Free reloading manuals

[dunkel]

Here's just a few resources I've found. I'm sure many here have discovered these as well, but hopefully it's new information to someone. I know there are some collections of data out there, compiled by people and put up for anyone to get, but these are all official manuals, from the powder makers themselves. I'm sure there are others out there, so feel free to add them if you find them.

Free hard copies:

http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/
Just ordered this one, haven't gotten it yet. Will update when I do.

http://www.ramshot.com/load-data/
Seems to be the same as above? Not sure, gonna order it anyway.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/resources/catalog.aspx
I ordered this one and it got here pretty quick. Not very thick, but seems to be a decent resource.



Free e-copies:

http://hodgdon.com/PDF/Hodgdon Basic Manual.pdf

http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/
Not exactly state of the art presentation, but lots of good info.

 

[Chuckdog]

This is very limited but quite useful load data. Best of all it's free!

If not already buried in here, it should have been posted before?

Very Good Post Dunkel!

This might qualify for a sticky?

 

[cooter]

Try this one from hodgdon
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
Not paper but I guess you could print it.

 

[dunkel]

Yeah, I got the email with the PDF on that one. Not sure if I misread it or what. Either way, it's good information to have.

 

[inkdaddy]

I use this one also......

http://www.handloads.com/

 

[SpeedyR]

I've got the Ramshot and Accurate Powder "manuals" (I think I got one at Davids Gunroom in norcross, not sure where I got the other one). full of good info and I like how they separate the lead from plated and jackets or other bullets. makes me feel a bit safer with their testing for my particular load. Also on Ramshot at least (didn't check the accurate as I don't have their rifle powders) I like how they have separate sections in 223 for heavier/longer bullets, as well as higher pressure loads for 5.56 chambers.

I"m going to have to double check some of the loads I have from the Accurate manual though. I loaded some 45 ACP loads last week to test in my FNP45. Did 10gr AA #7, 10.5 and 11gr loads. OAL what they recommended (I think 1.230). I shot a few of the 10gr loads and they felt very hot. compared to my buddies factory loads (not sure what brand, not WWB but maybe Remington?) there was much more "kick" and recoil. And that was the lightest of their loads. I didn't even bother to try the 10.5 or 11gr loads.

I"ll pull a couple and check the charge, but anyone use AA #7 in 45 Auto? This was with 230gr Lead Round Nose bullets..

but overall, good links, and good manuals for the money! Free!!!

 

[Chuckdog]

#7 is kinda slow burning for the .45 to suit my taste. #5 however is my powder of choice for my defensive loads. They're pretty formidable in a small pistol.

I use #7 in 9mm, 38 Super .40 S&W, and several large capacity revolver rounds, but I don't think I've tried it in the 45 ACP. Seems I remember a Glock 27 being a challenge to hold on to with some of those too?

I use Universal from Hodgdon for the majority of my target loads.

 

[SpeedyR]

I had been using #5 in the 45 and was happy with it, but came across a great price on a bunch of #7 and thought I'd give it a 'shot' in the 45. the guy I got it from said he used it mostly for 9mm so i'll use it for that, as well as I did load up some 240gr LSWC 44 mag loads with #7 and that felt good to me and was accurate enough for just some range fodder... guess i'll stick with the #5 for the 45.

 

[stepup]

I just ordered them. The more information you have the better you will be.