Reloading Manual

The Lyman book is a good starting point, or really any of the books by companies that make reloading equipment. As you pointed out Hornady, Nosler, or other bullet manufacturers manuals only focus on their products. Eventually you will end up with all of the manuals, as I have, but the Lyman is a good starting point.

Thanks, sounds like I'll start with the Lyman and branch out from there.

TDT,
Welcome to the world of hand loading. I'm sure you'll find it enjoyable and satisfying. Remember, the most important thing is SAFETY! I've been hand loading 35 years or so. During that time I've used all the factory handling manuals except for Barnes and Lee. The main thing reason for handling manuals nowadays is to learn safe loading procedures. While the load data is very important, you can get that elsewhere, frequently for free. In addition, while I enjoy reading the history of each cartridge in the manual, I can find also find that elsewhere. The manuals are the single best source of safe handloading information. Read them carefully and learn it by heart. An experienced mentor, if available, is invaluable. The three newest loading manuals I have are Sierra ('05), Nosler ('07) and Hornady ('10). While all have good info on how to safely handload, Sierra looked the best, followed closely by Hornady. One neat thing about the Sierra manual is it's form: it comes in a three ring binder that stays open and is easy to replace or add pages. Other sources of good load data are available on the 'net at the websites for Hornady, Hodgdon, Nosler, Accurate/Western Powders and Alliant. In addition, one can also request a free written pamphlet of load data from them. Of course, one can find personal load data all over the 'net, but beware of that until you're an experience bandleader. Last, Hodgdon publishes a large magazine of load data every year featuring most of their data, especially newer powders. One can usually find it at the magazine section of Bass Pro, book stores , Walmart and grocery stores (sometimes). In addition, be aware that powders change over time. Because of this, I also check the current load data (using the manufacturer web sites) against the load data in the manual if it's an older manual. ALL load data you see is merely a reference from their gun, NOT a "written in stone" recipe for your gun.

quote:

---

Had my eye on the Nosler but reviews say they only focus on their bullets

---

That's true, but all do the same thing and it's ok. For example, the Hornady manual will list 308 Win loads for 150 gr bullets using ony their bullets. But, if I'm loading for the 150 gr Nosler AccuBond in my 308 Win, it's safe to use the Hornady data as a reference since I'm working up the load using incremental powder charges.

Get a subscription to loaddata.com and compile your own reloading book. Massive amounts of data available from various manuals and manufacturers.

Lee Classic Load Kit is everything you need (besides a nylon hammer) to get started. It's slow but works very well and can make some very accurate loads.

If you have a smartphone download the Sierra App. (Free) lots of good info on there just as another reference.

quote:

---

I’m not sure how long I’ve been reloading now. 5 years is a decent guess.

I’ve never had a manual. Everything I’ve done I’ve learned off the internet.

I like to read something and then verify that info prior to trying it, since this could be some pretty dangerous stuff.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate. I’m always looking to learn something new with reloading.

---

Agreed, I have a lee manual, but really only use it to verify. I always start with a weak load and work it up.

quote:

---

IMO, the single most important tool in reloading is a chronograph. Published velocities (fps) in reloading manuals is a ballpark number and can only be 100% verified by using a chronograph. It will tell you if your loads are to hot, how accurate select powders are, and will help you find the accuracy node.

---

I agree with this completely.

I have and prefer the Labradar

Also learn to spot signs of pressure in your brass so you know when you’re getting too hot.

quote:

---

I have and prefer the Labradar

---

I also have a LabRadar and it is an integral part of my reloading tools. Especially for long range shooting. Instead of guessing muzzle velocity based on load data you know the actual average muzzle velocity and a simple tune of a knob I can got from 100yd to 200yd in 1 shot.

Nosler manual came with my RCBS kit. Lots of good info and how to's. The load data for the cartridges is on the website but not commentary on what works best, advice, etc. Strictly nosler bullets, obviously, like Speer and Sierra manuals. Was able to get load data from Berger and Hodgsons websites for my rifle, but you dont get commentary or advice on each cartridge from the websites, gotta buy the book. Cross checking nosler, berger, and Hodgson's load data for my 30 nosler showed some interesting differences. Flipped thru a berger manual, nothing there that I couldn't get off their website. I was looking for a manual that could explain the process itself for accuracy...but have been reading a lot of web articles. You have to sift through a lot of info that doesn't pertain to your situation but I found Chuck Hawks website articles to be helpful along with the Speer manual.

Get a chronograph. I splurged on the Labradar, it's awesome accurate. Also, it sits next to your rifle on the bench and you dont have to shoot thru it. It has a SIM card slot to store shot series.

My dad's been doing this for 40+ yrs, and still refers back to Ken Waters Pet Loads and the Speer manual. I call him all the time with questions. Like others have said, its great to know someone that has experience in this. Pet Loads won't have the most recent powders or cartridges, but it has a lot of other good info about bullet weight, twist rates, characteristics of each cartridge. The bullet manuals aren't partial to powders, and the powder manuals aren't partial to bullet mfrs, if that makes sense. That's why you need to research a few different sources for your load and extrapolate what you want to do.