Best reloading manuals

[Roland Thunder]

Does anyone have a suggestion for the most comprehensive manuals when it comes to loads?

[Whitey James]

I had bought the Lee manual when I first started but I just use the data posted on the web for up to date info.

https://hodgdonreloading.com/rldc/

 

https://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/

[Griff]

Lyman's 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook for cast bullets, and their 51st Edition Reloading Handbook for just about anything else.  You might wanna get their 43rd or 45th Edition Reloading Handbook as they've dropped some BP era rounds from new editions.  Current or past editions from any of the bullet manufacturers are also helpful for keeping current.

[Preacherman]

What Griff said, Lyman 

[Leroy Luck]

As many as you can find and afford. I like to buy the old ones I come across. Buy Lyman is definitely my favorite for new manuals. 

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

I supplement the Lyman Bullet Handbook with the Lasercast Handbook, the Meister Manual and online data from powder distributors.  The powder distributors offer free booklets for their powders too.  With current, chronic powder shortages you can't have too much loading data.  Older manuals often lack data for newer powders.  

[Rip Snorter]

Agree on as many hard copy as possible - Oregon Trail another good one.  Hodgdon's online info is very useful as well.

[Cholla]

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook - 3rd Edition - 1980 - Reduce.pdfHere you go. If you search the web you will find all kinds of scanned reloading manuals. Watch at Goodwill, used book stores and yard sales. eBay is another good source. I have manuals back to the 1940s. Almost any cast bullet load could be covered by Red Dot, Bullseye, and Unique. Unique is a staple for reduced recoil rifle rounds.

Lyman Reloading Handbook --- 44th Edition --- 1967.pdf

[Boggus Deal #64218]

If you just want specific load data for a cartridge, Hodgdon’s site is as good as it gets. If you want information on loading in general, the first half of the A-Square “Any Shot You Want” manual will give you a LOT of info.

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, 4th Edition, really provides one of the largest collection of cast bullet loads.  Which are different from what most loading manuals provide (almost all jacketed).  Even that manual, however, rarely shows you the light loads that cowboy shooting uses.   Most of what is shot in matches is lighter than the lightest loads published.  So, I start with the Lyman "lowest load" and work down to the point where good-enough accuracy, function or consistency starts to suffer.

 

good luck, GJ

[Sedalia Dave]

Hodgdon Cowboy Action Load Data

 

[Choctaw Jack]

I buy any used reloading manuals I run across.

Lots of good info to be had in these older books.

The Lyman Cast Bullet manual is great for our sport and I  use mine quite frequently.

[Matthew Duncan]

On 11/9/2024 at 8:21 AM, Roland Thunder said:

Does anyone have a suggestion for the most comprehensive manuals when it comes to loads?

Powder manufacture’s website.

[John Kloehr]

On 11/9/2024 at 9:06 AM, Leroy Luck said:

As many as you can find and afford.

 

On 11/9/2024 at 9:29 AM, Rip Snorter said:

Agree on as many hard copy as possible

 

7 hours ago, Choctaw Jack said:

I buy any used reloading manuals I run across.

Having looked through most of mine, I agree with the specific recommendations above even though I have not started reloading. I was also given the general recommendation (quoted) back when I first knew I was going to reload at some point. My current collection (watch for sales and good deals):