Universal reloading manual

[RL338]

I have Nosler , Hornady , Berger , and Lyman manuals for reference. Online sites are Barnes and Hodgdon. The big user is QuickLoad for me.

 

[wyocaddis]

I did'nt see anyone list Sierra data so here is a link:

Load Data

sierrabullets.com

 

[clearwater]

Lyman because it has how to reload, lists most accurate loads like Nosler, has pressures listed, and has cast bullet loads for most cartridges.

I find manuals faster and easier to compare recipes too

 

[Blkram]

I guess that I am old school enough that I still prefer to read manuals...but as mentioned above, I also like the write ups about the various cartridges in the manuals, and the fact that every new manual, the write up is by a new author. Gives more perspective and experience about various cartridges that I enjoy as much as I do in receiving the shared info from the great people on this forum!

I also like that the reloading manuals from the manufacturers has tried and true tested data, along with various tips on reloading techniques. As DrMike always says, the reloading section in the Speer manual (13 or 14; I can never quite remember which) is one of the best references out there, and as experienced as he is, he still refers to it when needed. Hard not to copy that practice!

I too, buy the Hogdgon annual publication as it provides new information for new cartridges and powders. But, as mentioned above, I also like having those older manuals for the older cartridges that have fallen out of favour today, that I still use, and want to reference at my leisure, when my internet and/or phone service is down, or I do not feel like turning on the computer.

Only you can decide what will meet your needs and budget. The best of luck and enjoyment in whatever practice you decide to employ!

 

[6.5_sWv]

As others have mentioned, there is lots of data available online and it works for some people and not others. Personally I have printed data from online sources, I've even gone as far as taping that printed data in other manuals. Honestly, I just love books and I have several print manuals from Hornady, Nosler, Sierra, Western, Speer, and Lyman. I have multiple volumes of the ones I mentioned. Sometimes data is the same from one manual to the next, but sometimes it does change. I have some very old loading manuals from the late 80s and early 90s because sometimes you come across some older powder not listed anywhere else. I will always use online data to supplement my loading bench, but the internet will never replace my desire / fascination with a printed loading manual. I get excited when a new loading manual gets published and released and most likely always buy it.

 

[jjs405]

As others have said, I like to have the printed books on hand even though I like to look at the on-line data as well. So far my hard copy collection consists of:

ACCURATE: 2 | BARNES: 2,3,4 | BERGER: 1 | HODGDON: 23,24,26, | HORNADY: 2(1975),2(1978),3,

LYMAN: 49 | NOSLER: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | RCBS: Cast 1, | SIERRA: Handgun, Rifle, Edition VI

P.S. I had to make a list & keep it on my phone as I have accidentally bought dupes had gifted them away.

 

[DocCoffee]

Most of my reloading manuals are outdated, and instead of buying manuals from different companies, would there be a "universal" reloading manual?
I know different bullet brands have their own testings to powder charges and pressures due to the design of their own bullets, or is it more safer to buy a reloading manual book from each manufacturer?

The LEE manual is a compilation of Data from most of the major companies with Lee's version of how to load, featuring their equipment of course. So it is essentially what you are asking about if I understand your question correctly.
Kevin

 

[Wis65x55]

I do still use the websites to get my data, I rarely open the reloading manuals unless I don't find the bullet weight / charge data.
I recall a few shooters and a gunsmith tell me " Rely on the books for your reloading data, not the internet"

I believe the reason a gunsmith said that is to be sure your data is from a credible source!