Best first reloading manual/handbook?

[Gatorade]

Da , please hear my confession. I own no reloading manuals. I learned by reading instructions that came with each set of dies and a couple single caliber load phamplets. Later I found info online and load data from magazines. A few issues of Reloader but no manuals. No thick bound books. Once I emailed a powder manufacturer. Almost any load data I need has been found online. I load for over a dozen different calibers and only very early with .300 BLK and .41 SPC have I not found what I needed within a few online searches.

Every time I think about buying a manual I look at the thousands of loads I will never use. I could go through a whole manual and need maybe 15-20 pages of it and even then all the same info is online.

Call me a sinner but I just don't see the need for thick dusty manuals. Unless there is the loss of the internet and even then I have notes about all my load data. I think I'm good.

[sdmc530]

Wow you're a sinner for sure. I think purchasing a manual is a good buy or two but I don't agree with buying a newer version every few years. Data rarely changes and powder companies know this. But pump out a new versions they will make lots of money on old info. They might tweak numbers to create the illusion of updates but its a ploy I believe. Online is a great source if you use trusted places. But at least have one manual

[AFJuvat]

Originally Posted by sdmc530

Wow you're a sinner for sure. I think purchasing a manual is a good buy or two but I don't agree with buying a newer version every few years. Data rarely changes and powder companies know this. But pump out a new versions they will make lots of money on old info. They might tweak numbers to create the illusion of updates but its a ploy I believe. Online is a great source if you use trusted places. But at least have one manual

I agree.

I got the Lyman 49 when I first started reloading again, mainly for the diversity of load data, plus it has one of the best "how to reload" sections.

I picked up the Hornady 9th edition because it had some load data that the Lyman didn't have.

Since I generally stick to Hodgdon/IMR/Winchester powders, I get the annual Hodgdon magazine for $6.00.

[DaFadda]

Originally Posted by Gatorade

Da , please hear my confession. I own no reloading manuals. I learned by reading instructions that came with each set of dies and a couple single caliber load phamplets. Later I found info online and load data from magazines. A few issues of Reloader but no manuals. No thick bound books. Once I emailed a powder manufacturer. Almost any load data I need has been found online. I load for over a dozen different calibers and only very early with .300 BLK and .41 SPC have I not found what I needed within a few online searches.

Every time I think about buying a manual I look at the thousands of loads I will never use. I could go through a whole manual and need maybe 15-20 pages of it and even then all the same info is online.

Call me a sinner but I just don't see the need for thick dusty manuals. Unless there is the loss of the internet and even then I have notes about all my load data. I think I'm good.

Wow... I've heard confessions before, (try sitting in an Airport terminal for two or three hours while wearing a collar and suit, I only did it once. Won't ever do it again. There are a whole bunch of men and women cheating on each other out there in the real world!) but I have never had to absolve someone of the sin of not owning a reloading manual.

I have the one that came with my RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit (Speer #14). It has served me well. I can certainly attest to the fact that I don't need the other 400 or so pages, but hey... I got it as part of the kit.

But we're not here to talk about me. You have asked for confession/absolution, so before I give absolution, there must be penance. For your penance, I require that you write a short note on this thread singing the praises of . Doesn't have to be long, but it should be heartfelt.

Good luck!
Da Michael

[sdmc530]

Dillon also has an app with a "good" data collection.

[Gatorade]

Oh is solid gold in my book. He has a since of humor that I share most of the time but above and beyond that he is a stand up husband and father. He served our country with honor and his son has followed in his footsteps. El is good people fighting the good fight in beautiful but nutty Cali.

[DaFadda]

Originally Posted by Gatorade

Oh is solid gold in my book. He has a since of humor that I share most of the time but above and beyond that he is a stand up husband and father. He served our country with honor and his son has followed in his footsteps. El is good people fighting the good fight in beautiful but nutty Cali.

In retrospect.... I should have required a poem. However, you have been absolved of the sin of not owning a reloading book. Go, and sin no more!

Da

[Gatorade]

Originally Posted by DaFadda

In retrospect.... I should have required a poem. However, you have been absolved of the sin of not owning a reloading book. Go, and sin no more!

Da

Oh a poem, like a limerick for St. Pat!

There once was a Chimp from Cali
He had a....


Never mind.

[sdmc530]

Originally Posted by Gatorade

Oh is solid gold in my book. He has a since of humor that I share most of the time but above and beyond that he is a stand up husband and father. He served our country with honor and his son has followed in his footsteps. El is good people fighting the good fight in beautiful but nutty Cali.

Not to thread jack this but this statement couldn't be more true. AND we have many amazing people who are just as "classy" on here, this class of people on COTEP is a full house!!


sense.....btw since you couldn't spell sense correctly! LOL (just had to jab you)

[DaFadda]

Originally Posted by sdmc530

Not to thread jack this but this statement couldn't be more true. AND we have many amazing people who are just as "classy" on here, this class of people on COTEP is a full house!!


sense.....btw since you couldn't spell sense correctly! LOL (just had to jab you)

I have to echo what just said. We have some of the greatest people who are members here. Hearts of gold. Yes, even !
Michael