Reloading Manual review -- introduction
David Munroe
Over the years I've collected quite a few reloading manuals. What I've
done this past week is write up a detailed comparative review of each of them;
this may be useful if you're thinking of adding another one to your collection.
The reviews are based entirely on my own preferences and biases, feel free to
disagree.
As you might expect, no one manual is the best: each has its good points and
weak spots -- this is one of the reasons for owning several.
The following manuals are reviewed (in the order I've acquired them):
SPEER #11
Hornady, 3rd edition
Nosler, No. 3
Hodgdon, No. 25
Lyman, No. 46
Sierra (handgun), 3rd edition
-Dave
David Munroe
SPEER Reloading Manual, number 11 (Aug. 1987)
As with most reloading manuals, the SPEER manual begins with a brief look at
its company's history, in this case CCI-SPEER-RCBS. This is followed by
one of the more detailed sections on handloading one is likely to find in a
reloading manual, covering safety, the cartridge case, primers, bullets, and
powder. Most notable is a brief description of over 60 powders, from Norma R1
through Accurate Arms MR-8700.
The section that deals with step-by-step handloading uses bottleneck cases to
illustrate the basic concepts, but there is a separate section in the middle
of the book for reloading handgun cartridges. A beginner should read both,
since the first section goes into detail about pressure signs, faulty cases,
troubleshooting, and special techniques.
For reloading data, the manual is divided into two sections covering over 60
rifle and over 30 handgun cartridges. Organization is by caliber rather
than bullet type or shooting discipline. A detailed list is given below.
Rifle calibers go from the 22 Hornet to the 458 Win. Mag.; pistol calibers
go from the 22 Hornet to the 454 Casull. The manual is recent enough to cover
the newer cartridges such as the 7x30 Waters and 7mm BR.
Since Blount, Inc. (CCI-SPEER-RCBS) manufactures bullets and primers, only CCI
primers and SPEER bullets appear among the load data. To help in selecting a
bullet, for each family of bullets (e.g. 30 caliber) a brief description is
given about the characteristics of each bullet weight and type (e.g. round
nose, boat tail, Grand Slam).
In the Rifle Reloading section, each cartridge has a brief one-page description
about its history, intended use, good points, bad points, and any special
considerations. Case dimensions are given, but overall length or seating
depth is not. For a given cartridge, reloading data is given for each bullet
weight or type that SPEER makes for that cartridge. The sectional density and
ballistic coefficient are also given. To keep space manageable in the rifle
section, SPEER chose to select the nine best powders that worked for a
particular cartridge and provide that as the reloading data; one of these
powders is usually a reduced load. Rifle information has a starting, medium,
and maximum load, and their corresponding velocities. No accuracy information
is given regarding different powders or with a particular powder. No pressure
information or load density information is given for individual loads, although
the manual states that loads are within SAAMI specifications. Information on
energy is given in the ballistics tables.
The format of the handgun section is similar, but with anywhere from 4 to
14 powders listed for a load with a given bullet (for the .32-20 with a 110gr
or 130gr bullet, you can choose from 28 powders!). However, only a starting
and maximum load is given in the handgun section, with the corresponding
velocities. For auto-loading pistol cartridges, the manual does give a
cartridge overall length.
Silhouette and Contender cartridges are not in a special section, but rather
appear according to caliber.
The manual is good about warning the reader when special conditions apply
to a particular load, e.g. temperature considerations or reduced-load
warnings with particular jacket types.
The reference section contains information on velocity and uniformity (Oehler
Research). Other interesting information is: rifling twist, case length and
trim length, an RCBS die table, a bullet energy table, a velocity/temperature
variation table, ballistic tables for short ranges (50 to 250 yards) and long
ranges (100 to 500 yards) based on ballistic coefficient and velocity.
An illustrated glossary is also provided.
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nice features:
- brief description of over 60 powders
- good variety of powders in the reloading data
- interesting descriptions of cartridges
- very detailed and well illustrated with photographs of cases, tools,
dies, components, cartridges, and easy-to-read diagrams and charts
missing features that would be nice to have:
- maximum cartridge overall length (rifles)
- accuracy information
- pressure information
- load density information
pages: 621
typical cost: $16.00 (and it also comes with the RCBS RS3 "starter kit")
overall impression:
This is an excellent manual for the more advanced reloader who desires
detailed loading data, flexibility, and variety in powder and bullet
selection. Its strong point being that it provides load data for a
wide selection of powders and bullets for rifle and pistol calibers in
a single volume.
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The SPEER #11 manual has reloading data for these calibers:
Rifle cartridges:
.22 bullets
22 Hornet
222 Remington
223 Remington
222 Remington Magnum
22 PPC
225 Winchester
22-250
220 Swift
.243, 6mm bullets
6mm PPC
243 Winchester
6mm & 244 Remington
240 Weatherby Magnum
.257 bullets
250 Savage
257 Roberts
25-06 Remington
257 Weatherby Magnum
6.5mm bullets
6.5 x 55mm
6.5mm Remington Magnum
264 Winchester Magnum
.270 bullets
270 Winchester
270 Weatherby Magnum
7mm bullets
7x30 Waters
7mm-08 Remington
7x57mm Mauser
280 Remington (7mm Express Remington)
284 Winchester
7mm Remington Magnum
7mm Weatherby Magnum
.30 bullets
30 M1 Carbine
7.62x39mm
30-30 Winchester
300 Savage
307 Winchester
308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO)
30-40 Krag
30-06
300 H&H Magnum
308 Norma Magnum (30-338)
300 Winchester Magnum
300 Weatherby Magnum
.311, .321, .323 bullets
303 British
32 Winchester Special (32 Remington)
8x57mm Mauser
8mm/06
8mm Remington Magnum
.338, 358, .366 bullets
338 Winchester Magnum
340 Weatherby Magnum
357 Magnum (rifle)
35 Remington
350 Remington Magnum
356 Winchester
358 Winchester
358 Norma Magnum
9.3x62mm
9.3x74R
.375, .44, .45 bullets
375 Winchester
375 H&H Magnum
41 Magnum (rifle)
44 Magnum (rifle)
444 Marlin
45-70
458 Winchester Magnum
Handgun cartridges:
22 Hornet (pistol)
22 K-Hornet (pistol)
221 Remington Fireball
6mm TCU
7mm BR Remington
7mm TCU
7mm International Rimmed
7mm IHMSA
30 Carbine (pistol)
30-30 Winchester (pistol)
32 S&W Long
32 H&R Magnum
32-20
380 Auto (9mm Kurz)
9mm Parabellum
38 Super
38 S&W
38 Special
357 Magnum
357 Maximum
35 Remington
41 Magnum
44 Special
44 Magnum
45 Auto Rim
45 Auto
45 Colt
45 Colt (for Ruger or Contender only)
45 Winchester Magnum
454 Casull
David Munroe
Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, Third Edition
(seventh printing, 1987)
The first section of this manual deals with accuracy. It has an excellent
color section that shows what happens in the chamber of a rifle when it is
fired and how the case and bullet are affected. It visibly demonstrates
headspace, case stretching, expansion, and pressure. This is an excellent
section which would be of interest to all reloaders and shooters.
The manual has separate step-by-step instructions for reloading rifle and
handgun cartridges. Yet another separate section discusses improving accuracy,
reloading techniques, case problems, headspace problems, bullet pulling and
the like. The section also has interesting comparisons of weighed vs. thrown
charges, pressure differences with different brass, and new vs. eroded barrel
comparisons. The step-by-step instructions are accompanied by photographs and
the text is moderately thorough. By comparison, the SPEER manual goes into
more detail and has more useful photographs. For example, the SPEER manual
has more photographs illustrating pressure and headspace problems.
Since Hornady is a bullet manufacturer, there is a good deal of information
on numerous bullet types and their uses. All reloading data used Hornady
bullets. The reloading sections list over 80 rifle cartridges (from the
.17 Mach IV to the 460 Weatherby Magnum), 19 pistol cartridges, and 10
Thompson/Center Contender cartridges (these are all listed below).
In the Rifle Reloading section, each cartridge has a brief one-page description
about its history, intended use, good points, bad points, and any special
considerations. Case dimensions are given, along with overall length for each
bullet type. Ballistic coefficients are not given here, but rather in the
tables at the end of the book. Often reloading data is given for fewer bullet
weights than one might expect, or for a narrower range. Powder selections are
mostly IMR, Hodgdon, Winchester, and Norma. Rather than having a starting,
medium, and maximum load, load data for a particular cartridge and bullet is
organized by velocity. For example, with a .30-06 and a 168gr BTHP, you get
a choice of 11 powders starting at a low velocity of 2500fps and topping out
at either 2700fps or 2900fps, depending on powder choice. The manual does
indicate which powders seemed to work better for a particular caliber. No
pressure information or load density information is given for individual loads.
The format of the Pistol and Thompson/Center Contender Reloading section is
similar, but with more variety in powder choice. Again, loading information
is organized by velocity which gives the reloader a good idea as to how small
changes in charge weight affects velocity. Compared to the SPEER manual, there
is slightly less information. Using a .30-30 Contender for example, Hornady
lists loading data for 110gr, 130gr, and 150gr bullets and a total of five
powders. SPEER, however, has data for 110gr, 130gr, 150gr, and 165gr, and a
total of twelve powders.
The ballistic tables are organized on bullet diameter and type. There are
actually five sets of tables: short range rifle (300 and 600 yds), long range
rifle (1000 yds), rifle silhouette (500m), short range pistol (125m), and
long range pistol/silhouette (200m).
Other interesting items are the wind drift tables, uphill/downhill tables, a
primer chart (various manufacturers), and shell holder chart (various
manufacturers).
An illustrated glossary is also provided.
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nice features:
- excellent description of what happens in the chamber when a round
is fired and the effects on the case and pressure
- provides reloading data for an extensive list of rifle cartridges
- for a given caliber, bullet, and powder, shows numerous charge
weights and the resulting velocity
missing features that would be nice to have:
- more photographs to illustrate pressure and case problems
- more specific accuracy information
- pressure information
- load density information
- load data for a broader range of bullet weights and powders
- description of powders
pages: 665
typical cost: $13.00
overall impression:
I found this manual to be somewhat of a "sleeper" -- it contains
much more information than you might think by paging through it.
Perhaps it's the generous use of whitespace that gives it a
deceptively sparse appearance. Although not quite as extensive as
the SPEER manual in providing load data; it has many descriptions
and illustrations that are excellent. Because it does such a good
job describing the firing process and pressure, I would especially
recommend this manual for someone getting started in reloading.
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The Hornady manual has reloading data for these calibers:
Rifle cartridges:
17 Mach IV
17 Remington
22 Hornet
218 Bee
222 Remington
223 Remington
222 Remington Magnum
22 PPC
5.6x50mm Magnum
219 Donaldson Wasp
219 Zipper
225 Winchester
224 Weatherby Magnum
22-250
220 Swift
5.6x57mm RWS
5.6x52R (22 Savage High Power)
6x47mm
243 Winchester
6mm Remington (244)
6mm/284
240 Weatherby Magnum
25-20 WCF
256 Winchester Magnum
25-35 Winchester (25 Remington)
250-3000 Savage
257 Roberts
257 Roberts Improved
25-06 Remington
257 Weatherby Magnum
6.5 Japanese
6.5 Carcano
6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer
6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser
6.5mm Remington Magnum
264 Winchester Magnum
270 Winchester
270 Weatherby Magnum
7mm-08 Remington
7x57mm Mauser
284 Winchester
280 Remington (7mm Express Remington)
7x65R
7x61 Sharpe & Hart
7mm Remington Magnum
7mm Weatherby Magnum
7.5 Schmidt Rubin (7.5 Swiss)
30 Carbine
30-30 Winchester
300 Savage
308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO)
7.62 Russian
30-40 Krag
30-06
300 H&H Magnum
308 Norma Magnum (30-338)
300 Winchester Magnum
300 Weatherby Magnum
303 British
7.7 Japanese
32 Winchester Special (32 Remington)
8mm Mauser (8x57S)
8mm/06
8x68S Magnum
8mm Remington Magnum
33 Winchester
338 Winchester Magnum
340 Weatherby Magnum
348 Winchester
357 Magnum (rifle)
35 Remington
358 Winchester
350 Remington Magnum
35 Whelen
358 Norma Magnum
375 Winchester
375 H&H Magnum
378 Weatherby Magnum
44 Magnum (rifle)
444 Marlin
45-70
45-70 (1895)
45-70 Ruger
458 Winchester Magnum
460 Weatherby Magnum
Pistol cartridges:
221 Remington Fireball
25 Auto
256 Winchester Magnum
7x45mm Ingram (7/223 Improved)
7mm BR Remington
30 M1 Carbine (pistol)
380 Auto (9mm Kurz)
9mm Luger (Parabellum)
38 Super
38 Auto
38 Special
357 Magnum
41 Magnum
44 Special
44 Magnum
44 Auto Mag
45 Auto
45 Auto Rim
45 Long Colt
Thompson/Center Contender load data for:
22 Remington Jet
22 Hornet (pistol)
222 Remington
30 Herrett
30-30 Winchester (pistol)
357/44 Bain & Davis
357 Herrett
44 Magnum
David Munroe
Nosler Reloading Manual, Number Three
(printed October, 1989)
Nosler, like Hornady, is a bullet manufacturer, so a fair amount of space
in the beginning of the manual is devoted to Nosler bullet manufacturing.
Included are some very good cutaway views of various types of Nosler bullets,
with a description of their characteristics.
The Introduction to Reloading section is one of the best I've seen in a
reloading manual: it's very well organized, easy to read, and covers
topics I've picked up over the years, but haven't seen written down and
organized in one place. The section first discusses the work area: the
reloading bench, loading blocks, shelves, storage space, and privacy. It
has a good sized section on safety issues. Next, there is a nicely
illustrated section on reloading tools: presses, dies, and the usual
accessories. This is followed by a section on cartridge components,
a primer interchangeability chart, and a good description of chambering,
the firing process, and pressure. Hornady goes into somewhat more detail
about the firing process, but Nosler's description is also very good; many
other reloading manuals do not discuss the issue. Also good is a section
on chamber pressure which has excellent photographs and descriptions of
high pressure symptoms. Lastly, techniques are described for comparing
pressure between factory loads and reloads, resizing methods, and bullet
seating in relation to the lands of the barrel.
The step-by-step Rifle Reloading section is well written and accompanied
by lots of useful photographs. Additionally, they have several pages with
photographs that describe the use of a progressive reloading machine.
The next two sections are real gems: the first is titled "Accuracy Made Simple"
by Layne Simpson; it is a very thorough discussion about what accuracy is, case
preparation, primers, powders, the bullet, and the accurate handload. Next is
Technical Tips and Troubleshooting. Here we have detailed information on
topics such as rifle cleaning, determining the barrel twist rate, checking
case stretch, casting a chamber, working up a new load, bore sighting, and a
detailed checklist of 20 problems you may encounter and their possible causes.
This section is uncommonly good.
Next is the step-by-step Handgun Reloading section, equally as detailed as the
Rifle section. Finally, we have a section by Bob Milek on evaluating handgun
hunting loads.
The Rifle Reloading data follows next, beginning with an index to the available
bullets, their sectional densities and ballistic coefficients. For each
caliber there is a diagram of the case dimensions and test information. It
appears that all loads in this manual were fired in test barrels rather than
actual rifles or handguns. In any case, information is given on barrel length,
twist rate, and the case and primer manufacturers. No information is given on
overall length or seating depth, however these issues are discussed in the
beginning sections of the manual. Like the Hornady manual, there seem to be
fewer selections of bullet weight and style than one would expect (the .30-30
rifle loads, for example, list only 150gr and 170gr weights, but this is an
extreme case). On the good side, there seems to be a good variety of powder
selections in the load data. Load data consists of a minimum, medium, and
maximum charge along with velocity and load density information. Energy
information is provided in the ballistics tables. One of the really nice
things Nosler does is to show the most accurate powder tested for a particular
caliber and bullet weight, and, for the other powders, which of the starting,
medium, or maximum, loads was most accurate. Instead of the usual history,
good points, and bad points regarding a cartridge, Nosler begins each
cartridge description with a one page related "story" written by a well known
gun writer or shooting personality. Although these stories are very
interesting, enjoyable, and often amusing, I miss the usual historical and
comparative information the other reloading manuals give.
The format of the Handgun Reloading data is identical, with data organized
by caliber rather than bullet type or shooting discipline. The handgun
section isn't visibly different in appearance as it is in other manuals: the
entire manual has very pleasant forest green highlighting. Although you're
not likely to mistake .30-06 data as a handgun load, you have to flip to the
beginning of the cartridge description to see if you are looking at a .30-30
rifle load or the Contender load. You'd most likely do that anyway, so this
is a very minor point.
Both the rifle and handgun sections have newer cartridges such as 7x30 Waters
and 10mm Auto, but the selection of calibers is fewer than either Hornady or
SPEER.
Lastly, the book ends with rifle and handgun ballistic tables and a description
on how to use them.
An illustrated glossary is also provided.
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nice features:
- exceptionally well organized, with good descriptions and photographs
- contains useful techniques not found in other manuals
- provides information on load density
- provides information on accuracy of a powder for a particular caliber
and bullet weight
- Attractive cover, highlighting, and typography
missing features that would be nice to have:
- better distinction between the rifle and handgun sections
- description on cartridge history, good points, bad points, and
any special considerations
- load data for a broader range of bullet weights
- wider selection of calibers
- description of powders
pages: 516
typical cost: $16.00
overall impression:
If you can have only two reloading manuals (and you should have at
least two for comparing loads), this should be one of them. It is
very well organized, thorough, well illustrated, and provides useful
techniques not found in other manuals.
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The Nosler manual has reloading data for these calibers:
Rifle cartridges:
.22 bullets
22 Hornet
218 Bee
222 Remington
223 Remington
222 Remington Magnum
225 Winchester
22-250
220 Swift
22 PPC
.243, 6mm bullets
6mm PPC
243 Winchester
6mm & 244 Remington
240 Weatherby Magnum
.257 bullets
250-3000 Savage
257 Roberts
257 Roberts Improved
25-06 Remington
257 Weatherby Magnum
6.5mm bullets
6.5 x 55mm Swedish Mauser
6.5-06
264 Winchester Magnum
.270 bullets
270 Winchester
270 Weatherby Magnum
7mm bullets
7x30 Waters
7mm-08 Remington
7x57mm Mauser
280 Remington (7mm Express Remington)
7mm Remington Magnum
7mm Weatherby Magnum
.30 bullets
30-30 Winchester
300 Savage
308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO)
30-40 Krag
30-06
300 H&H Magnum
308 Norma Magnum (30-338)
300 Winchester Magnum
300 Weatherby Magnum
8mm bullets
8x57mm Mauser
8mm Remington Magnum
.338, 358 bullets
338-06
340 Weatherby Magnum
358 Winchester
35 Whelen
350 Remington Magnum
358 Norma Magnum
.375 bullets
375 H&H Magnum
378 Weatherby Magnum
Handgun cartridges:
22 Hornet (pistol)
221 Remington Fireball
22 BR Remington
6mm BR Remington
7mm TCU
7mm BR Remington
7x30 Waters
30-30 Winchester (pistol)
380 Auto (9mm Kurz)
9mm Luger (Parabellum)
38 Special
357 Magnum
357 Maximum
10mm Auto
41 Magnum
44 Special
44 Magnum
45 Auto
45 Long Colt
45 Winchester Magnum
David Munroe
Sierra Handgun Reloading Manual, 3rd Edition
(printed: 1989)
For its third edition of reloading manuals, Sierra offers two volumes: one
for handgun reloading and one for rifles. Although the cost of the handgun
manual alone is more than most other "complete" manuals, I am impressed enough
by it to feel that it's a bargain.
The first section briefly describes the Sierra facility and the bullet
manufacturing process and is accompanied by numerous photographs.
The next section, Competitive Handgunning, covers metallic silhouette and
Action Pistol. David Bradshaw provides a thorough introduction to silhouette
shooting. It is up-to-date and he does a good job telling us what the game
is about and what the various calibers and guns are capable of doing. As I
remarked in the Hodgdon manual review, I wish David had put a little more
emphasis on Production class guns. Other than that, his introduction is
excellent. Rob Leatham does an equally good job describing Action shooting.
He discusses the founding principles, "minor" and "major" loads, the calibers
and guns used, and handloading considerations.
Following this, Bob Milek and J.D. Jones provide some interesting and useful
reading on handgun hunting. Bob Milek discusses the effectiveness and
appropriateness of various calibers, and effective distance considerations
the handgun hunter has to have. J.D. Jones gives us some good insight into
shooting the really heavy stuff for big game.
Bob Milek has another section titled "Choosing the Correct Pistol Bullet."
This is entirely hunting related and does not discuss what might be good for
silhouette or benchrest shooting.
Sierra introduces two new topics: chronographs and ballistics programs for
personal computers. Here, Rick Jamison writes about the principles and
features of several chronographs and how they can be used to help the
handgunner. Sierra gives us a short description of its Exterior Ballistics
Program. This program has three modes: mode 1 calculates point blank range
and is useful to hunters, mode 2 calculates bullet ballistics, and mode 3
answers questions about what happens when shooting conditions change (e.g.
if the wind changes).
The next section, Sierra Handgun Bullets, provides a wealth of information.
First, Sierra describes the uses and features of each type of bullet they
make, e.g. hornet, blitz, spitzer boat tail, jacketed hollow point, and so
on. Altogether, the features and characteristics of 16 bullet types are
explained. Here, the reader can get a really good feel for which bullet type
will be most appropriate. If that weren't enough, Sierra then gives us the
characteristics and features of each Sierra handgun bullet in each caliber!!!
Along with this, is the recommended velocity range for accuracy and the optimum
effective range intended for that type of bullet.
In the Reloading section, topics discussed are: choosing equipment, cartridge
cases, reloading the case, case trimming, resizing, primers, powders, bullets,
and bullet seating. There really isn't a step-by-step description, which I
think could make things clearer for the beginner. Also, although there are
photographs in this section, it would have been useful to have photographs
illustrating case defects and pressure signs. Sierra provides a bit more
information on primers than usual and also devotes some space to using a
progressive reloader. There is also a powder burning rate chart, but no
description of powder usage and characteristics.
Now we come to the reloading data, which is one of the places where this
manual really shines. The data is organized into a pistol and revolver
section followed by a single shot pistol section. As with the Nosler manual,
I wish they would have made some color distinction between these two sections.
For each caliber, Sierra gives a description of its history, good points,
bad points, and reloading considerations. There is also a diagram of case
dimensions, test specifications, test components (including trim length), and
bullets used.
For each caliber and bullet style or weight, we are given the cartridge
overall length, a wide variety of powders to choose from, and a series of
charge weights which you can base on either velocity or energy. Additionally,
if the load is for a Thompson/Center Contender, you actually get two tables
per load: one for 10" and one for 14" barrels. Finally, from out of the
table two loads are selected: one which has been determined to be the best
accuracy load and the other the best hunting load. Although Nosler goes one
step further in choosing accuracy loads (by indicating the most accurate powder
and also the most accurate load with any given powder), the data provided here
by Sierra is excellent in its variety of powder and bullet choice.
Chapter X covers Exterior Ballistics. This is an amazing chapter containing
almost 100 pages of very readable and well illustrated information. Even if
you think you'd never be interested in this kind of stuff, I'd strongly suggest
taking a look. The section begins with a historical summary and goes on to
discuss the ballistic coefficient. Actual firing tests are described next
followed by graphs and a discussion about how the ballistic coefficient changes
near the speed of sound. Other topics are the effects of uphill and downhill
shooting, with excellent illustrations, and the effects of wind. The meaning
of Point Blank range is explained and illustrated well also. This is followed
by almost 300 (!) pages of highly detailed ballistics tables and explanatory
information.
Lastly, the Reference section discusses barrel care and cleaning, cleaning
and accuracy, provides a shellholder chart, rate of twist tables, and
conversion factors.
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nice features:
- outstanding description of the characteristics and features for
each type of bullet in each caliber
- excellent load data information
- loose-leaf format for later changes and additions, attractive
typography and layout
- amazing chapter on exterior ballistics
- highly informative ballistics tables
- lists newer cartridges (e.g. 10mm Auto, 270 REN)
missing features that would be nice to have:
- step-by-step description of the reloading process
- photographs illustrating case defects and pressure signs
- description of powders
- a distinction between pistol/revolver and single-shot sections
- an illustrated glossary
pages: 704 (in a 3-ring loose-leaf binder with indexed tabs)
typical cost: $23.00
overall impression:
For experienced reloaders, I think this is one of the best manuals
you can get. Its strong points include the extensive information
it provides on bullet selection, reloading data, and ballistics.
The Nosler manual has more information on the basics of reloading,
step-by-step methods, and useful techniques, but doesn't have the
extensive reloading data.
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The Sierra Handgun manual (3rd edition) has reloading data for these calibers:
pistol/revolver data:
22 Remington jet
25 Auto
30 carbine
32 Auto
32 H&R Magnum
380 Auto
9mm Luger
38 Super
38 Special
357 Magnum
357 Remington Maximum
375 SuperMag
10mm Auto
41 Action Express
41 Magnum
44 Special
44 Magnum
44 AutoMag
445 SuperMag
45 Auto rim
45 Auto
45 Colt (Colt SAA revolvers and replicas)
45 Colt (ruger, s&w, Dan Wesson, t/c)
single shot
22 Remington jet
22 Hornet
22 K-hornet
221 Remington Fireball (XP-100)
221 Remington Fireball (T/C Contender)
222 Remington
223 Remington
6mm TCU
6mm BR
6.5 TCU
270 REN
7mm TCU
7mm BR
7mm Int. (IHMSA)
7mm-08
7-30 Waters
30 Herrett
30-30 Winchester
308 Winchester
32-20 Winchester
32 H&R Magnum
357 Magnum
357 Remington Maximum
357 Herrett
35 Remington
10mm Auto
41 Magnum
44 Magnum
445 SuperMag
45 Colt
45 Winchester Magnum
45-70 Government
David Munroe
Lyman Reloading Handbook, 46th Edition
(sixth printing, July 1988)
Lyman is a manufacturer of reloading and bullet casting tools. Consequently,
this edition of their handbook contains a wealth of both historical and
current information on reloading tools, bullet design, and casting technique.
The presentation order of the chapters is a bit disorganized: a reader will
go from a lengthy discussion of muzzleloaders, Minies, and cast bullets,
then on to jacketed bullets and modern techniques, back to bullet casting,
and then to reloading. The material is well written and thorough, but the
organization of the chapters is distracting. For this review, I've grouped
the chapters under several headings of my own choosing and placed the chapters
in an order which I feel is more natural:
category chapter contents
------- ------ ----------------------------
Historical I a history of Lyman products
Reloading XIV introduction
XV components
XVI rifle cartridges
XVII pistol cartridges
V steps to accuracy in the reloading process
IX accuracy techniques, considerations, testing
Specialized
Information IV jacketed bullet design
VII ballistics
X statistics
VIII pressure testing with the crusher and
piezo systems
Hunting VI handloading considerations
Muzzleloading II introduction
Cast Bullets III historical overview of the cast bullet
XI Lyman cast bullet designs
XII getting started in bullet casting
XIII bullet casting, step-by-step
The first chapter traces the history of Lyman from its earliest products to
its latest equipment. It contains numerous photographs of the Lyman Gun Sight
plant throughout the century and dozens of diagrams, photographs, and detailed
descriptions of their earlier products.
The Introduction to Reloading section begins with a discussion on the economics
of reloading, gets interrupted slightly by six pages of sales-brochure style
information, and then does a very good job describing the steps of sizing,
expanding, priming, charging, and bullet seating using their #310 hand
reloading tool. Since the chapter is supposedly for the beginner, the sales
information about their presses, tumbler, powder measure, trimmer, and dies
is presented too soon: a beginner is not likely to know the significance of
the various features and tools. The chapter on components does a respectable
job discussing cases, primers, powders, and bullets. There is a description
of over 40 powders including black powder and Pyrodex. Reloaders who are not
interested in cast bullets might get a little irked at Lyman's continual
focus on that subject. For example, all they have to say about Winchester's
748 is that it is well-suited for cast bullets. However, the chapters on
reloading rifle and pistol cartridges are written and illustrated extremely
well. A good step-by-step description is provided, using their Orange Crusher
(single stage) press for the rifle reloading section, and their T-Mag (turret)
press for the pistol section. The chapters on accuracy are very thorough; the
major topics covered are: record keeping, sizing, primer seating, powder
measuring, bullet seating, bore condition, cleaning, orienting components,
neck turning, barrel vibrations, muzzle jump, and bench testing.
Among the specialized information, the chapter on jacketed bullet design
discusses ballistic coefficients, sectional density, and the effectiveness
of various bullets on game. The chapter on exterior ballistics gives a
historical overview of bullet design, discusses air drag effects, ballistic
coefficients, altitude, atmospheric conditions, and provides considerable
detail in terms of diagrams and tables. The Statistics for Handloaders
chapter is a refresher course in statistics, dealing with standard deviation,
confidence limits, and getting good data. Reloading manuals mention pressure
a lot; here in chapter VIII you get to learn about the crusher and piezo
techniques for measuring pressure. This chapter is full of excellent
information and graphs.
The chapter on hunting is by Bob Milek, who discusses the advantages
handloading offers the hunter, reloading techniques, bullet selection,
and accuracy.
The Muzzleloading chapter discusses the long guns, pistols, the flintlock
mechanism, the roundball and Minie, loading and shooting tips, and selecting
a muzzleloader for purchase.
Lyman devotes a considerable amount of space to cast bullets. After reading
the chapters that deal with cast bullets, it's amazing to realize that Lyman
has a complete other handbook on cast bullets (Lyman's "Cast Bullet Handbook",
of course). This section begins with descriptions and text that deal with
the characteristics of various cast bullet designs. The chapters on bullet
casting itself are really well done: it describes the equipment needed,
provides a step-by-step description on how bullets are cast from alloy, and
also gives numerous tips and techniques.
Now for the reloading data. Lyman has three sections: rifle, pistol, and the
Thompson/Center Contender. Which section you're in is indicated by a drawing
of the weapon type at the top of the page. The format of all three sections is
identical: for each caliber there is a diagram of the case dimensions, a brief
commentary, test specifications and components, and load data for numerous
bullet weights and types for that caliber.
The commentary is entirely technical, usually discussing powder or bullet
choice and pressure considerations. Sometimes the commentary is oriented
entirely to cast bullets; the commentary on the .357 Magnum devotes three
paragraphs to cast bullet issues. Beginners or non-cast bullet reloaders
might be disappointed when the only commentary they can find about this
popular cartridge tells them to slug the bore and to cast bullets according
to the groove diameter. The number of bullet weights that load data is
provided for is reasonably wide. Additionally, Lyman provides at least one
additional table for a cast bullet load (for the more popular calibers such
as .44mag, there are five cast bullet loads in addition to the six jacketed
bullet loads). The powders used are those by DuPont, Winchester, Hercules,
Hodgdon, and Gearhart-Owen. The load data consists of a starting and maximum
load along with corresponding velocities and pressures. Loads which are
believed to be potentially the most accurate are indicated. Overall lengths
are given for each bullet type, which is nice. Ballistics information can be
found in chapter VII.
The Reference section has a nicely illustrated discussion regarding pressure
signs (but it should have been part of the reloading section). This is
followed by a table on factory ammo specifications (including velocity), a
discussion on recoil, a shell holder chart, rates of twist tables, and mould
reference tables. Lastly, there is a glossary of terms.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
nice features:
- excellent step-by-step descriptions and illustrations of the
reloading process
- excellent discussion of pressure testing techniques
- highly detailed information on bullet casting and cast bullets
- load data for an extensive list of calibers
missing features that would be nice to have:
- better organization of chapters
- descriptions of calibers, good points, bad points
- load density information
- more useful description of powders
pages: 463 (8.5" x 11" format)
typical cost: $18.00
overall impression:
For the reloader who casts or uses cast bullets, this is definitely
the manual to have. Aside from that, several chapters contain useful
information that is hard to find elsewhere. The organization of this
manual could be better, but it does provide a good second source of
reloading information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lyman Reloading Handbook has reloading data for an extensive list of
calibers.
- almost 80 rifle cartridges: from the .17 Remington
to the .50-140-3 1/4 Sharps; an impressive list which
is similar to, but with slightly fewer calibers than
those listed by Hodgdon.
- over 20 pistol cartridges: from the .22 Remington Jet
to the .45 Colt; this also includes .221 Fireball and
7mm BR for the XP-100.
- 16 loads for use in the T/C Contender: from the .22 Remington Jet
to the .45 Winchester Magnum; silhouette shooters will find loads
for the 7mm TCU, .30 Herrett, .30-30, .357 Magnum, .357 Herrett,
and .44 Magnum.
Calibers such as 10mm Auto, .357 Maximum, and .41 AE are too recently popular
to have made the 46th edition; the 7x30 Waters was also missing. They'll most
likely be in the next edition.
David Munroe
Hodgdon Data Manual No. 25
(printed December, 1988)
This is a very different and fascinating reloading manual. Naturally, it
deals mostly with Hodgdon smokeless powders, but this manual also contains
shotshell, Pyrodex, and Black Powder load data.
According to its opening chapter, the Hodgdon Powder Company would not be where
it is today if its founder, Bruce Hodgdon, hadn't refused to wear a necktie at
his job with the Gas Company. Therein follows an interesting history of the
Hodgdon Powder Company and the making of Hodgdon rifle powders. Here you will
discover that most Hodgdon propellants are really made by Olin and that others
are imported from Scotland. In any case, their description of manufacturing
spherical powder and Pyrodex makes for interesting and worthwhile reading;
numerous photographs also illustrate this process. A brief description of
the characteristics of each Hodgdon powder follows, including Pyrodex.
Next follows a somewhat brief but adequate description of cartridge cases,
case trimming, headspace, primers, and bullets. A fairly extensive amount
of knowledge and good advice is given about powder and understanding pressure.
Their step-by-step reloading procedure is also brief but adequate. This is
followed by sections on rifle and pistol case dimensions. It would have been
more convenient to have this information provided with the actual load data
rather than in a separate section.
Load data is presented in a somewhat unorthodox manner. It is divided up into
these sections:
- rifle data
- jacketed bullet data
- H1000 (powder) data
- lead bullet data
- silhouette data
- pistol data
- shotshell data
- Pyrodex data
- black powder data
Load data was developed using pressure barrels. In addition to providing
data for Hodgdon powder, the jacketed bullet data section also contains loads
using IMR and Winchester powder. Information for each caliber consists of
(test) barrel length, bullet diameter, primer size, maximum case length, and
the trim-to length. A reasonably good selection of bullet weights are given,
although no mention is made of bullet type (other than being jacketed or lead).
No historical or other characteristics is given about the calibers, thereby
presenting the reader with just lots of tables and no text. This takes away
some of the charm usually found in a reloading manual. For any given caliber
and bullet weight, a large number of powder selections are given. A starting
and a maximum load is given with the corresponding velocity and pressure
values. No indication is given as to which powder might offer the best
accuracy. No energy data or ballistic information is given, nor information
on load density. Unless you are familiar with the characteristics of
numerous Hodgdon powders, you might be at a loss choosing among the many
loads provided.
The rifle reloading section ends with an article on benchrest shooting. The
techniques for accuracy presented here can be applied to your everyday
shooting.
This manual provides reloading data for am amazingly large list of rifle
calibers; much larger than even Hornady. However, calibers such as the 10mm
Auto are too recently popular to have made the 25th edition.
The silhouette data is preceded by an introduction to silhouette shooting
by David Bradshaw. It provides a good introduction to the sport, but I would
like to have seen more emphasis on Production class guns. Sure, the Unlimited
guns (XP-100's, and 14" T/C's) get top scores by being able to group 2" at
200 meters, but the Production class is a large part of IHMSA and the key
idea is that you can take an unmodified out-of-the-box gun, do well with it,
and have fun.
The section on shotshell data is extensive and very detailed. A step-by-step
sequence, with photographs, demonstrates the shotshell reloading procedure.
The shotshell data section contains information on wads, cases, safety and
steel shot, factory loadings, slugs, buckshot, load applications (i.e. trap,
skeet, waterfowl), and shotshell dimensions. Actual loading data is very
detailed and covers 10ga., 12ga., 16ga., 20ga., 28ga., and 410ga.
Any charm missing from the smokeless powder sections of the manual is regained
in the Pyrodex and Black Powder sections. The Pyrodex section begins with an
introduction to muzzleloading, with a very readable and enjoyable part that
describes the considerations and techniques that have been perfected over the
years. Even if you've never been interested in black powder guns, I'd
recommend reading this section - you might even get hooked!
Next is a section on factory testing of Pyrodex, and Pyrodex load data.
Lastly, the Black Powder section is introduced with an article on the
techniques of shooting flintlocks - again, very readable and enjoyable to
the black powder shooter and intriguing to the rest of us. This is followed
by black powder load data, hints, ball sizes, and a case interchangeability
chart (which tells you, for example, how you can make a .45-70 out of an
older .40-60 case).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
nice features:
- interesting description of powder manufacturing processes
- informative discussion of pressure
- extensive data on shotshell reloading
- extensive information on Pyrodex, and black powder data
and techniques
- has reloading data for an amazingly large list of rifle calibers
missing features that would be nice to have:
- descriptions of calibers, good points, bad points
- information as to which powder might offer the best accuracy
- energy and ballistic information
- load density information
- description of powders
pages: 544
typical cost: $18.00
overall impression:
This is a specialized reloading manual and not something for the
beginning reloader of modern rifle or pistol cartridges. If you
are familiar with the Hodgdon powders, then this manual is a
valuable resource. However, shotshell reloaders and black powder
shooters, even beginners, will discover that this is an excellent
manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hodgdon manual has reloading data for these calibers:
rifle cartridges (jacketed bullets)
.17 Ackley Bee
.17 Mach IV
.17-222
.17-223
.17 Remington
.22 Hornet
.22 Hornet (for Ruger only)
.218 Bee
.222 Remington
.222 Remington Magnum
.223 Remington
.22 PPC
.224 Weatherby
.219 Wasp
.225 Winchester
.22-250 Remington
.220 Swift
6mm x .222
6mm x .222 Magnum (6 x 47)
6mm PPC
.240 Weatherby
.25/20
.256 Winchester (rifle)
.25/35
.250/3000 Savage
.257 Roberts
.25/284
.25-06
.257 Weatherby Magnum
6.5 Japanese
6.5 Carcano
6.5 x 55 Swedish
6.5/257
6.5 x 06
6.5mm Remington Magnum
.264 Winchester Magnum
6.5 x 68mm
.270 Winchester
.270 Weatherby Magnum
7mm x 30 Waters
7mm x 08 Remington
7mm Mauser (7 x 57)
7 x 57 (for Ruger only)
.280 Remington (7mm Remington Express)
.284 Winchester
7mm Remington Magnum
7mm Weatherby Magnum
7.5 Swiss
.30 M1 Carbine
.30/30 Winchester
.30/40 Krag
.30/40 Krag (for Ruger only)
.300 Savage
.307 Winchester
.308 Winchester
.308 Winchester match loads (7.62 NATO)
.30/06
.300 H&H
.308 Norma Magnum
.300 Winchester Magnum
.300 Weatherby Magnum
7.62 x 39 Russian
7.7 Japanese
.303 British
7.65 Mauser
.32 Winchester Special
8mm Mauser (8 x 57)
8mm Remington Magnum
.338 Winchester Magnum
.340 Weatherby Magnum
.348 Winchester
.357 Magnum (rifle)
.35 Remington
.356 Winchester
.358 Winchester
.35 Whelen
.350 Remington Magnum
.38/55 Winchester
.375 Winchester
.375 H&H Magnum
.375 Weatherby
.378 Weatherby
.44/40 Winchester
.44 Magnum (rifle)
.444 Marlin
.45/70
.45/70 (for Ruger or model 1895 Marlin only)
.458 Winchester
.460 Weatherby
rifle cartridges (lead bullets)
.22 Hornet
.218 Bee
.222 Remington
.222 Remington Magnum
.223 Remington
.224 Weatherby
.225 Winchester
.22-250 Remington
.243 Winchester
.244 Remington (6mm Remington)
.25/20
.250 Savage
.257 Roberts
6.5 Remington Magnum
.265 Winchester Magnum
.270 Winchester
7mm Mauser (7 x 57)
7mm Remington Magnum
.30 M1 Carbine
.30/30 Winchester
.30/40 Krag
.300 Savage
.308 Winchester
.30/06
.308 Norma Magnum
.303 British
7.65mm Mauser
8mm Mauser (8 x 57)
.444 Marlin
.45/70
.458 Winchester
silhouette cartridges
.223 Remington
.25 IHMSA
6.5 TCU (6.5 x .223)
6.5 IHMSA
.270 IHMSA
7mm TCU (7 x .223)
7mm BR Remington
7mm IHMSA
7mm x 08
.284 Winchester
.30/30 Winchester
.30 IHMSA
.308 Winchester
8mm IHMSA
.338 IHMSA
.357 Magnum
.357 Remington Maximum
.357-44 Bain-Davis
.357 Herrett
.35 Remington
.35 IHMSA
.44 Magnum
.45 Winchester Magnum
.45 Long Colt (Thompson/Center or Ruger only)
pistol cartridges
.17 Bumble Bee
.22 Remington Jet
.221 Remington Fireball
.256 Winchester (pistol)
.30 Luger
.30 Carbine (pistol)
.30 Herrett
.32 S&W
.32 S&W Long (.32 Colt New Police)
.32 Auto
.32 H&R Magnum
.38 S&W (.38 Colt New Police)
.380 Auto (9mm Kurz)
.38 Super
9mm Luger (Parabellum)
.38 Special
.38 Special +P
.357 Magnum
.41 Magnum
.44 Special
.44 Magnum
.44 AutoMag
.45 Auto
.45 Long Colt
.45 Winchester Magnum
.450 Magnum Express
.454 Casull Magnum