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Thread: Do I Really need a reload manual?

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  1. #1
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    Do I Really need a reload manual?

    I saw this on another forum
    I searched around a bit and didn't see this topic already on this forum and saw it answered inadequately on another forum so I thought I'd try here

    I'm new to reloading but my aim is two fold

    1) to save money on my rounds and not break the bank shooting 100 rounds of actual hunting ammo through my hunting rifle for practice.

    2) to practice with what I hunt with. As stated above, if I am paying $2+ per round for factory ammo hunting rounds I want, I can't waste a bunch at the range.

    I only have the desire to reload 30.06 rounds (I'm a simple guy) and so I bought a Lee Loader Classic in 30.06, brass (some fire formed to my rifle some new), large rifle primers, and Nosler ballistic tip and Accubond bullets. I also picked up a Digital Caliper, steel wool for cleaning the brass, and eventually will pick up a Lee Case trimmer when my current brass stretches outside of spec.

    Using info online, I've discovered the specific overall cartridge length needed for my rifle to keep the bullet about .015" off the lands and know my brass length ranges for 30.06

    I can't afford either financially or time-wise a new hobby, so I have no desire to develop custom loads, learn the math, or become a reloading guru, I just want to follow the recipe. Nosler bullets as I'm sure you know come with several recommendations of powder types and loads for the specific bullets you buy.

    All that being said, if all I want to do is "follow the recipe" as it were and save some money, using the Nosler recommended powder and load, why do I need a reloading manual? It seems to me like the simplicity that I am seeking does not require one with only a single caliber and no desire for experimentation, but I know very little about this. Please help a new guy out with your wisdom!
    I understand that folks get into reloading for various reasons.
    some only want ammo to go bang, others want to clean a x ring of a target at 300,600,1000 yds.
    Some envision loading 100 rds a year, others envision loading 1000 or more rounds a week.

    The needs and uses are diffrent, but still boil down to this:
    You are putting a primer in a brass case and adding gunpowder and a bullet, then putting it in a pistol/rifle chamber
    Holding it in your hand close to your face and pulling the trigger.

    Without understanding the processes at work, the pressures generated, (tens of thousands of pounds per square inch )and the steps involved is unwise.

    A reloading manual such as "The ABC's of reloading" or "modern reloading by richard lee" or the lyman manuals
    Explain parts of a cartridge, each part of the reloading process, diffrences in powder types,burn speeds, and primers, diffrences in bullet construction,
    And diffrent presses and tools that can be used.

    They also go over case pressure signs and load development, the lee book goes into reduced loads.

    As far as load data, the ABC's of reloading has none, lee has a compilation of data from other sources, lyman has data
    And is a good resource for cast bullet data.
    Hornady,speer,sierra, and the bullet makers manuals have data mainly as it pertains to their bullets.
    Powder manufacturers have data that gives pressure in what they tested it in for maximum loads.

    the lee loader is a neck size only, pound it with a mallet, pour powder from a dipper approach.
    Eventually the brass will need to be full length sized, something that this approach does not do.

    As far as assuming that the overall length has a relationship to distance from rifling,
    That is not something that I would trust in a chart.
    Bullet shape has a whole lot to do with that, as well as how the chamber in the rifle was cut.
    It is best determined by measuring.

    As far as the above quoted post not wanting to do load development, well, I'm sorry about that.
    It goes with the reloading process. You will have to do some.

    so yes, I think a manual or several is a good idea.
    You will find diffrences in max listed loads in them, and comparing several data sources to get a reasonable starting point is always a good idea.

    As far as basics, I consider the manuals to be one of them.
    Same for a scale,caliper,powder dispenser,funnel
    And if loading rifle ,trimmer, debur and chamfer tool, primer pocket and case neck brushes.

    Others may include a case guage in this,as well as loading blocks,and off press priming tools, case cleaners,media separators,

    The press and to some extent dies(if proprietary like dillon square deal) are another part that is decided on after reading the manuals and seeing the diffrences
    Between lee loaders,hand presses,single stage presses,turret presses,and progressive presses.

    Additional thoughts on manuals that are worth a read.
    https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=586009

    Last edited by mapper; April 17th, 2017 at 12:01 PM.

  2. #2
    Senior Jas8340's Avatar
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    To put it a different way: I like to leave the range with my guns, fingers/hands, and eye sight intact. Buy a manual and learn the basics before you starting playing with things that go boom.

  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by Jas8340 View Post
    To put it a different way: I like to leave the range with my guns, fingers/hands, and eye sight intact. Buy a manual and learn the basics before you starting playing with things that go boom.
    Friends don't let friends, reload without manuals. I see people asking all the time, what others use on their guns, not wanting to do the work.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by 30plusretlaw View Post
    Friends don't let friends, reload without manuals. I see people asking all the time, what others use on their guns, not wanting to do the work.
    It's not, not wanting to do the work. But if 9 guys with a 308 prefer varget with 165gr. Bullets, then that would or could be a first choice of powder rather than "try out" 2 others first.

  5. #5
    CCGF Depository Dale Gribble's Avatar
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    The Lee manual is huge, has a ton of information on reloading, and then a ton of pages of recipes. If I were only going to have one book, it would be it. At $20 its a buy.
    When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always.

  6. #6
    Shit Stirrer 0utlaw's Avatar
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    For what he says he wants to do I wouldn't even bother reloading. Whats he looking to save, $100 bucks a year?




    Oderint dum metuant

    "Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks your life seeks my life, but with me you shall be safe.” 1 Samuel 22:23


    “This gun is liberty; hold for certain that the day when you no more have it, you will be returned to slavery.” – Toussaint L’Ouverture

  7. #7
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    He's not on this forum. You know how I can tell that?
    Luck is the phenomena created when Preparation meets Opportunity .

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by FLT View Post
    He's not on this forum. You know how I can tell that?
    Quote Originally Posted by mapper View Post
    I saw this on another forum
    Because you answered the unasked question.
    "How important is attention to detail in reloading?"

    Yes this was not asked here. It was from a diffrent forum.

  9. #9
    Shit Stirrer 0utlaw's Avatar
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    Oderint dum metuant

    "Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks your life seeks my life, but with me you shall be safe.” 1 Samuel 22:23


    “This gun is liberty; hold for certain that the day when you no more have it, you will be returned to slavery.” – Toussaint L’Ouverture

  10. #10
    CCGF Diplomatic Ambassador
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    Reloading takes common sense. If you don't have it you should buy bullets. If you do have it, then it's easy and nothing short of awesome.

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