Reloading manuals, do you own one?

John Y Cannuck

John Y Cannuck

RichPoorMan<br>Super Moderator
Moderating Team
Rating - 100%
15   0   0
Location
The Conservative part of Ontario
I being of an age one smart ass described as ancient, have books dating back into the 60's. I still refer to them, and consider them a valuable resource, even though loads for most anything can be found online.

But, times they are a changing, and with so much data available online, I was wondering if the new generation of hand loaders even own one.
 
I get most of my data from hodgdon relaoding online. And then if the load seems odd i check a few other online sites. I did print layman's reloading 49th but dont often find myself using it. Im 32 years old

I load for 8 different calibers. The only loaded ammo i can buy in store around here is 303br and 6.5x55 of those 8. i also run cast in almost everything.

I have some old powders (like h116)that is hard to find data for. I also use powders that arnt listed (2400 in a 44-40 under 240-300gr bullet in a bolt action rifle) so the internet helps me find a good starting place and if i cant find many people posting using the same case and powder i dont use it. Or find a similer shaped case that opperates at the pressure im intrested in and work off that data. In the case above i may use 44mag data at 30k psi or 44 spl data.

I have a few "Cartridges of the world" books in hard coppies for entertainment and info.
 
Last edited:
You can consider me a new generation shooter (in mid 30s)
Started reloading 5 years ago.

For pistol I invited a range member for some pizza and explain things to me in person, which I have later confirmed on CGN.
For rifle, my reloading manual was CGN, retailer emails, and a few google searches

No manual here.
Tried at first as it was always the first advice given to new guys here, when you know nothing of reloading the manual overwhelms you.


Loads, I use online data from the bullet mfg and powder mfg I use
 
I can't speak for the younger ones but i am 47 and I probably have that many if not more reloading manuals from 51 to present. One of the things I collect and enjoy looking through. More manuals the better. I would rather grab a book off the shelf. Much easier and quicker. A well stocked library of gun books is a blessing few people. Mention Keith or Jack and they have no idea who they are.
 
Got a Hornady and a Lyman and Hodgdon online. Don't recall the last time I used the Lyman. Hornady is conservative, Hodgdon on the warmer end so I usually end up somewhere in the middle.
 
I own several. I can use the internet but I like reference books. Right there beside me, no batteries or log ins.
 
I have the Nosler 7 th edition that came in my RCBS kit. Nice enough manual. I use Hodgdon's website for all my load data needs. I learned everything else I know about reloading from various internet message boards, mostly CGN of course.
 
I own 9 different manuals that go back quite a few years. I like comparisons, old data checks, the articles and advice about techniques, and I can read them in the tub if I want without any fear. Open on the desk right now is Nosler #4 and Hornady's Third edition published in 1987. They are ALL useful. The internet certainly has uses, but books still have useful value.
 
I’m 65 and have manuals from 1974 till now, I basically learnt how to handloads from a Hornady and Lyman manual. If some of these new loaders took the time to read a manual there wouldn’t be so many repeat annoying questions on the web
 
RangerPark said:
I have the Nosler 7 th edition that came in my RCBS kit. Nice enough manual. I use Hodgdon's website for all my load data needs. I learned everything else I know about reloading from various internet message boards, mostly CGN of course.
Click to expand...

I got one of those too!

1kH5X8Q.jpg


Not sure I used it correctly lol.

I trust the internet loads I’ve come across.
 
I have a number of manuals. I gave away some of the older ones to newbies.

The problem with not having a manual is not reading and learning all the preamble stuff in a good manual.

On line data looks like a recipe book - which it is not.
 
I'm pretty sure that 40 doesn't count as the new generation, but when I began reloading last year I started with a manual. The internet information supplements it nicely.
 
I had about 4 feet width of books across one bookshelf but have slimmed it down to about foot an a half. Get a lot of current info on-line now. Like having the hard copies though. Have an original Ken Waters' "Pet Loads" binder that is of course, a keeper and very enjoyable reading.
 
I picked up Lyman’s 50th once I started researching loading. Read it twice. Took a course. Bought a press. I’ve been into books since I was a kid, just made sense. I enjoy reading about other calibers.

I bought their Long Range Precision book and was disappointed - basically just a big advertisement for PRS and Creedmoor cartridges
 
Started reloading about 2.5 yrs ago. Bought a Lee book, and I refer to hodgdon reloading site. A friend has a Lyman reloading manual which I used once for the 178gr ELDX projectiles.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom