Reloading Manuals and References

[yotehater]

When I hear someone say the got a load out of a reloading manual I always wonder about it. I've seen too many times someone will go right to the maximum load listed or just down one load. All that indicates is what the test rifle/receiver showed with those components on that day. Sometimes that load will be over maximum from another source or in your rifle or handgun. They almost always use a different set of cases, primer, powder lot, barrel length, atmospheric conditions, and such. There is a reason to start low and work up. Preferably using a chronograph to observe velocity watching for a better SD, ES, and any runaway velocity spike which could indicate a problem. I have some rifles in the same chambering and even those will show different signs of a maximum load. I guess my point is to always cross reference any load you might want to try. Never start at the maximum listed load thinking all those manuals are just printed low to be clear of liability.

Always use data directly from a published manual or the website of a SAAMI associated manufacturer.

I wished I had bought every manual and reference book I could find. The reading and knowledge shared by some of the foremost respected enthusiasts of that time often write a little story for each cartridge. You can see some fall out of favor while the newest hot thing is gleaning attention. Only to see fall it from the pages a few years later being replaced by the next newest thing. And each one offers a little different advice on making reloads. Put together it is a lot of shared knowledge. And very enjoyable reading.

Here is a look at some of my favorites finding their way into my new reloading room. I just had to get them out of the hot storage space they were in. Anyway, I'd like to see some of your collections and thoughts of manuals and reference material. Everyone does it differently so I'm always trying to learn something new.

Have a good day.

 

[Shaggy357]

I don't have the Barnes or the Berger. I have most, if not all, of the others, plus some.....

When I am looking up load data, I use as much information as I can find before I choose. Sometimes the load just falls out of the data. It is the obvious place to start. Other times I spend many hours and stay undecided. I have 22 Hornet, .222, and .260 brass sitting on my table prepped and ready. Have not found the load that screams out at me "I am the one". I have multiple loads for them already that shoot good, but am looking for that next level. Where is that load that is better than what I have?....I have the brass ready....load the current recipe....or flush out that new and improved...?

It is always worth the review and scrutiny before putting that charge in front of your face.

Steve

 

[Lapua40X]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. They run parallel to my own.
I'm always troubled when a shooter talks about chasing that higher velocity by pushing the pressure to the edge. I fully understand the mathematical evidence supporting higher velocity = greater accuracy theories, but 50fps doesn't make enough difference to me to push the load until the bolt sticks. If I can't handle the rifle skillfully enough to score well, then higher velocity isn't going to help much at all. I put my effort into improving my skills.

 

[yotehater]

I remember helping a friend hammer open the bolt on his 375 H&H Ackley Improved in an old pre64 Model 70. That was my epiphany on reloading data. The ah ha moment where getting good data made sense.

 

[savagedasher]

Steve
That's the reason for starting low and works up. Most books use SAMMI specifitions .
Often loaders do read the seating depth or OAL . Larry

 

[wiuprof]

I am a firm believer in consulting several different manuals when starting load development.
Here is a load development chart that I have used for years (of my own creation). This one dates to
September of 1994. I wanted to see what my manuals listed for the .308 Win. and 168 grain bullets with
IMR-4064 and IMR-4895 for my Rem. 700-V.S. rifle.

I list the starting and maximum loads for a bullet weight (and style) and depict it graphically.

It is interesting to note that one manual had a starting load that is above the other manual's maximum.
With IMR-4895, the Speer and Hodgdon manual have a starting load that is more than the maximum in
the Hornady manual.

This does not mean that any of the data is wrong, but that they used different rifles, lots of powder, primers, etc.
I started using this technique in the 80's and still use it to this day. If a new manual comes out, I buy it and use
it for a reference.

I started reloading in the 70's and have tried to have current manuals to coincide with the newer powders that are released.

 

[Brians356]

Do you have (or ever even seen) one of the old Speer "Wildcat Rifle Loads" (1950s) or "Wildcat Cartridges" (1960s)? In the 1956 edition, a wildcat called ".243 Winchester" was still listed (aka ".243 Page Pooper".)
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