Which reloading manuals?

[analog_peninsula]

I’d get a copy of QuickLoad in a heartbeat, but it’s Windows only software which is a non starter for some of us.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I have been posting and asking questions as I journey down this reloading path. Now I am down to needing some reloading manuals and buying powder and primers.

Which manuals are your favorite? I shoot alot of Hornady ammo but also have Federal TBBC's and Swift A-frames. Unsure if this even matters or what powder I use matters in selection of a reloading manual(s).

@Hornedfrogbbq
There's a lot of good manuals out there.
The Hornady reloading manual give excellent reading in how to reload but personally I have found some of their loads to be very mild even at max loads
Nosler is a good manual that gives dmgood velocities and also list most accurate load tested and load density.
Speer, Sierra, Lee are also good
Plus there's a plethora of reloading manuals in line as well.
A manual will give you a choice of powders for each projectile. I perst choose a projectile and then the powder that gives the best velocity for the lowest pressure that gives me the best accuracy.
Remember velocity doesn't always mean accuracy, sometimes a slower speed will give you the best accuracy
Bob

 

[EBaker]

Lyman then specific bullet manufacturers, i.e. I use Berger and Hornady. There are some good free online powder manufacturers' like Hodgdon, Vihtavouri, Reloder and Western.

Hodgdon Reloading Data Center – The Brand Thats True

hodgdonreloading.com

Reloading data tool | Vihtavuori

Vihtavuori has developed a new online search engine to make reloading data even easier to access! Our new reloading data search tool enables you to search for

vihtavuori.com

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

www.alliantpowder.com

Generally speaking, I like that hogdon RDC, but I have now found a pretty serious issue with it. I used their starting load for 350 grain 416 weatherby and it was over pressured. The bolt was sticking bad and the cases had obvious over pressure signs. It wasn't quite bad enough to get loose primer pockets but I have no doubt that it wasn't far from it. That cartridge also wasn't in any of the 10 or so manuals my dad has. I eventually found a load for ot on the barnes website and the max load was below hogdons starting load and showed the same velocity. The RDC loads hit 5-6 inches higher at 100 yards than the barnes loads using the same bullet.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

This seems to be the online version of Quickload computer software. Excellent program for the more technically minded. The regular program is my go to for load data.

ApexLOAD PRO — Ballistics & Reloading Software

Professional ballistics simulator and reloading database with 5,000+ components from 80+ manufacturers. Precision load development for rifle and handgun.

apexload.pro

@Hogpatrol
I use Wayne Blackalls Load from a disc. Unfortunately not available anymore but can be updated fre on line. Has over 300 cartridges most bullet manufacturers and lots of different powders. Also list pressures for each load.
I use it and cross reference with my manuals.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I’ve got several dozen manuals, some digital, some actual books, ranging from the 1930’s to current. I will look through all the relevant ones when loading for a new cartridge, cross referencing old data and powders to new ones to see what may work with which projectile. Load data changes fairly regularly as new projectiles and powders are developed. Which ones you may need will depend on what you are reloading
Gumpy

@Grumpy gumpy
I still have my old copy of reloading simplified
As well as one that still lists Nobles number 1 & 2 rifle powders as well as shotgun balastite. Good luck getting those powders now.
Bob

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

@Grumpy gumpy
I still have my old copy of reloading simplified
As well as one that still lists Nobles number 1 & 2 rifle powders as well as shotgun balastite. Good luck getting those powders now.
Bob

I’ve got an unopened large tin of noble no2 that is supposed to be the bees knees in my 25-35, one day I’ll try it
Gumpy

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Frosty, for most of the loading you are going to undertake in the immediate future, you need to start with the Woodleigh manual and two books, Shooting British Doubles and African Dangerous Game Cartridges. You can add more from there.

Most of your loading will be for original cordite based cartridges, your 450NE, 470NE, and 500NE, then possibly 416 Rigby and that 404 Jeffery you are still lusting for. The three books referenced above will prove a great start for the rifles you are looking to load for now.

 

[ofbiro]

I friendly suggest to be careful with dated reloading manuals, at least with european components.
I remember that years ago Norma changed the composition of their powders without changing the commercial name. A friend of mine, loading from a freshly bought container found out that the usual charge in grains was much less than the usual level in the case. Rather puzzled he phoned the importer and got the info that starting from a certain date (or powder lot I cannot remember) the loads had to be changed.
In America you have better consumer defence than in Europe, however best to be safe a.s.o.