I have several. When contemplating a new load I pull them down and compare between them. Latest acquisition was the Woodleigh manual. I'd much rather look through a book than try to find info online.
Reloading manuals, do you own one?
- Thread starter John Y Cannuck
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One thing about online sources, is the need to consider that source. The books, although they may now and then contain errors, were not developed by some velocity mad newbie to reloading with the need to share his new found "knowledge" online.
The books allow a quick cross check of such info with a reliable source. As of course do certain reliable online sources like Hogdon, and Alliant, that publish loads online.
Many of the reloading books I have also have articles on techniques, cast bullet loads, even the odd hunting story. I do use online sources, but the books will be with me always.
The books allow a quick cross check of such info with a reliable source. As of course do certain reliable online sources like Hogdon, and Alliant, that publish loads online.
Many of the reloading books I have also have articles on techniques, cast bullet loads, even the odd hunting story. I do use online sources, but the books will be with me always.
...... That about sums it up for me (apart from the age LOL! ) as well! Always on the lookout for older Manuals that I don't have, although regrettably, with the current family pressures I can neither get to the 'Range nor even at the Reloading Bench. ..... David K
Dozens. Knowledge is useful. - dan
I'm beyond the half century mark and have a dozen manuals that I refer to and cross-reference... I now also check online sources for updates... but after loading for more than 60 cartridges, my notes have enough info that I can quickly arrive at a good, safe load for most things.
If you're like me, you likely have some older powder on hand. Many of these older powders are no longer available or the new manufacture powders are slightly different.
H450/4831/4320/HS6/Super Vel and Unique to name a few. Some of those powders, most here have never heard of. They were excellent powders in their day but like the last couple of years, manufacturing facilities closed/new factories open and technology changes.
I still use those powders for certain rifles with bullets that date from the same era as the powder. The data in the latest manuals isn't correct for those powders, if they even list it.
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I have a few references online but I strongly prefer hard copy overall. The online manuals I found myself referencing often got printed off and given their own binder. I'm 27, and people always tell me I'm supposed to be tech savvy but it's just not my thing. Online resources are great, until the internet goes tits up or the power goes out.
Oh you definitely need to consider your source(I'm sure there's a joke at Slamfire's expense here, but to his credit I haven't seen him post load data for his spicy handloads), internet forums are a bad place if it's your only source. However, you can get data from most manufacturers online. Hodgdonreloading.com and Nosler are my go to for book values, but other powder makers and bullet makers also offer data.
I don't own any hard copy books. I have pdf versions of a few though. No need for hard copies unless I want to read them camping or something...
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hunters home
CGN Regular
Been loading for over 35 yrs and I own appx 15-20 manuals. I also have the full edition of Ken Waters pet loads. I've always considered this to be the holy grail of handloading, although I must say that some of the data is dated and a lot of good new powders are not there.
That's interesting, I bought the CD for a while ago, never got time to actually install and start up the program.
Thanks for the head up.
I have the Wooter's Pet Loads and PO Ackley books as well.
The thing is, you really need to be careful with the data in them. As good as they were for when they were written, powders with the same designations can be and are slightly different. I'm not just talking about lot to lot differences.
It isn't to much of a problem with large volume or even intermediate size cases but with small cases the differences can be nasty.
I'm not talking about a KaBoom unless you're shooting a weak action/worn action rifle.
I am however talking about blown primers or maybe even case blow outs or separations in some rifles.
I've personally seen this happen with 50 year old data taken from those old manuals.
Ganderite can likely explain this much better than I can. He knows his stuff and I've learned a lot from his infrequent contributions. PM him.
There are some cartridges that you can't get the required data for online when it pertains to MODERN firearms that are much stronger than the original firearms the original cartridges were intended for.
Two of those cartridges are the 7x57 Mauser and the 6.5x55 Swede.
Both of these cartridges can be loaded to give some very substantial velocity increases with modern powders and modern rifles.
I was reading an old article written by Finn Agaard just after he left Africa to take up residence in the US. The 7x57 Mauser was one of his favorites.
As you most certainly know, this discussion has been going on longer than most of the people here have been alive. Finn went on in his article to mention that ALL FACTORY LOADED 7x57 Mauser ammunition was loaded for the safety limits of the M93 Mauser rifles. There were others in that era of course but it was considered to be a HOT cartridge when compared to the others available back in the day.
Finn went on to say that he was hand loading his 1898 model rifles, chambered in 7x57 Mauser, with 22 inch barrels, to verified 2800 fps without pressure signs. He mentions powders but not loads used. White Labs did the pressure tests on his loads at the time.
I can tell you from personal experience with my 7x57 Mauser built on a 1935 Brazilian Mauser action that I am getting slightly faster 2875 fps out of its 25 inch barrel. I use the same powder mentioned in his article and I worked up the load until I got to my personal satisfaction point. I've put close to 400 rounds through that bore with 50 cases. The cases were reannealed a couple of times but they still look good, without any incipient case separation signs.
I applaud your restraint but there has to be considerations made for modern technology. I fully understand WHY ammo manufacturers give their load data for the weaker actions and don't publish higher pressure loads, nor to my knowledge even suggest loading any hotter. The 7-08 would be a great alternative for someone that only uses factory ammo to get the most out of an intermediate case in 7mm.
