Which reloading manual?

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isaacc

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I searched this forum but I'm not seeing a thread comparing the main reloading manuals. I was wondering if there's a forum preference for one of the reloading manuals. I've been looking at Hornady 10th edition, Sierra's Rifle and Pistol Reloading Data, Lee's Modern Reloading 2nd edition, and Lyman 50th edition Reloading Handbook. Thanks.
 
I have those plus Speer 14, Nosler 7, Hodgdon 2015 (and 2017 on the way).... most reloaders have multiple manuals plus may refer to online sites.

In my case - most used are Lyman 50th and Hornady 10th
 
Lyman, because it's not brand specific, it covers a wide variety of bullets, powders, cases and primers.
Plus, I find the educational component very good in the Lyman manuals.
But I have Sierra, Hornady 3 and 9, Hodgdon, Nosler, Norma, a couple Lyman, Ken Waters Pet Loads, and links to the online sources.
 
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All of them. I compare constantly. If you're shooting Hornady bullets, get their manual, if you're shooting Nosler, get theirs. If you load Hodgdon powder, get that manual. You can never have too many sources of info.
 
The Nosler manual and Sierra Infinity 6 list most accurate loads.
Barnes internet loading manual list a most accurate load with their bullets for particular calibers.
The loads for bullets of similar weights tend to be good starting points.
When having trouble with 270 Winchester loads using 150 grain bullets, Nosler listed 52.0 grains or H4350.
The load produced from the start in my Remington 70 and my friend's Model 70 Winchester.
 
Can't have enough reloading manuals. If your new to reloading stay with current manuals. Sometimes data changes for good reason. Lyman is the first,due to using everyone else's components and lead bullet data. After that pick a manual that has components you plan to use. I collect old and new manuals,sometimes end up with copies.
 
My two most important/read manuals are the Hornady Tenth Edition and Second Edition Richard Lee. Lee gives more recipes for lead cast bullets and various bullets. I have Hornady 4th edition and a Barnes reloading Manual. If you are going to load Barnes bullets you MUST use a Barnes manual!!! Use Hornady 10th and Richard Lee 2nd the most. Interesting as both give different min and max loads with same powder and bullets types sometimes.
Like the interesting stories of the different calibers in Hornady.
 
I think I'll be going with Lee's book as a first buy. I understand it has an excellent educational section, albeit using Lee's products. That's fine by me as that's what I'd like to get. As for recipes, I don't see myself loading more than 9mm parabellum and .40 S&W, so I'm not worried.

I'll also pick up LoadBooks, The Complete Reloading Manual for the 9mm Luger.

Thanks everyone for the good advice.
 
When I started, I bought Lee modern reloading,Lyman 49th and read them twice before loading a single round. I also watched many great tutorials on YouTube, picked up (and watched)an Rcbs instruction video and bent the ear of many experienced reloaders. In my opinion, there is no substitute for having a few manuals in print and at the ready. Online is a great source of info but too much distraction while you're actually "reloading". It's fun, addictive and satisfying. Good luck.
 
I have hornady volume 2, 8, 9, and 10. Nosler #2, and 7. Speer #9, and 14. Berger 1st edition. Sierra edition 5. Hodgdon paper manuals from the last 3 years. Also use alliant online data, hodgdon online data, and berger online data.
 
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