Best Load data Book(s)

[JLTibbetts]

Good afternoon one and all. I am about to jump into what is no doubt a rabbit hole; loading pistol and rifle ammo for my own use.
MANY years ago I loaded quite a bit of shot shell ammo for various hunting applications so the reloading process is not entirely new to me.
What do you folks consider to be the best current references for load data and procedure?
Thanks.

 

[Steel head]

I just use the free online date from powder manufacturers.

 

[JLTibbetts]

Thanks Steel. I have been checking out a few of those.

 

[Det. John McClane]

I have several of the books, and I read them in bed at night. I love learning about all of the various cartridges, and how they were developed. That being said, get the book for the bullet manufacturer you use most. I spend a lot of time in my Sierra book, my Speer book, and my Hornady book. I also have a Lyman book for general, non-manufacturer specific bullets. I also have a Lyman book for lead bullets. They are all useful and a lot of fun to read. But, find the bullet brand you shoot most, and start with that book.

 

[JLTibbetts]

I am not yet far enough along to have a favorite bullet brand, but I see and appreciate the wisdom in your suggestion Det.

 

[Det. John McClane]

That’s why I have and read all of them!

 

[sea2summit]

I'd have to agree there's not a "best" book. I would say if you're doing more than a few bullets from the same manufacturer get their book. I hate having to google around until I can find what I need, much easier to have the book.

 

[1500varmint]

I like to use the Hornady manual and cross-reference to the Hodgdon reloading website. Gives me a good idea of the ballpark range that is considered safe/normal.

From there I search a few trusted Forums (like this one) if a specific bullet isn't listed in the other sources, or just to see what the general population is running.

 

[JLTibbetts]

Sea the majority of suggested loads I have looked up reference Sierra and or Hornady bullets so those manuals should be on my reading list I would think.
I like the cross checking idea varmint. And the access to experience on sites like this.
Thanks to everyone that replied.

 

[Det. John McClane]

You can also do a Google Image search of a specific caliber and include the term Sierra or Hornady and find scans of the relevant pages. Look at a few and that will help you decide if the book is worth buying. I've done that many times, standing in the gun store looking at the powder they have available on the shelf, I'll run a quick search to see that powder will work with anything I'm loading.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Lee and Lyman have the most powder/bullet combinations across the board. The rest are going to be manufacturer specific, ie Hornady for Hornady bullets, Sierra for Sierra bullets, Nosler for Nosler bullets, etc.

 

[JLTibbetts]

That's a great point Power.
I would never have thought of that Det. I'm not the most tech savvy guy but I will give it a try.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Also, Hodgdon has a reloading section of their website if you are looking for load data for hodgdon/imr powders...vihta vuori has a free app if you need load data for their powders.

 

[Jordanwickham]

Also, Hodgdon has a reloading section of their website if you are looking for load data for hodgdon/imr powders...vihta vuori has a free app if you need load data for their powders.

Hodgdon covers Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powders.

I second Richard Lee ( Modern Reloading 2nd Edition ), Lyman 50th Edition, and websites from specific manufacturers. Hornady has a real pretty cover but the loads, atleast what I reload, are grains below the rest. Which I suppose if you are getting your toes wet in reloading isn't a bad thing, you definitely won't have any problems as far as powder charge go.