One Book / One Caliber loading manuals?

[awp_101]

Cleaning out some old books and stuff from the garage, I came across these. The copyright date is 2004, are they worth keeping? I've already got loads from LoadData.com for each caliber.

[Crazy Dane]

I have a couple .357 and .44 special and couple of rifle calibers. They were handy during the last powder shortage. There are some loads in them that I couldn't find on the online sources. I'll keep them for that reason and they don't take up a lot of space. YMMV

[awp_101]

Thanks! I hadn't thought about loads that weren't in one of the online sources. I double checked and sure enough there's loads in each with a discontinued powder I have.

[BN]

I have several and I keep them for reference. This thread prompted me to get the one for 32 H&R Magnum. P-F enabling again.

[358156hp]

Buy all the reloading manuals you can. The problem with online data is that something simple like losing power can cost you dearly if you don't have printed backups on hand. Also, if you have books you can take advantage of deals on discontinued powders because you have the data for it.

[Hambo]

I have Lyman manuals back to #46. When I bought an antique rifle last year, guess where I found load data: #46 only. I sent someone here data from one of them. I got rid of a couple others that I didn't use often, but I regret that now. I also keep loads found in magazines or online. During powder shortages my data allowed me to use the powders I could get. I would recommend finding one or two old edition manuals. I like Lyman because it's a collection, versus bullet or powder company manuals, but get what you can get.

[mtnbkr]

Buy all the reloading manuals you can. The problem with online data is that something simple like losing power can cost you dearly if you don't have printed backups on hand. Also, if you have books you can take advantage of deals on discontinued powders because you have the data for it.

I'm probably not doing much experimental loading (where I'd need a manual) if the power goes out. For one thing, I wouldn't be able to see what I'm doing. Experimental reloading can wait till the power is back on (max of 12hrs here based on experiences in the last 23.5 years of living here).

I keep saying "experimental" because that would be the only reason to consult any resources. My "pet" loads for general use are documented and kept with the reloading supplies.

I have a few paper manuals on hand, but I don't think I've cracked open any of them in at least 10 years. The closest thing I have to a discontinued powder is the 5lb keg of Trail Boss I bought nearly 20 years ago, but you don't really need a manual for that as long as you know the generic process for determining the min/max loads for any given cartridge with that powder.

Chris

[Borderland]

I have Lyman manuals back to #46. When I bought an antique rifle last year, guess where I found load data: #46 only. I sent someone here data from one of them. I got rid of a couple others that I didn't use often, but I regret that now. I also keep loads found in magazines or online. During powder shortages my data allowed me to use the powders I could get. I would recommend finding one or two old edition manuals. I like Lyman because it's a collection, versus bullet or powder company manuals, but get what you can get.

Here's #44 (1967) if anyone is interested. I suggest printing a copy because things disappear on the internet.

https://www.nzha.co.nz/wp-content/up...08/Lyman44.pdf

I don't throw away any hard copy load data. I still have discontinued powder and load some obsolete cartridges. I need the data from time to time.

[358156hp]

I'm probably not doing much experimental loading (where I'd need a manual) if the power goes out. For one thing, I wouldn't be able to see what I'm doing. Experimental reloading can wait till the power is back on (max of 12hrs here based on experiences in the last 23.5 years of living here).

I keep saying "experimental" because that would be the only reason to consult any resources. My "pet" loads for general use are documented and kept with the reloading supplies.

I have a few paper manuals on hand, but I don't think I've cracked open any of them in at least 10 years. The closest thing I have to a discontinued powder is the 5lb keg of Trail Boss I bought nearly 20 years ago, but you don't really need a manual for that as long as you know the generic process for determining the min/max loads for any given cartridge with that powder.

Chris

No offense, but you missed my point entirely.

[mtnbkr]

No offense, but you missed my point entirely.

Then what was your point? You said losing power can cost us dearly if we don't have printed manuals. Why is that?

Chris