Hodgdon . It's an annual manual , in magazine format so it comes out every year which allows new powders and cartridges be be included right away instead of every couple of years .
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Which manual
- Thread starter Clem Bronkoski
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Svashtar
Well-Known Member
The
I wonder how much of that is due to the lawyers getting involved? Conversely the Lee Second Edition is almost useless to me, as their max loads are entry level loads everywhere else.
Funny you mention Hornady's top loads; a friend donated me his old Hornady Third Edition reloading manual from 1980, and the top "red lined" max loads are/were significantly hotter than their latest manual I have from a few years ago, (think it's the Ninth edition). It's not just updates from new powder mfrs either, e.g. 2400 going from Hercules to Alliant.
I wonder how much of that is due to the lawyers getting involved? Conversely the Lee Second Edition is almost useless to me, as their max loads are entry level loads everywhere else.
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Best of the best, up to date....load data.com! Over 311,000 loads and counting!
wallhangergun
Member
In the current era when everything is so expensive and you can't get what you want half the time, I like to compare books better than use the internet, too. My favorite is Nosler's, because it tells you which end of the node-spectrum to look for accuracy for every powder it lists- not just an "accuracy load" like Sierra. I like the Lyman books, too (I have four of them) but if I could have only one book...it would be Lee's first edition...that guy understood reloading, in my opinion, better than anyone.
The day a manual is printed is generally a day LATE. In today's fast paced world of developing/evolving cartridges the only real source is the internet Clem. I have load data.com as a favorite on my phone face. And I use it almost daily....you can take a look at it for free...I think you'll be amazed! And my phone is ....at my fingertips and can be on your reloading desk and take no space!
wallhangergun
Member
I'm an old guy and I do internet from a big Apple desktop, and some of the load-data programs are for PCs. I still bitch that they quit making H870. In my opinion, if you want to shoot a .300 win mag, buy one. Don't try to make your 30/06 into one. I prefer mine to shoot more like a .308, anyway- except I like the long action better. Have about eight feet of reloading books on my shelf, every one is useful for something different. I buy odd-lots of bullets, powder but I prefer BR primers. I load for a lot of different guns, about half of them C&R/Antique. I consult the internet- usually Hodgdon's website. What I like best is low-node accuracy loads- because my guns are old, like me, and I like to shoot "real" guns. That's why I like Nosler's book. But I don't want to beat them up, me either. I like a gun I can carry, too. Different strokes for different folks. Some prefer the new/hot thing, I like the old stuff better. Happy shooting!
That is what I miss about you. You know a lot about everything!
Jim’s Hunt
Well-Known Member
I use all manuals I have plus the websites for powder and bullets. Get my spiral notebook out and right down my on hand available powders write down minimum and max loads per source and use 5% under the max for my starting development with .2 gr increments for 3 round groups and chrono for lowest SD
wallhangergun
Member
For the halibut I looked on loaddata for my favorite 25/06 115 Berger load with H4831sc...I like to make "regulated" loads, where different bullet weights hit in the same place at the same velocity (more or less) so I can make a full strength hunting load with a heavier bullet, and make "plinkers" that are fun to shoot- and not need to change the scope...
Or at least I think I do!!!
I'm 68... still debating which came first....me..or dirt? But no harm in trying to keep up with the times!
I think Lee and Lyman may have the biggest selection as to newer powder(s), the problem, of course, is the online stuff, the paper manuals aren't selling like they need to, to justify the printing of new paper manuals as new powders show up with of course new cartridges, but.. the older and newer paper manuals are still very useful, especially the older ones that worked with higher pressure(s). The problem I see is most manuals were bought based on the bullet selection not for the powder, it was more about advertisements for their bullets by the manufacturer, granted some powder companies did the same thing only it was powder instead of bullets, so my thoughts are; you have to go with what you've got or what feels good I guess. 
Cheers
Cheerswallhangergun
Member
You have more than I do! But, I don't see a first edition Lee...it's much better than the 2nd, it was written before the lawyers got into it...a lot more about reduced loads, a lot more about basic principles. The old man did a lot of thinking, testing, experimenting, trying to arrive at general principles... but the kid didn't want to take the risk of lawsuits, so he just copied other people's data. The book looks the same, but it's not...
I think you do, too.Or at least I think I do!!!
