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Shelf Life of Reloading Manual Data
Arby
Member Posts: 668 ✭
I have Hornady's 7th Edition manual and Speer's 13th Edition Manual...both have newer editions out...10th and 14th respectively.
I have noted that sometimes the data in my manuals differ slightly from their web site data...a couple of times a difference of 1 or 2 grs.
This isn't a big problem for me since I generally use the same recipes that have served me well over the years, but I have had to call the powder mfg. on a couple occasions when loading for recently acquired weapons.
Question: How often do you (or should you) update your reloading manuals?
I have noted that sometimes the data in my manuals differ slightly from their web site data...a couple of times a difference of 1 or 2 grs.
This isn't a big problem for me since I generally use the same recipes that have served me well over the years, but I have had to call the powder mfg. on a couple occasions when loading for recently acquired weapons.
Question: How often do you (or should you) update your reloading manuals?
Comments
That said, I compare my data to the FREE print manuals offered by the various powder manufacturers and their web data. I try to cross review all of this to assure that a new load or new powder is safe in the recipe I choose to use. The more info you can garner the better off you are.
The free manuals are the best. I also ALWAYS buy Hodgeon's annual magazine. 7 bucks and contains a hell of a lot of info and tips.
Update for new cartridges.
Beyond that, all the changes can be simply explained by testing with a new lot of powder, a new bullet, or even different cases and primers.
This is why we start at the start load and work up.
Update for new powders.
Update for new cartridges.
Beyond that, all the changes can be simply explained by testing with a new lot of powder, a new bullet, or even different cases and primers.
This is why we start at the start load and work up.
quote:Question: How often do you (or should you) update your reloading manuals?
There are several of us here who add to our collection of reloading manuals as soon as they are published. This amounts to a very broad, historic timeline of changes in reloading data, trends in powder manufacturing, new powders and new cartridges. Being able to backtrack through older manuals for reasons of comparison is fascinating and educational. Being able to find data on obsolete cartridges is priceless.
Now does this mean that everyone should buy every manual as they become available? Heavens no. General reloaders should buy an updated manual every few years in order to stay somewhat up-to-date with new products or changes in existing products. However, like some who are stuck in the past or don't want to purchase anything then they can simply adhere to the process and products they have been using with no regard for advancements. Many of the slightly older manuals can be found in libraries and used book stores inexpensively.
Best.
Start low and proceed with caution.
Powders change over time and lot to lot. Variable that affect pressure and velocity include, but aren't limited to: bullets, brass, primers, seating depth, ambient temperature, etc. etc. etc.
[:D]