy. Don't pull the novice boo boo of loading up a couple of hundred (thousand) and discovering they won't feed reliably. (Feeding problems, if not caused by the magazine, can be related to cartridge OAL, or too much or too little pressure.) Yeah, we've done it too, that's why some of us are trying to help you avoid our most embarassing boo boos!

Have fun.