Reloading Manual

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backy33

New member
There are so many reloading manuals out there so my questions is what is best manual out there. I have an old nosler manual but need something more up to date. Would like something with Wssm data in for a 25wssm if that is even possible. I'm sure there will be plenty of opinions on this but I'd like to see what everyone has to say.
 
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i like to buy the loading manuals for caliber specific. i got mine at sportsmans but you can get them anywhere. they are only 8 bucks so its not bad.
 
backy33,
For what it's worth, I believe you should have the manual (s)for the types of bullets you intend to use. I happen to be a Sierra bullets guy and therefore have the Sierra Manual. They way I figure is that bullet manufacturers have done extensive testing with all the various powders they list on each page so they have a reasonably reliable handle on how their bullets perform under what conditions. I guess if you like a range of manufacturers bullets, best start up a small Library so you'll have the best data available. For powders, you can pretty much get on line to powder manufacturers and download their data from there. Good luck and have fun.
 
Its also not a bad idea to have several different manuals from several different sources. I personally like to compare and see if the info matches from one company to another, using the same components. I try to find the most consistent one across the board for a starting load to work from.
 
Originally Posted By: FlyincedarIts also not a bad idea to have several different manuals from several different sources. I personally like to compare and see if the info matches from one company to another, using the same components. I try to find the most consistent one across the board for a starting load to work from.

I'm not here to disagree or tell you how to load. But I'm not too sure I like that idea for a number of reasons. Bullets made by different manufacturers, although they might weigh the same grain wise, have a number of differences that include shape, BC's, etc, etc. Now I suppose if you are searching for a starting load, that probably might not matter all that much. But it strikes me that by taking something like an average of three manufacturers recommendations, it takes you longer to either decided that is the bullet that works best in your particular rifle or do I want to switch over to another manufacturer's products that work better in my particular rifle. Just my thoughts and no offense meant to the idea you mentioned.
 
Don't use books anymore. They're never close by when I need them.

I know it may be a little more expensive, but I subscribe to LoadData.com. Well worth it IMHO. Been with them for 4-5 years now.
 
Originally Posted By: claimbusterDon't use books anymore. They're never close by when I need them.

I know it may be a little more expensive, but I subscribe to LoadData.com. Well worth it IMHO. Been with them for 4-5 years now.

+1

I really don't use manuals anymore either. I hit the internet and research. Much faster effiecent and much more info that you can ever put in a manual.
 
Buy the Lyman 47 or 48th editions, they are good; also Nosler, Sierra, Hornady, and/or Speer...if you shoot those respective bullet brands. Older manuals are good to keep around,too, if you shoot classic powders, and can be had relatively cheaply at gun shows, but, reference/compare with some newer manuals before you load 50 rounds. (Some powder compositions change some over the years, always start low and work up..)

For the 25WSSM, Ramshot powders has loads for that caliber, and their whole manual is on-line for free...do a google for the site.

As for "internet loads" WOW, I see significant/dangerous overloads given out every 2-3 weeks, including sometimes here on this forum!!!

ALWAYS reference check the safety of an internet load with a manual!!
 
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Shynloc:

I basically load like flyincedar, manual comparison is more for the powders than bullets, as generally all the bullets these days are typically very adequate for hunting purposes.

(I have often posted here on this Forum the best 4-5 bullets in my experience, in .224, for example.) And, the others work well, too)

The study/deliberation is the fun of reloading for me, its a hoot when your chosen load rewards your choice with accuracy at the range. If not, I tinker with seating depth...but they are all under 1 inch and you save lots of $$ from factory loads.
 
For printed manuals I'm a big fan of Lyman's manual, the reason is because they give you data for a variety of powders and projectiles.....not just the brand that they sell. It's tough to justify buying a manual for every brand bullet out there.


I also purchased Quickload loading software, it works quite well...they do have a warning about always confirming the info they give you with a manual....I do this to make sure it's ballpark correct, in case there's a programming error but so far everything has been spot on. I like being able to tweak the charge on my software and see approx. the velocity/pressure changes that's going to cause. The software is very accurate. It's also easy to develop a new load when switching bullets, once you find your guns sweet spot you can see what it will take to get that same velocity with different bullets very quickly. It's had a huge impact on my load development.
 
Originally Posted By: BuckeyeSpecial

As for "internet loads" WOW, I see significant/dangerous overloads given out every 2-3 weeks, including sometimes here on this forum!!!

ALWAYS reference check the safety of an internet load with a manual!!

Why would you worry about load info off of the IMR or Hodgdon websites or any of the powder and bullet manufacture websites?
 
Neiowaarcher:

I don't worry at all about the powder/bullet maufacturing sites; it's the loads provided by individual posters on the internet that need to be checked.
 
Originally Posted By: BuckeyeSpecialNeiowaarcher:

I don't worry at all about the powder/bullet maufacturing sites; it's the loads provided by individual posters on the internet that need to be checked.

I may be wrong, but I don't see where I ever said I use load info from other posters.
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I find reloading manuals are like guns, you can never have to many.I currently have above my reloading bench as follows. Speer #8, Speer #11, Hornady #4, Nosler #6, Sierra #5, and the last 3 years of Hodgdons magazine/manual. Every company has good info in there manuals and I occasionlly will cross refernce a couple depending on caliber. The older speer manuals are definitley loading some calibers on the warmer side then the latest editions. The Hornady is the most conservitve out of all the manuals. For me I like reading thru them getting the info and a feel for what particular powders and loads seem to be consistent, then start work up with that powder bullet weight combo, using min and max as a guide and coming to my own conclusions as to what the rifle wants.
 
Neiowarcher:

Nope, you didn't say you did, nor did I. My comment originated 2 pages back re another posters load well over max.

Safe and happy shooting to you.
 
Originally Posted By: BuckeyeSpecialNeiowarcher:

Nope, you didn't say you did, nor did I. My comment originated 2 pages back re another posters load well over max.

Safe and happy shooting to you.

Ok, I was just checking. Safe shooting to you too.
 


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