Which reloading manual...

[Gibbshooter43]

Over the years I have accumulated the usual variety of reloading manuals from all the normal suppliers as well as a few of the on-line suppliers of data. I'm often somewhat confused by the variation in detail each supplies. I know that every manual recommends you start at the lowest offering and work up from there. But here's my question... what source of reloading data have you found to be most accurate / dependable as a starting point (without bashing anyone else)?

 

[David Emerson]

Sierra first and Nosler second. You can also call Sierra and talk to them. Very knowledgeable. But understand any of these books is basically just a good place to start.

 

[J E Custom]

I prefer the Hodgdon yearly magazine loading manual because they normally have the latest new cartridges. From there, I use the powder manufactures manual for the powder I intend to use.

Bullet manufactures tend to show their bullets perform better than others and often times lower the powder charge of their competition to make their powder look better.

All are very conservative because of different barrels, chambers and loading process. Just because a manual shows a load as Minimum doesn't mean It is in your rifle/pistol.

J E CUSTOM

 

[sturner]

Sierra and Hodgdon is where I start
I've called Hammer ,Swift and Berger they are helpful too

 

[Gibbshooter43]

Definitely looking into the Hodgdon yearly magazine loading manual. I use their online loading data quite often.

 

[LVJ76]

Sierra first and Nosler second. You can also call Sierra and talk to them. Very knowledgeable. But understand any of these books is basically just a good place to start.

Second that, Sierra and Nosler. Hornady is too conservative.

 

[kiwikid]

Sierra is my first source and I find their accuracy loads to be on the money. Lyman is another good manual due to them not making bullets so there is no bias. I was disappointed with the new Hornady manual, they show the 6.5CM is faster than the
6.5-284 Norma.

 

[aushunter1]

But here's my question... what source of reloading data have you found to be most accurate / dependable as a starting point (without bashing anyone else)?

The one that come from the powder manifacturer themselves, full stop.

Even if your projectile is not covered in their data they are still the guideline for the stuff that pushes whatever pill you are using!!

 

[kiwikid]

The one that come from the powder manifacturer themselves, full stop.

Even if your projectile is not covered in their data they are still the guideline for the stuff that pushes whatever pill you are using!!

The only problem with this theory is that certain powder manufacturers don't list loads for certain cartridges where projectile manufacturers do.

An example of this is Alliant Powder, they have no listings what so ever for the 6.5-284 Norma but the Sierra Bullets 6th Edition has loads with Rel 16, 17, 19, 23, 25 and 26 in various projectile weights.

 

[Savage 12BVSS]

I like Nosler both manual and online site. Sierra is usually on the money IMHO.

 

[fiftybmg]

There is no single authority, rather gather as much data as you can, compare, and that way make informed decisions.

Basic check routine :

1. First see what barrel length the load data was assembled for. Use powder data that's as close to actual barrel length as possible.
2. Find the bullet you are using. If you can't find it, find the next heavier bullet, and use that data to start.
3. Try and use the primer quoted in the load data.
4. If the cartridge is not in the book, next book.
5. If none of the books list your powder for a cartridge, it's not the right powder.

When doing load development

1. check actual velocity versus published velocity
2. if your actual velocity is less than published, and you are using the same max quantity of powder, stop there.
3. if your actual velocity goes to the max shown in the data, but your powder is still less, stop there.

This is called being conservative.

Most variations from published load data are due to one or more of : different barrel length, primer, brass headstamp and ambient temperature.

We never know what ambient temperature the load data was put together at, another reason to start low and work up if you are in a hot climate.

It is possible to safely exceed published load data for certain cartridge / powder / bullet combinations, but unless you understand how, and have the tools to measure the results, don't.

 

[Jeffrey Van Zandt]

I have over 20 some all the way back to early 50s I only use them for hand gun or shotgun as far as rifle, I only look at starting load for the bullet gr weight and powder then I go from there up till I see pressure but for the pat 7 years I have not even open one

 

[blackbrush1]

Quick Load is irreplaceable for me

 

[BHP9]

I prefer Sierra's manual but liked Hodgdon' annual until I couldn't get it in my area. Not since 2014.

I do look at Hornady's manual but more fore handgun.