Cast bullet books

[nicholst55]

Lyman 3rd , toss the Lyman 4th in the trash,

Agreed. I wanted to ask for a refund after I bought the 4th edition. What a disappointment! I'm really glad that I have the 2d and 3rd editions!

[danmat]

Number 1 gota have is Lyman #2, mainstay for all the older cast bullet powders rifle and pistol that most on here still rely on.

[Scrounge]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Veral Smith's book.

https://lbtmolds.com/products/jacket...-cast-bullets/

There's a pop-up that says their machine shop burned, but I don't have a clue how recent that was. IIRC, there was going to be a 4th edition of his book, but I didn't see it mentioned in a quick look at the website.

[Bronco72]

+1 for Veral's book!
I found it the most informative of the other casting books I have read.
From what I read his shop burnt down December 24th, 2022 and he will no longer be making molds! When he can he will start selling his book and bullet lube. On February 29, 2024, Veral had a major stroke. And this was not the kind that stems from a blood clot, but a was a brain bleed that caused extensive damage to the right side of his brain. Keep checking his web site for updates.
https://lbtmolds.com/

[adamjones]

Just my humble opinion but I think we're ready for the "5th Edition, Lyman Cast Bullet handbook". There are several newer cartridges like 350 Legend, 300 Blackout, and 450 Bushmaster (plus more) that weren't around when the 4th edition was published. Some of the powders in the 4th edition aren't made anymore, and some other useful or newer powders aren't listed. Cast loads for many popular wildcats aren't well represented in the 4th edition (I'd like to see cast data for the 7mm TCU, but then - everybody wants to see data for whatever wildcat they're loading for). Also, some cartridges listed in the 4th edition have a limited bullet selection. In example, the 7.62x39 is only represented by four bullet weights, topping out at 160 grains. There are lots of people that would like to see cast load data for heavier bullets in this caliber, like 180 grain or even 200 grain. Cast load date using Leverevolution in cartridges that can utilize it would be welcome. All of the cast bullet reloading manuals that we already have are very useful, but they're starting to get long of tooth. I think it's time that a newer cast bullet manual could find an eager market. I get what you mean about manuals getting outdated. Once new calibers and powders hit the market, the old guides can start to feel limited, especially when you’re experimenting with loads that aren’t well covered yet. I had a similar issue while studying law resources sometimes lag behind the actual needs you face in real situations. That’s when I looked for outside help, and honestly, you could check here . It wasn’t about shortcuts, but about getting guidance that was current and practical.

Totally agree.
A new edition would be really helpful, especially with so many newer cartridges and powders out there.
The 4th has served well, but it’s starting to show its age.

[MT Gianni]

I rate the Lyman books in order of the most useful: Cast #3, #4, #1 and #2. I like the RCBS book but it is mostly data. I think most casting books are inferior to the Classics and Stickys and FAQ items on this board.

[danmat]

Another great one is Ken Waters double edition. He has lots of cast data, though mostly for pistol calibers.

[K43]

Totally agree.
A new edition would be really helpful, especially with so many newer cartridges and powders out there.
The 4th has served well, but it’s starting to show its age.

The popup by Lady Charity states the 3rd Edition of the book is still available. The 4th Edition will not be completed or sold.

[barnabus]

Lyman 3rd , toss the Lyman 4th in the trash,

agree with dawg

[rintinglen]

I can not concur. There is useful data in the 4th on powders not available when the 3rd edition was published, indeed, some of the cartridges such as the 44 Special, half the powders listed in the 3rd are no longer manufactured, while several of those that are are not currently available. But the articles in the 3rd were much more informative. I stand by my recommendation to buy the 4th, download the 3rd, read both and cast better and shoot straight!

[kr54]

The 4th edition also uses bullets other than Lyman.