Anyone use Reloading Manuals anymore ?

[Walks]

Does anybody ever use RELOADING MANUALS anymore ?

You can get free Handouts from ALLIANT and HODGDON(Winchester&IMR) for the asking.
All full of PRESSURE-TESTED Loads.

My DAD always bought every new one that came out 'til the day he died.
I've done the same thing since I started my own RELOADING setup when I got out of the U.S. NAVY. Actually I started before that , buying used ones at gunshows when I was still in High School. Just to have my own copies. I've been able to collect most every manual printed since WW2.

Even though most every load I use has not changed in 20yrs. I've recently started trying reduced loads in Rifles due to old injuries. Getting old and having Arthritis is a *****.

I see many questions from newbies that could be simply answered by reading the latest LYMAN CAST BULLET HANDBOOK. Currently #4.

And to me the information available in the old handbooks is absolutely invaluable in truly understanding our pastime.

[JimB..]

Yes, in fact consulted 5 different ones just yesterday working on a new load. Could have done it online, printed the data I wanted and worked from that, but easier to have the books open in front of me.

Without printed manuals I would likely have never read about the casting and reloading process, to my disadvantage. I’m glad that they are still being printed, although I do wish they had stayed with loose bindings so they would lay flat on the desk.

[Rcmaveric]

I have a 4 manuals and a few more electronic versions. I also have a loaddata.com account. Due to the nature of loaddata.com i normal just wind up on there comparing loads to all the major manufactures. So unless i don't have an internet connection or am too lazy to get my laptop i really don't use the paper manuals much. I still buy them, but that's just to fund the companies. I would by the next edition cast bullet load manual in a heartbeat, even though i don't need it because i have the loaddata account.

[Petrol & Powder]

There's something about paper that computers will never replace.

Yes, I occasionally use a computer to access data but I'll never abandon books.

[high standard 40]

I agree with P & P. My thoughts exactly.

[GhostHawk]

I have both the Lyman #3 and #4 cast boolit manuals, which are refered to often.
I have the advantages Shotgun manual which is also used regularly.

When in doubt I prefer to use google first, often checking Alliant's data, then other data. I will make some notes on a post it note. Then the last step is to compare that data to my manual.

Anything too far out either way gets crossed out.
Leaving me with a nice middle of the road option or 2.

But that is just the way I do it, YMMV, or you may have something else that works better for you.

I also keep a note file on several computers, one for each caliber. It will show data I have found online, mined from manual, personal notes about loads I have tried, liked. Where they hit on the target, group size, etc. As well as comments on lube, and brass.

Takes me about a minute to skim through one of those files and by the time I do I know exactly the load I want. And what I can expect out of it.

[mattw]

I sure do, mine go a long way back! If and when I find a load I really like, I enter it into a caliber specific Google drive sheet and also enter the range listed and the source.

[skeettx]

Yes, and I cross reference different manuals.

Also at my advanced age, I am trying to use up old
powders and the new e-data does not include them.

Mike

[JSnover]

Yup. Websites and free handouts are too limited.

[Preacher Jim]

I never trust a load off internet without book verification. guys post loads that dangerous, they got away with it maybe but you or I might not. use your manuals.

[fivegunner]

I cross reference different manuals. I also buy new ones that come along they help me make the right decisions on reloading for my firearms .

[MostlyLeverGuns]

I have most of the manuals, also use online sources. For comparisons of "what is best" I think the manuals are better/simpler. Lots of good info, but also a lot of junk out there. I worked as a programmer, system designer so computers always remind me of work, very hard, tiresome, highly detailed, in your head, never done work. Computer in the house, manuals in the 30x40 air-conditioned, heated shop where I reload (benchrest to 250 by the door). I do need to extend wifi to shop, metal building 200 feet away, then I might rely on internet more. Cell service not so good, only satellite internet so we don't depend on either for critical support.

[farmerjim]

I have copied and printed all the load data that I can find from manuals and other sources on the calibers that I load. These fill up 2, 2 inch ring binders. I keep load notes behind the data on every load that I try.

[Dusty Bannister]

I have been able to purchase at gun shows and garage sales, the older manuals so I will have the data if ever needed. Besides they are good reading, and much better than the evening news. The manuals are supplemented by the manufacturers hand out data sheets. The internet sources are helpful but a note in the book is less likely to be lost if you have a hard drive fail. A reloading log is nearly as helpful as the notes in the reloading manuals if loading for different rifles of the same caliber.

[Grmps]

there are a lot of free published data/manuals online that you can download -- http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...online-sources

I do research peoples favorite loads and create an excel sheet on them, then I double check them with commercial load data and if they favorite loads fall within safe parameters I use the most popular one as a starting point for my ladder test going up and down from there.

[frkelly74]

Yes I do, It works fine with all the old standard powders. I do have to keep track of the cover of my old lyman book from the 60's because it fell off. If it isn't in one of my books I generally don't buy it unless it is a screaming giveaway deal.

[Wag]

Always. Although I haven't replaced mine in a very long time and the older manuals just don't have the new powders listed. Time to update, I think.

--Wag--

[JoeJames]

First manual was a Speer about 1982 or so; since then Lyman, NRA Hand loading Manual, Lee Hand loading, Lyman Pistol Hand loading Manual, and the Hornady Manual, and an ancient Speer Manual from about 1960 or so. When I am looking to produce a certain load, I still go through most of them, and check charge weights, and velocities, and compare them. All will differ a little, and some of the more modern will differ a lot. Finally, after I've loaded a few rounds, I will check and see what they are actually running in my firearm on my own chronometer.

[Walks]

I still keep hard copy logs of all my loads, and the Manual they came out of.
I spent twelve years in the "Computer field". Don't trust them. A Computer CAN NOT make a mistake. Only the person inputing the Data can do that. But it can sure compound human error.
I always refer to the manuals.
My be some of you other long time reloaders have noticed what I have. Over the years, charge weights for max loads have been dropping.
The Powder Companies say it's a change in FORMULATION leading to less powder required to reach a certain pressure/velocity. Who knows ?
But I still go by the latest book when looking/checking new loads.

[pworley1]

Yes, every time I open a jug of powder I double check the load data. I only have one powder out at a time. You only have to wrong once. I just like to use a manual.