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I was wondering if anyone here collects reloading manuals. I have just had a rough count and find I have about thirty of them dating from the early 1950s to the latest ones by Nosler, Lyman and Speer. I have just got my latest one delivered, the Vihtavuori third edition from 2000, reprinted in 2002. I find the old manuals often have interesting articles in them and information. I only use the current manuals for load data or the powder makers website. I find it interesting to read about what was on offer years ago and what cartridges were included that have now been dropped as new ones appear. I have the Lyman manuals from number 39 to 51 but missing numbers 41and 43. I keep looking on Ebay, but they don't show up in the UK. They show up in the USA but I don't like the idea of paying £20 postage for a £10 book. I will continue to keep a look out for any old manuals that i fancy having.
Regards
Peter.

That sounds like an excellent resource. I cannot help wondering if it could be digitized and put on the web. I would love that, but I suspect it might be a copyright nightmare.

I had book shelves full of them then I realized I spent more time dusting them than actually reading them so I binned them. I have the latest Lyman offering the rest of the time I use the internet and visit the powder manufactures web sites for load data.

I need to start doing that to get more reliable load data on some older pistol cartridges that the modern books no longer cover.

getting reliable, published data for 356TSW was impossible.

I have scores of the damned things which I will get rid off this winter.

The ones I will definitely keep are Pet Loads Complete volume by Ken Waters and the three editions of the Lyman Cast Bullet Manuals.

Yeah wish I had some older ones with loads for Winchester 32-40 and 38-55

There is plenty of loading data online for these calibres.
These show up in my old manuals.
.38-55 from the Lyman 46th manual. .32-40 from the Lyman 44th manual. The current Lyman cast bullet manual has data for both calibres.
Regards
Peter.

Aye you must start with a printed, pressure tested load afore you complicate it with those bloody predictors.

PeterN wrote: ↑Sat Aug 31, 2024 9:37 pm I was wondering if anyone here collects reloading manuals.
Regards
Peter.

Hi, Peter - can you send me a PM?

Redcat

If you had to pick what you think is the very best reloading manual - for precision rifle shooting - which one would it be?