Reloading manuals - how often do you "upgrade" and get new ones.

[Dan_69GTX]

I started to reload in early 2016.  That is when I bought my manuals.  I've purchased 2 of the Hodgdon reloading "magazines" since.

I also get stuff off the manufactures loading pages.

So - how often is it recommended to replace /upgrade the manuals?

[ReloaderFred]

I started reloading in 1963, and currently load for 32 different calibers.  I buy new manuals when they come out and I keep my old ones.  That means I have a reloading library that I constantly consult, and it's really handy having the information at my fingertips.

I also have the complete collection of Handloader Magazine, so that's another resource that I use a lot.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[M1A4ME]

I get a new manual when I find a new powder I want to try isn't in my books.  Or, when I get a new caliber (like the .40 S&W P07) that isn't in my manuals.  I'd been happily using the old Speer/Hornady books from the early 80's till I got that .40. 

Since then I bought the .357 SIG, fiddled with .300 BO for a bit, etc., etc.

I do a lot of checking of the powder/bullet maker web sites, too, like you mentioned.  Just looked up BE86 on the Alliant web site.  Got a lb. yesterday.  Need to sit down and start working on some 9MM 124 grain loads.

I will admit to comparing info, too.  Sometimes it's quite different.  I chalk that up to different cases, primers, seating depth, etc. vs. what I have on hand.  Starting loads to start, work up, see where the good groups are at.

[Wobbly]

The biggest deal is to have manuals printed since 2001. That's when most all labs had converted over to computerized pressure measurement.

The only other reason is to have published data on the newest powders, like Sport Pistol.

[Ruber]

I like having manuals from the different decades, they are enjoyable reading.

As for the latest and greatest recipes, that is all on line now.

So I don’t get new manuals, the money is better spent on supplies (or a subscription to Handloader magazine if you want new reading material).

[Wobbly]

As for the latest and greatest recipes, that is all on line now.

Some of Hodgdon's online data is 30 years old !!

When you look at 9mm and there's no OAL given, then that's OLD.

[Ruber]

Some of Hodgdon's online data is 30 years old !!

I should hope so, I would hate to see it disappear.

I like seeing the old data for the 44 & 38 specials that’s been around for over half a century.  I have one loading manual from the 60’s that has a special data section for the new 44 magnum, the same data are still listed online.

[mauserand9mm]

I've been reloading for just under 40 years and only have 2 reloading manuals - a Speer Reloading Manual #7, I think, and a Lyman bought about 7 years ago. I made a mistake buying the Lyman manual thinking it was going to have more info on using cast projectiles but that's a seprate manual. I gotta say that there was stuff in the Lyman manual that is just plain wrong eg they recommend throwing out rifle cases after 6 or 7 reloads, without any real justification apart from recommending as a good practice (being ultra conservative isn't always being smart). My 458 and 500NE brass have lasted up to 40 reloads, and without annealing.

Most of my loading data comes off the manufacturer's website these days - I almost exclusively use ADI powder (being a good, patriotic aussie - company is overseas based though - Thales).

[SoCal]

I will admit to comparing info, too.  Sometimes it's quite different.  I chalk that up to different cases, primers, seating depth, etc. vs. what I have on hand.  Starting loads to start, work up, see where the good groups are at.

 

And typos everything printed will probably have them.  I always look for 2 different sources minimum.

[mauserand9mm]

....

And typos everything printed will probably have them.  ....

Interesting point. I was of the opinion that the info available today was going to be good quality, with the proliferation of lawyers and people not being as shy of suing these days there's good incentive to get the data right. With data on-line I guess it's a lot easier to fix up mistakes quickly and without evidence, unless people print out the data (I don't - I just take note and add to my spreadsheet).

I wonder what errors people have picked up on? I'm certainly not aware of any.

[Tok36]

I buy new reloading manuals for the cover art.