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Best Reloading Manual
- Thread starter Savage15
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Re: Best Reloading Manual
For handgun reloading Lyman 49th Hands Down and Twice on Sunday!
For rifle is tells which bullets they used for the load work up.
One can NEVER have too many reloading manuals...I would eliminate Speer as most of their bullets are hunting type not target.....
The Sierra is a good one, Hornady, and perhaps the Berger....
But, if you use a particular brand...ie Nolser then get that one.
There is new Hornady Manual 9th Edition coming soon and there is a new Nosler 7th Ed on the horizon, too....
They are cheap reference books.....
And, you have a great resource in the Hodgdon web site covering the powders they distribute...Hodgdon, IMT, and Wincehster....
For handgun reloading Lyman 49th Hands Down and Twice on Sunday!
For rifle is tells which bullets they used for the load work up.
One can NEVER have too many reloading manuals...I would eliminate Speer as most of their bullets are hunting type not target.....
The Sierra is a good one, Hornady, and perhaps the Berger....
But, if you use a particular brand...ie Nolser then get that one.
There is new Hornady Manual 9th Edition coming soon and there is a new Nosler 7th Ed on the horizon, too....
They are cheap reference books.....
And, you have a great resource in the Hodgdon web site covering the powders they distribute...Hodgdon, IMT, and Wincehster....
Re: Best Reloading Manual
That makes sense plinker, since i use 90% Hornady Bullets i should use their reloading manual. In the mean time I have been using hodgons website and it's great.
Milo-2, have you ever found any faults in hornady's manual?
Thanks for the responses
That makes sense plinker, since i use 90% Hornady Bullets i should use their reloading manual. In the mean time I have been using hodgons website and it's great.
Milo-2, have you ever found any faults in hornady's manual?
Thanks for the responses
Re: Best Reloading Manual
Faults? All manuals will have faults...ie they used a different brand of brass to generate their data....
Take Sierra used Fed brass in their 308 Win. work up....and if you look at the brass Hodgdon used.....in their 308 Win. work up it was Win.
And, then a smarter move is start getting books like
Precision Shooting Reloaders Guide
Handloading for Competition
Books like Bryan Litz's
Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting and
Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting 2nd Ed.
Faults? All manuals will have faults...ie they used a different brand of brass to generate their data....
Take Sierra used Fed brass in their 308 Win. work up....and if you look at the brass Hodgdon used.....in their 308 Win. work up it was Win.
And, then a smarter move is start getting books like
Precision Shooting Reloaders Guide
Handloading for Competition
Books like Bryan Litz's
Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting and
Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting 2nd Ed.
Re: Best Reloading Manual
It depends on what you mean to use as a manual.
ABC's of Reloading is a great book for outlining the basic steps of reloading.
Handloading for Competition is a great advanced reloading manual. It is written for High Power shooters, but it discusses techniques for long range shooters like most of the people on these Boards.
For load references, as mentioned above, reference manuals are very generic. You can find loads here where people indicate brass used, primer used, bullet used, powder used, and seating depth. Often times, people will give clues about the chamber as well. Whether it is a factory chamber or a custom and sometimes indicate which reamer was used.
My accuracy load for 308 was a load I ripped off from 6mmbr.com. It is the Brad Suave load that is a sufficiently moderate load that it could work in any rifle.
Why buy a reloading manual for reference when they are notoriously inaccurate. I love to buy and keep books, but I consider these reference manuals useless.
Pick a bullet, a powder, and a casing, and for the more common loads, I bet you find 3 or 4 loads ranging from moderately cool to unsafe. For load development, you will then know where to start and where to end.
It depends on what you mean to use as a manual.
ABC's of Reloading is a great book for outlining the basic steps of reloading.
Handloading for Competition is a great advanced reloading manual. It is written for High Power shooters, but it discusses techniques for long range shooters like most of the people on these Boards.
For load references, as mentioned above, reference manuals are very generic. You can find loads here where people indicate brass used, primer used, bullet used, powder used, and seating depth. Often times, people will give clues about the chamber as well. Whether it is a factory chamber or a custom and sometimes indicate which reamer was used.
My accuracy load for 308 was a load I ripped off from 6mmbr.com. It is the Brad Suave load that is a sufficiently moderate load that it could work in any rifle.
Why buy a reloading manual for reference when they are notoriously inaccurate. I love to buy and keep books, but I consider these reference manuals useless.
Pick a bullet, a powder, and a casing, and for the more common loads, I bet you find 3 or 4 loads ranging from moderately cool to unsafe. For load development, you will then know where to start and where to end.
Re: Best Reloading Manual
I use Sierra's, Hornady's #8 and Lyman #49, as well as Hodgdon's website.
The Sierra manual has the most in depth how to section, and my personal opinion(others may differ), is that the Hornady manuals are very conservative on powder loads. The Lyman manual I find great for finding data on less popular powders. However as stated before you cannot have to many manuals.
I use Sierra's, Hornady's #8 and Lyman #49, as well as Hodgdon's website.
The Sierra manual has the most in depth how to section, and my personal opinion(others may differ), is that the Hornady manuals are very conservative on powder loads. The Lyman manual I find great for finding data on less popular powders. However as stated before you cannot have to many manuals.
Re: Best Reloading Manual
i felt as thought the lyman manual was a good start it was missing too much information for my liking.
the hornady book/manual is a superb reloading manual. the 8th edition is out now.
i felt as thought the lyman manual was a good start it was missing too much information for my liking.
the hornady book/manual is a superb reloading manual. the 8th edition is out now.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Best Reloading Manual
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Pick a bullet, a powder, and a casing, and for the more common loads, I bet you find 3 or 4 loads ranging from moderately cool to unsafe. For load development, you will then know where to start and where to end. </div></div>
You have to have a baseline to start from, so a manual or some published data is needed.
Like I said, I use them for reference. Say a cartridge in a manual has 41.5gr H4831 as a start, 46.5gr as a max. I don't have H4831 on hand, but I do have Norma MRP, close to the same burn rate, I'll use the numbers, but with the Norma powder.
Here is one of the most complete burn rate charts I've seen, Thanks Rob01.
http://www.reloadbench.com/burn.html
Just remember, no one person is right on this forum, just use good judgement.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Pick a bullet, a powder, and a casing, and for the more common loads, I bet you find 3 or 4 loads ranging from moderately cool to unsafe. For load development, you will then know where to start and where to end. </div></div>
You have to have a baseline to start from, so a manual or some published data is needed.
Like I said, I use them for reference. Say a cartridge in a manual has 41.5gr H4831 as a start, 46.5gr as a max. I don't have H4831 on hand, but I do have Norma MRP, close to the same burn rate, I'll use the numbers, but with the Norma powder.
Here is one of the most complete burn rate charts I've seen, Thanks Rob01.
http://www.reloadbench.com/burn.html
Just remember, no one person is right on this forum, just use good judgement.
Re: Best Reloading Manual
Not to start a shit-storm here, but only to repeat the words spoken to the class from our gunsmith instructor. This is what was said, in the late 80's:
"Lyman is one of the ONLY reloading information suppliers that actually shoots and tests every single load that they print in their book. Most of the other 'book' writers are done by statisticians and legal departments. Those companies that don't spend much money on development and testing, but focus on manufacturing and profits. Then there's the whole liability issue, so they tone down their numbers, to prevent mishaps."
(yes, that is about as direct quote as I can remember, and that is the jist of it)
I ain't saying what he taught us all was accurate 100% or true 100%. Just passing on what we were all taught.
And for what it's worth, I've seen loads for caliber's topped out in one book, and started from that same point in other books. So do your own diligence, and cross-check/verify/work-up-to your own load.
And remember to do it safely. I also won't deny though, my thoughts are that the Lyman book is one of the best for the first 1/3-1/2 of the book, simply for the point-by-point tutorial on the whole reloading process. This includes a breakdown and explanation of each and every step. For the beginners, all of your questions should be answered right there, for when you're starting out.
That in itself is VERY well done. So take this all with a grain of salt, and hope it actually does help you.
Not to start a shit-storm here, but only to repeat the words spoken to the class from our gunsmith instructor. This is what was said, in the late 80's:
"Lyman is one of the ONLY reloading information suppliers that actually shoots and tests every single load that they print in their book. Most of the other 'book' writers are done by statisticians and legal departments. Those companies that don't spend much money on development and testing, but focus on manufacturing and profits. Then there's the whole liability issue, so they tone down their numbers, to prevent mishaps."
(yes, that is about as direct quote as I can remember, and that is the jist of it)
I ain't saying what he taught us all was accurate 100% or true 100%. Just passing on what we were all taught.
And for what it's worth, I've seen loads for caliber's topped out in one book, and started from that same point in other books. So do your own diligence, and cross-check/verify/work-up-to your own load.
And remember to do it safely. I also won't deny though, my thoughts are that the Lyman book is one of the best for the first 1/3-1/2 of the book, simply for the point-by-point tutorial on the whole reloading process. This includes a breakdown and explanation of each and every step. For the beginners, all of your questions should be answered right there, for when you're starting out.
That in itself is VERY well done. So take this all with a grain of salt, and hope it actually does help you.
Re: Best Reloading Manual
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Pick a bullet, a powder, and a casing, and for the more common loads, I bet you find 3 or 4 loads ranging from moderately cool to unsafe. For load development, you will then know where to start and where to end. </div></div>
You have to have a baseline to start from, so a manual or some published data is needed.
</div></div>
I disagree that published data is needed. Example. I just bought some 155 Scenars and I am looking to work up a load with Varget in Lapua Brass in my Tac Ops. A quick look through the Reloading Depot yielded the following:
______________________________________________
Stefan73
155 grn Lapua Scenar
45.8grn Varget
Fed 210 primer
mixed BH and Winchester brass
five shot string (first one didn't register on my chrono),
1, 2787
2, 2709
3, 2783
4, 2691
Target in Sight
Lapua Scenar 155gr
Varget Powder 45.5gr.
Lapua Brass
CCI BR2 Primer
OAL 2.891
MV at 2800 fps out of my 24" stainless 5R barrel
Actually not too long, the first batch was testing different charges 45.0,
45.5, 46.0, and 46.5
46.0 had the nicest group @ 100yd, but show just a tiny bit of pressure
sign, so I settled with 45.5gr.
Downzero
FN PBR XP, factory .308 barrel
155 grain Lapua Scenar
LC 05 brass, swaged and trimmed with the lee trimmer
CCI LR primer (400?)
47 grains Hodgdon Varget, dropped with lyman 1200
2.890" COAL +/- .005"
Mean velocity = 2899.555556
Sample size = 9 rounds
Sample standard deviation = 9.926115946
Wil
Stiller action
Rock Barrel 1:11.25 @ 24" form lug (25")
Manners T1
NXS 3.5-10 MLR
Win/BHA brass
47.5gr Varget
fed 210
155 Lapua Scenar
2.4 OAL (from ogive)...about 2.86 OAL
2900fps
ES 12
SD 7
Falar
Armalite AR10A4
21" Stainless Steel Noveske barrel, 1/10" polygonal rifling
46gr Varget, 155gr Scenar, New Win Brass, CCI BR2 primer
1. 2770
2. 2766
3. 2751
4. 2725
5. 2749
6. 2729
7. 2744
8. 2732
9. 2733
10. 2726
Remarks: Primers normal, no ejector marks but shiny spots from ejector are
present
Conditions: 70deg, cloudy, 52% humidity, 52deg dewpoint, pressure 30.03,
winds from ENE 9mph
Shooting direction: North
Avg. 2742.5 fps
ES: 45fps
SD: 13.5fps
Graham
Rifle: Accuracy International AE
BBl: 24”
3.
Bullet: 155 Scenar
Brass: Lapua
Cond’n: Unfired
Primer: CCI BR2
Pwdr: Varget
Grs: 45.6
Seated: .009 from the lands
Sinclair Comparator: 2.125
OAL: 2.860
Temp: 40
Vel Avg of 5 rounds: 2825fps
ES: 53
SD: 29
Pressure signs: None
Accuracy 5 shot groups: Sub .5 MOA to 200 meters
deisel
Here is my .308 load for GAP Rifle, Surgeon Short Action, Bartlein 24” 1-11
twist 5R barrel.
Lapua brass
155gr Scenar
46.0gr Varget
CCI BR2 primer
OAL 2.840 max that will feed from AICS mag
Velocity avg is 2870 fps
ES 39
SD 12.85
Ol Rob
155 Scenar
46.6gr Varget
Rem brass<new>
CCI 200
2.895" OAL
2878fps 5shot avg
10.9 ES
4.4SD
3.2 AD
<1/2"MOA 100yd.
nolo263
155 scenar
45.5 varget
210m primer
lapua case
Out of my GAP crusader I am getting 2850fps and 10 shot groups under .3
_______________________________________
I know Mike Miller had at one time used a load of about 45 gr Varget with a 155 Scenar in his Tac Ops that uses the same reamer as mine. Am I safe to load that up and shoot it?
Looking at the data above, it seems that the folks using Lapua brass with non-factory (i.e. tight) chambers are charging between 45.0 and 46.0 gr Varget.
45.0 gr doesn't sound like a moderate load to me as I am used to running 43.0 gr Varget under a 175 SMK, but I can't seem to find anyone running under 45.0 gr and there are a few people running 47.0 grains and even 47.5 grains but one of those is running Winchester brass and the other is running a factory chamber.
A reloading manual usually will not specify Winny brass or factory chamber, but even if they did, I need a moderate load for Lapua brass in a tight chamber.
I wouldn't just lift one person's recipe, but if I start seeing multiple people reporting results in the same range, that is an indicator that I am on the right track and I think it is far more useful than published data.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Pick a bullet, a powder, and a casing, and for the more common loads, I bet you find 3 or 4 loads ranging from moderately cool to unsafe. For load development, you will then know where to start and where to end. </div></div>
You have to have a baseline to start from, so a manual or some published data is needed.
</div></div>
I disagree that published data is needed. Example. I just bought some 155 Scenars and I am looking to work up a load with Varget in Lapua Brass in my Tac Ops. A quick look through the Reloading Depot yielded the following:
______________________________________________
Stefan73
155 grn Lapua Scenar
45.8grn Varget
Fed 210 primer
mixed BH and Winchester brass
five shot string (first one didn't register on my chrono),
1, 2787
2, 2709
3, 2783
4, 2691
Target in Sight
Lapua Scenar 155gr
Varget Powder 45.5gr.
Lapua Brass
CCI BR2 Primer
OAL 2.891
MV at 2800 fps out of my 24" stainless 5R barrel
Actually not too long, the first batch was testing different charges 45.0,
45.5, 46.0, and 46.5
46.0 had the nicest group @ 100yd, but show just a tiny bit of pressure
sign, so I settled with 45.5gr.
Downzero
FN PBR XP, factory .308 barrel
155 grain Lapua Scenar
LC 05 brass, swaged and trimmed with the lee trimmer
CCI LR primer (400?)
47 grains Hodgdon Varget, dropped with lyman 1200
2.890" COAL +/- .005"
Mean velocity = 2899.555556
Sample size = 9 rounds
Sample standard deviation = 9.926115946
Wil
Stiller action
Rock Barrel 1:11.25 @ 24" form lug (25")
Manners T1
NXS 3.5-10 MLR
Win/BHA brass
47.5gr Varget
fed 210
155 Lapua Scenar
2.4 OAL (from ogive)...about 2.86 OAL
2900fps
ES 12
SD 7
Falar
Armalite AR10A4
21" Stainless Steel Noveske barrel, 1/10" polygonal rifling
46gr Varget, 155gr Scenar, New Win Brass, CCI BR2 primer
1. 2770
2. 2766
3. 2751
4. 2725
5. 2749
6. 2729
7. 2744
8. 2732
9. 2733
10. 2726
Remarks: Primers normal, no ejector marks but shiny spots from ejector are
present
Conditions: 70deg, cloudy, 52% humidity, 52deg dewpoint, pressure 30.03,
winds from ENE 9mph
Shooting direction: North
Avg. 2742.5 fps
ES: 45fps
SD: 13.5fps
Graham
Rifle: Accuracy International AE
BBl: 24”
3.
Bullet: 155 Scenar
Brass: Lapua
Cond’n: Unfired
Primer: CCI BR2
Pwdr: Varget
Grs: 45.6
Seated: .009 from the lands
Sinclair Comparator: 2.125
OAL: 2.860
Temp: 40
Vel Avg of 5 rounds: 2825fps
ES: 53
SD: 29
Pressure signs: None
Accuracy 5 shot groups: Sub .5 MOA to 200 meters
deisel
Here is my .308 load for GAP Rifle, Surgeon Short Action, Bartlein 24” 1-11
twist 5R barrel.
Lapua brass
155gr Scenar
46.0gr Varget
CCI BR2 primer
OAL 2.840 max that will feed from AICS mag
Velocity avg is 2870 fps
ES 39
SD 12.85
Ol Rob
155 Scenar
46.6gr Varget
Rem brass<new>
CCI 200
2.895" OAL
2878fps 5shot avg
10.9 ES
4.4SD
3.2 AD
<1/2"MOA 100yd.
nolo263
155 scenar
45.5 varget
210m primer
lapua case
Out of my GAP crusader I am getting 2850fps and 10 shot groups under .3
_______________________________________
I know Mike Miller had at one time used a load of about 45 gr Varget with a 155 Scenar in his Tac Ops that uses the same reamer as mine. Am I safe to load that up and shoot it?
Looking at the data above, it seems that the folks using Lapua brass with non-factory (i.e. tight) chambers are charging between 45.0 and 46.0 gr Varget.
45.0 gr doesn't sound like a moderate load to me as I am used to running 43.0 gr Varget under a 175 SMK, but I can't seem to find anyone running under 45.0 gr and there are a few people running 47.0 grains and even 47.5 grains but one of those is running Winchester brass and the other is running a factory chamber.
A reloading manual usually will not specify Winny brass or factory chamber, but even if they did, I need a moderate load for Lapua brass in a tight chamber.
I wouldn't just lift one person's recipe, but if I start seeing multiple people reporting results in the same range, that is an indicator that I am on the right track and I think it is far more useful than published data.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Best Reloading Manual
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I disagree that published data is needed. Example. I just bought some 155 Scenars and I am looking to work up a load with Varget in Lapua Brass in my Tac Ops. A quick look through the Reloading Depot yielded the following: </div></div>
Carter, You don't consider the loads in the reloading depot "Published Data"?
Granted it's not paid published data, but to me it's still published, which gives a person a referrence, or a baseline as where to start.
The op didn't say he was new to loading, he just asked which manual was best, and I personaly don't think he will buy one, unless it's a gift.
It's quite apparent he's able to find info about the subject on the net.
Go back two weeks and read the "Unsafe Reloader" thread.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I disagree that published data is needed. Example. I just bought some 155 Scenars and I am looking to work up a load with Varget in Lapua Brass in my Tac Ops. A quick look through the Reloading Depot yielded the following: </div></div>
Carter, You don't consider the loads in the reloading depot "Published Data"?
Granted it's not paid published data, but to me it's still published, which gives a person a referrence, or a baseline as where to start.
The op didn't say he was new to loading, he just asked which manual was best, and I personaly don't think he will buy one, unless it's a gift.
It's quite apparent he's able to find info about the subject on the net.
Go back two weeks and read the "Unsafe Reloader" thread.
Re: Best Reloading Manual
All material in this post is great but do not overlook the info on the web based sights either. The reloading data center is great when you are looking for a published starting and max loads.
Submitted this and saw the post above "yeah what he said"
All material in this post is great but do not overlook the info on the web based sights either. The reloading data center is great when you are looking for a published starting and max loads.
Submitted this and saw the post above "yeah what he said"
Re: Best Reloading Manual
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I disagree that published data is needed. Example. I just bought some 155 Scenars and I am looking to work up a load with Varget in Lapua Brass in my Tac Ops. A quick look through the Reloading Depot yielded the following: </div></div>
Carter, You don't consider the loads in the reloading depot "Published Data"?
Granted it's not paid published data, but to me it's still published, which gives a person a referrence, or a baseline as where to start.
</div></div>
Mostly, when people say published, they mean in a book. It costs a lot more money to publish a book, so something that is printed tends to have more credibility. Sorry if I misunderstood you there. I think the Internet is the greatest resource of all, but you have to get enough data points to weed out the jake legs or to see someone who is running something clearly out of the norm.
My example used a pretty common combination. I think reloading manual data is better for things that might be a little bit off the beaten path. The exception is brand new products, where the Internet reigns supreme again. I ordered 2000 MR powder relatively early and the published loads that Alliant had did not strictly match up with the projectile that I was using.
I had to scour the Internet to find brave souls who had worked up loads and in that case, it was not safe to pick a load and go with it. I had to work one up and just needs to find a good starting place. BTW... the brass that I got close to book value on had loose primer pockets after one firing. I never made it to book value.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I disagree that published data is needed. Example. I just bought some 155 Scenars and I am looking to work up a load with Varget in Lapua Brass in my Tac Ops. A quick look through the Reloading Depot yielded the following: </div></div>
Carter, You don't consider the loads in the reloading depot "Published Data"?
Granted it's not paid published data, but to me it's still published, which gives a person a referrence, or a baseline as where to start.
</div></div>
Mostly, when people say published, they mean in a book. It costs a lot more money to publish a book, so something that is printed tends to have more credibility. Sorry if I misunderstood you there. I think the Internet is the greatest resource of all, but you have to get enough data points to weed out the jake legs or to see someone who is running something clearly out of the norm.
My example used a pretty common combination. I think reloading manual data is better for things that might be a little bit off the beaten path. The exception is brand new products, where the Internet reigns supreme again. I ordered 2000 MR powder relatively early and the published loads that Alliant had did not strictly match up with the projectile that I was using.
I had to scour the Internet to find brave souls who had worked up loads and in that case, it was not safe to pick a load and go with it. I had to work one up and just needs to find a good starting place. BTW... the brass that I got close to book value on had loose primer pockets after one firing. I never made it to book value.
Re: Best Reloading Manual
hornady is the brand of rifle bullets i hunt with so i stick with their manual
hornady is the brand of rifle bullets i hunt with so i stick with their manual
Re: Best Reloading Manual
I like the Hornady manul, I mostly shoot Hornady bullets. I went to Sierra once and saw their operation which was pretty neat. They test all of their loads and inspect for pressure signs so I know their loads are actually tested. I am debating on the Horandy 9th edition, but will probably wait a little while to see what people have to say about it. There are a few new manuals rolling out this year, right before Christmas.
I like the Hornady manul, I mostly shoot Hornady bullets. I went to Sierra once and saw their operation which was pretty neat. They test all of their loads and inspect for pressure signs so I know their loads are actually tested. I am debating on the Horandy 9th edition, but will probably wait a little while to see what people have to say about it. There are a few new manuals rolling out this year, right before Christmas.
Re: Best Reloading Manual
i have several manuals of hornady, speer and hogdon going back to the mid 70's but my favorite "go to manual" is always the Hornady.
i use it mainly for reference to find a starting point and they list most weights of bullets that i use. if they don't have the powder listed that i want to use i'll check one of the other manuals or go to the Hogdon site.
it's all personal preference what one likes.
i have several manuals of hornady, speer and hogdon going back to the mid 70's but my favorite "go to manual" is always the Hornady.
i use it mainly for reference to find a starting point and they list most weights of bullets that i use. if they don't have the powder listed that i want to use i'll check one of the other manuals or go to the Hogdon site.
it's all personal preference what one likes.
