One reloading manual that covers it all?

RePete said:
None do.

The Lyman 49th edition is good, but it too is lacking.
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To the OP,

Given that you already have the Hornady and the Speer manuals, the Lyman 49th Ed would nicely round out your collection.

One of the problems with using a "single source" for your reference material is that when you go to buy your materials, a single source may limit your options. The way things are right now, this would most likely become a factor if you are looking for powder to reload pistols. Having multiple sources for your load data increases the odds of having data that includes the powder that is available at any given time. Having the option for a "Plan B" is not a bad thing if "Plan A" is no longer an option.

Also, even if a "single source" listed everything available today, as soon as something new is introduced to the market, it is no longer an all-inclusive reference.
 
Lyman or Lee books do multiple courses but both still lack stuff. Also if you use Barnes bullets or Hornady GMX you should use there data, pressures with these bullets raise pretty fast
 
I guess I'll pick up a Lyman , I find the Hornady manual is pretty much limited to Hornady bullits. Speer seems a bit dated and hodgdon reloading seems to be a Hornady based site. I use a lot of campro plated bullits and have to kind of compare them to whatever I can find.
 
Lee manual latest one is 2003 yr, Speer as well outdated, does it mean nothing much changed within several years?
 
Lee books use data from the powder makers. Lee tests nothing themselves.
The Lyman is as close as you'll get. It takes several years to compile and publish any loading manual so they'll always be somewhat behind.
 
All powder manufacturers have reloading data online... you can find a recipe for almost any combination. Certainly if you see a 175gr and a 180gr, and you happen to have a 178gr, you can interpolate to get your load (since you're always starting with the low-end anyway, then working up).

I've never cracked a book, but unless you have a really odd calibre, you should be able to find at least 6-12 different powders listed with loads for your firearm, then carry the list on your phone or in your wallet, and watch for any of those to go on sale. I have a few go-to powders. Any bullet will do, if you start at the heaviest safe level.
 
i only have a lyman 49th edition but i rarely use it, my main source is the powder makers online data. i should get more books in case i want to load and i don't have internet access.
 
Manuals printed by powder makers generally dont want to promote other powders.
Same for bullet makers.
 
No such thing as a one and only manual that covers it all. Have several to be able to cross reference. The latest Lee is handy as it contains basic info for someone new to reloading, some interesting info, covers a variety of bullets, and a variety of powders.
 
The more manuals you have the more loads you will have access to and the more info you will be able to collect to help make your best selection based on what you are trying to accomplish. The more info & options you have the better!
 
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