Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Do we need load manuals ?

Question

Do we need load manuals anymore? I have developed loads for my 22 Hornet from the internet.

I was able to go to the IMR web site, Hodgdon and others. I even sent for a free Basic reloaders manual by Hodgdon and VihtaVuori, all free stuff from the powder manufactures. It�s a nice load I made for my Hornet. Sense I already know how to reload, I don�t need to buy a Manual just to read on � how to reload.�. I also figure that I don�t need to buy a whole manual just to get one load for one cartridge with one certain brand of bullet. I can also get many articles about certain load information from reputable sources on the web. When I find them, I then print them off and set them aside in a three ring binder. What say you ?



PS. Did you ever see someone looking at a load Manual in the sporting goods section and writing something down on a small piece of paper ? I have. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />



30-30 Man

No, we don't "need" load manuals but they are nice to have on hand for cross reference. And we really don't need all the cartridges that are offered by the manufactors either but it sure is nice to have a selection to choose from. I'm currently thinking about building my next custom 30-30.......................

MtnHtr

Actually, I am inclined to think that electronic distribution is making the paper-copy load manuals obsolete. As you noted, you can find data on the powder manufacturers' website and can download what is pertinent for you.

I do have quite a few data manuals, but I have become very selective in which ones I will buy in the future. For example, I've made myself a rule not to buy any manual that does not include pressure data along with the other data.

i like having paper copies of stuff. things like catalogs, load data are avilable electronically for free, but i like having hard copies.

yeah, i'm sure you can get by w/ no manual. i probably could, too, but i like having them.

Guess I'm old fashioned cause I'd lots rather sit down to a manual and look at different loads and check out all the different calibers than to do it on a computer. Even printing it out is just not the same. You guys can have the new ways, I'll stick with the old.

I like having them too. I like reading them, interesting to get an idea regarding the history of eact cartridge.

Having manuals is a bad thing. Gives you too many ideas for new projects <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My wife knows I'm up to no good when I'm studying a manual too long <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Can't get rid of the manuals unless you put a computer in the crapper.

I hate to admit it, but I've been reloading for 22 years and I've never owned a reloading manual. I've borrowed them from friends and read them cover to cover, jotted down notes from the manuals in the store where I bought my powder, and used the freebie pamplets from IMR and others. That was before the internet, now I just go on line and download the data from the powder manufacturers websites. All in all, I guess it boils down to being too cheap to pay for data, and I don't trust the load data that much anyways, I've found it not to be very accurate according to my chronograph.

Published data is a good starting point, but a chronograph and a healthy dose of skepticism is what will keep you safe.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Funny ... that is where I keep my Nosler manual.

i hear dat! i do the same thing, and my wife knows the same stuff... universal problem, i guess.

I like the books like Lymans and cartridges of the world, for cmparing cartridges and powder. I have been buying the load books for the cartridges I load now. Those have everybodies data in them and seem to really help if your thinking on trying a different powder.

Doesn't everyone?

There is a lot more in manuals than just load data. There are depending on the particular manual, numerous articles on various subjects- reloading techniques, bullets, pressure, ballistics, problem shooting, etc. Well worth the expenditure in my opinion.

Noticing all the posts asking for load data from such & such manual or for brand XYZ bullet, I have to believe
1) Yes we do need them and
2) Too many don`t have them.
JMO.................. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />