Which manuals do you recommend?

[sbb]

I would like suggestions on which reloading manuals I should have as a basic reference library. I plan to reload .45 acp and 9 mm. All necessary hardware has been ordered from Dillon. Also are there any specific websites that you would recommend? Many questions about formulations will likely follow. Thank you in advance.

[Mike1951]

The “Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Manual� is the only ‘must have’ as far as I’m concerned. It has the best ‘how to’ information as well as cast bullet data.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... t=11082005

You can find data online from the powder companies.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/reloading.htm

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/Index.htm

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/index.php

http://www.ramshot.com/powders/load.php

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Then you will probably want a manual from at least one of the bullet companies.

The Hornady manual is one of the best.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... t=11082005

Speer, Sierra, & Lee are good as well as the 'Loadbook' series which has a single caliber's data in each booklet.

Never accept any load data from a single source without cross checking it with another source. There are some inconsistencies that could in some case result in higher than expected pressures.

[ghostrider]

>Never accept any load data from a single source without cross checking it with another source.

this is very good advice, though you may find the variation in data disconcerting. There are cases where the minimum load in one manual exceeds the maximum load in another for the same calibre/powder/bullet weight.

I use Speer and Hornady manuals as well as data from the powder companies. As well, I use these web sites:

http://www.handloads.com
http://www.loadswap.com

[ShootingStar]

The way I see it is that you would want a good "How To" and a good reference manual. The best reference by far is the Sierra reolading manual. I've compared it to the speer and it's hands down the most specific. If you look up .223 in both you will find that the Sierra manual has sections for .223 in AR-15, Bold-action, and TC Contendor. The Speer manual only has a bolt-gun section for .223.

I like the extra information it gives you and it does have a how-to section though that part of it may not be as good as the Lyman.

-ss

[foodawg]

I'm a big fan of Hornady Reloading Manuals, but I think everyone has their favorites.

I've gone through two sets over the years.

They also have good guides for beginners in them.