Frenchieboy Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 My better half has started asking what sort of things I would like for Christmas. We tend to get each other a few things that we know are wanted and will be put to good use and then a couple of "surprises"! I had thought that a GOOD reloading manual would be invaluable for me, especially as I am thinking about changing my .243 for a larger deer calibre. So the question is quite somplu - Which reloading manaul is (In your opinion) the best one to have and use, and why that one as opposed to any of the others please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 When i started homeloading i flicked through the various copies in the gun shop and the Lee one i thought was the best because it has lots of pictures and kinda goes right back to basics.Although im not a newbie now i still find it a fantastic book for reference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted October 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 When i started homeloading i flicked through the various copies in the gun shop and the Lee one i thought was the best because it has lots of pictures and kinda goes right back to basics.Although im not a newbie now i still find it a fantastic book for reference. Thank you for that. This is the sort of informative "short but to the point" answer I am hoping for so that I can make the best choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted October 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 (edited) Do these manuals come in different/updated versions and if so which version(s) is/are the best one(s) to get please? Edit: Yes, it would be good and maybe helpful to understand a bit about the background and history of the different calibres too! Edited October 26, 2013 by Frenchieboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Hi Pete, I use the Lee reloading Manual - bought for me by a friend who had been reloading for years - good sections on recognising overpressure and other good stuff if VERY self -congratulatory and rather 'American'. I'm going to buy another for interest (not pricey) probably Hornady but really Lee gives you all you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olliesims Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 If you want a 'readable' book that will be a reference for life try Hornady version 9. It has plenty of loading info but often more background story to each calibre's origins and evolution. +1 I have this was my first reloading book, its a good book although abit expensive, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 Have a thought to which brand of bullets you can get and tend to like then buy their book. Also consider the single calibre reloading books that are available if you have chosen a new cartridge (these are available through Sinclair international). Powder manufacturers also provide data guides for a range of various bullets but only their powders. Much data is also available on line FOC through the manufacturers these days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pork chop Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 the berger manual is a great read Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remmyman Posted October 26, 2013 Report Share Posted October 26, 2013 My better half has started asking what sort of things I would like for Christmas. We tend to get each other a few things that we know are wanted and will be put to good use and then a couple of "surprises"! I had thought that a GOOD reloading manual would be invaluable for me, especially as I am thinking about changing my .243 for a larger deer calibre. So the question is quite somplu - Which reloading manaul is (In your opinion) the best one to have and use, and why that one as opposed to any of the others please? I have the Barnes,Hornady and Nosler editions and can't fault any of them. Would avoid Powder manufacturers editions as their too 'one dimensional'. Regards Remmyman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Tested published data conforms to pressure limits for the cartridge shown. Pressure can be altered by many things so we must check that tested (and actually measured in their lab) is not over in our own gun. Re-check on changing powder batches etc. Industry std max pressure has shifted on some cartridges over the years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docholiday Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Lee is a good stating manuel, you won't go far wrong if you start with this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted October 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 I thank you all for your advice. Even though I am a mere novice at reloading I fully realise that all manuals should be treated as STARTING POINTS for reloading and should not be treated as "The be all and end all of reloading". When I have been developing loads for my rifles I have always started at the lower ends or the data available and test fired those loads before moving up a little to a higher load and then again test firing and VERY carefully checking for stress marks etc. The main idea behind me wanting a fuller or more comprehensive manual is to help me get a better understanding of not only what I am loading but also how it can be effecting my rifle. I guess the next logical question is: Where might be the best place to but a good reloading manual? Any suggestions please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floating Chamber Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Nobelsport Manual by Malfatti, if you are using Continental powders. Excellent book; I proof read and corrected the document just after Dunblane and removed or modified certain sensitive passages. My reward from SNPE was 15 kg of Vectan D20 and a very nice letter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferretfiddler Posted October 27, 2013 Report Share Posted October 27, 2013 Pete, I've got the latest Lee reloading book, your welcome to borrow it & have a good look through before committing. Drop me an email or txt if you want it as I'm away for a few weeks after next so could be a good time to lend it you :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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