Lyman CBH #4: Does it have....

[Danderdude]

Howdy gentlemen,

Before ponying up the cash for the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #4 (I have #3 but it is dated and missing many important loads I need), I was wondering if one of you who already own it would be so kind as to let me know if it has data for several things.

First, 7.5x55 Swiss data, any and all.
7.62x39 data, any and all. Please specify if any loads over 150gr are listed.
.223 Rem/5.56mm data for 60+gr cast loads

I simply have not found the opportunity to flip through it before buying, and whether or not these things are in there directly influences my decision.

Please note I am not asking for any copywritten information, just whether or not it exists.

[TheBigBang]

The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #4 contains .223 Rem load data for several powders with the 60gr. Saeco #221, no other 60gr. bullets are listed, there is no data for bullets exceeding 60gr. It contains data for the 7.62x39 with 4 different bullets, 2 of them, both Lee designs, are over 150gr. - Lee C312-155-2R & CTL312-160-2R. It contains no data for the 7.5x55 Swiss.

[Maven]

"...7.5x55 Swiss data, any and all."

Danderdude, My suggestion is to use starting load CB data for the .308Win. (7.62 x 51mm) and/or the 7.65 x 53mm Arg. Mau. Lyman's "CB Handbk., 3rd. Ed." includes both. As for the other two, especially the 7.62 x 39mm, you'll find a wealth of info. in our archives.

[Danderdude]

Thanks much, TBB.

That's rather disappointing. I thought this one was going to be rather comprehensive, considering that the last one was published 31 years ago.

Do yall think it's worth the money for the load data?


As for the other two, especially the 7.62 x 39mm, you'll find a wealth of info. on our archives.

That's actually the problem. 7.62x39 cast data is rather sparse, especially for any boolit over 160gr or full-power loads. It's a shame considering that boolits are perfectly suited to the capabilities of the cartridge. Just to function my AK, it took a max pressure load of 2400 with the Lee 155. Of course, a full case of H322 or anything slower under the Lee 155 isn't even nearing the Pmax. Judging from the jacketed 150gr data, I believe RL7 would be an ideal powder for this cartridge which allows room to play around to find accuracy, especially with barrel length under consideration, but where do I stop?