I need a good sorce for data to load cast bullets.If you had to pick just one manual which one would you choose.I will be casting and loading for rifle and handgun.Thanks for your oppinion.
A good reloading guide, such as the Lyman manual. is a great place to start. Also, tremendous amounts of useful loading data are available on the Internet. Reloading data are available at web sites of powder manufacturers, bullet manufacturers, and sites devoted to reloading.
It may be just me, but I am starting to view my latest edition Lyman Cast Bullet Manual as borderline obsolete. It isn't up to speed on newer powders and was printed before CA shooting became popular. I wrote to Lyman once asking if an up-date was in the works and they wouldn't even reply.
I have the Third edition, which was originally printed in 1980. It has been reprinted many times since then, but I don't think any of those reprintings contained any updated material.
The Laser-Cast manual is a good one. I have the RCBS cast bullet manual which is basic but concise. I have a wide selection of reloading publications and use them all, to some extent. I like to compare data. My advice would be to buy as many manuals as you can afford and read them all at least once.
I have the Lyman Manual, Cast Bullets by E.H. Harrison, The Paper Jacket by Paul Matthews, plus published data from the powder companys. But the source I found most helpful was this site.
I've been looking for one also. Then, a couple weeks ago I was buying some makings at a local shop and saw a reloading manual from Oregon Trail Lazer Cast Bullets, which I use in my .357s and .45 Colts. I picked one up and when I took it to the register they gave it to me as a freebie. The store owner explained that the company had given him a bunch of the manuals. I've been able to reload cast bullets with much more confidence now. Incidentally, so far Lazer Cast bullets have lived up to the claim of no leading. The cover price on the manual is $24.95.
Lazer cast bulluts are not worthy of 44 mag velocities I know for a fact. Had very bad leading problems in my Redhawk using lazer cast data.
I agree about the Lyman manual especially for big bore hand gun and rifle. I cast and use a Lyman mold (429421) and a Lee mold (240 gr gas checked) for my 44 mag and a Lyman mold for my 357. Using plain old wheel wieghts for material I get along fine at reasonable velocities. For my front loaders (50 and 45) and my 45-70 I use pure lead.
I hear the new Hogdon's maual is pretty good for new data on cast bullets for cowboy action shooting and the like.
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