Most reloaders have a library of reloading manuals that contain a wealth of recipes.
I am disgusted to have wasted money on the latest editions of the Speer (No. 14) and Nosler (No. 5) reloading manuals. They contain loads for the 270 WSM and 7mm WSM, but otherwise all of the loads for every other cartridge are the same as those in Speer No. 12 and Nosler No. 4.
On the other hand, Sierra No. 5 is an outstanding manual, but I’ve found a new one that I like even better. It’s called Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, by Richard Lee, president of Lee Precision, maker of Lee Precision Dies. The book’s subtitle claims: “Everything about reloading, along with the world’s most comprehensive load data.” Essentially, it compiles all of the data that comes with each set of Lee dies.
Manuals from bullet manufacturers list data specific to their bullets only. I have long swapped data from one bullet manufacturer to use with different brand bullets. The risk is minimal because I seldom pack full-house redline loads, and I always watch closely for signs of excessive pressure.
Lee has the same philosophy. He simply lists loads for a generous selection of powders for certain weights of jacketed and lead bullets.
I still use the proprietary bullet and powder manuals, but the Lee manual is valuable for cross-referencing and experimentation.
Sports, Pages 31 on 08/25/2013