Favorite edition of Lyman Cast Bullet Manual

[Liberty'sSon]

What's your favorite edition of the Lyman manual and why?

[John Boy]

The latest - more information and data

[Cosmiceyes]

#3 as it has more useable technical information. Older calibers that the new #4 left out. Calibers that people really use,and have fun with. Half of the new one was a fabrication of one mans personal history,and very little information applying to the chapter header. I bought #4 went through it,and sent it back. I wish they had them in hard cover.I will have to put #3 in a binder.

[Dale53]

When I saw that the #3 was being replaced, I bought my second one (the first one was about worn out, literally). I also bought the #4 and believe it is a worthy addition. No way is it as good as the #3 but it IS worth the price.

So, get both and enjoy... (if you can find a #3, that is).

Dale53

[Dusty Bannister]

I like the 3rd edition and mine is completely worn out. Even those paper as...... uh, gummed reinforcements so I can use a binder are worn out. I will probably end up scanning a copy for my own use, just to have the information. The 4th edition is a nice addition, but does not replace the usefullness of #3.
Dusty

[williamwaco]

I find #3 more interesting because of the older calibers and a LOT of firearms history.
That said, I use #4 more because of the later powders.

[462]

I much prefer the 3rd edition. The 4th's content is too much one man's opinion, in both its articles and new loads. While I respect the author's experience and knowledge, my experience leads me to disagree with much of what he wrote. I even wonder if the 4th's new loads were developed under controlled laboratory conditions, or on his personal range.

However, the 4th edition should sit on the shelf right next to the 3rd edition.

[detox]

I have both #3 and #4 and i think #4 is more interesting and helpful.

[Larry Gibson]

+ another for the 3rd edition. Good data and technical info up front is better. #4 is alright for the new data but most of the info up front is "dumbed down". Maybe todays new casters are "dumber" than us older guys who learned reading the technical "how to's" but somehow I doubt that.

Larry Gibson

[MT Gianni]

I have 1, 3, and 4. I would like to read 2 but use 3 the most by far. If they made #5 in a few years I would buy that as well, but probably still use 3.

[JeffinNZ]

I like the order versions. That info is harder to get now. Love to see old moulds etc.

[btroj]

I use 3 the most. 4 just isn't the same.....

[flipajig]

I have #3 and #4 I both have some great info.
Flip

[ku4hx]

They're like children; I like them all equally. But since the #3 is a closer match to my age, we seem to get along better.

[jmort]

I only have 4th and it is O.K.This thread makes me want to get 3rd

[Liberty'sSon]

Great, thanks folks. Looks like I need to find third and fourth editions. It's only money, right?

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I think it's best to have all of them if possible (I have 1,3,4), while I have only been casting for 3+ years I do read the latest edition (4th) the most, but having others to double check, triple check is imperative.
I also have the RCBS one, honestly not much to that one...but it still gets a view now and again.
Jon

PS, I also have "nick harvey's practical reloading manual"...while it's mostly covers jacketed bullets, it does have some cast loads. and of course Lee's manual is a good mix also.

[Liberty'sSon]

Ok, I just bought the 1973 edition and the 4th edition together on fleabay for $29 hopefully a good deal. However it appears that the 1973 edition is notbthe same are the third edition. Is this true? Maybe I shouldn't say it here, but there is one third edition with about 7 hrs left currently at about $30. Any info on the 1973 edition would help. Thanks in advance. This forum is great.

[Outpost75]

I have both #3 and #4 and i think #4 is more interesting and helpful.

I have them all, but use the older ones mostly for historical info on the old tools and bullets.

My No. 4 is well dog-eared and its binding reglued and repaired with GI 90mph tape..

[dudel]

Have 3 and 4. Like both prefer 4 because it has current powder and GAP loadings, also includes more non Lyman molds.