Customer Reviews

Hornady Reloading Handbook 7th Edition

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I currently own 4 reloading manuals and this one is right up near the top of my list. The reloading instructions are very detailed and informative and Hornady offers a large selection of bullets in many weights for a wide variety of calibers. This book was my favorite until my recent purchase of the Lyman #49 manual. But this book is still up there as one of the best.

This is the best reloading manual currently on the market. It is very comprehensive and suitable for beginners as well as old timers like me (I've been reloading for 40+ years).

In looking over this new reloading manual. I can see the value in the step by step instructions and technical explaination of reloading. Very informative and lots of new load formulas.

There is a lot of information here for experienced and newbie alike, including an entire section on reloading basics. It even covers a few obsolete cartridges, such as 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer. The loads listed use only Hornady bullets, of course. Whatever products you prefer, it is almost a requirement to have both the bullet manufacturer's and the powder manufacturer's loading data. Since the company's research is focused on their product, in this case Hornady bullets, the manual covers powders from several different manufacturers, using a specific bullet. I have other manuals (from companies which don't make bullets) which provide only the bullet weight for each given load. This could get the new handloader into trouble, as bullets with the same weight, but differing in other areas, such as length or profile, can generate different maximum pressures with the same load. If you are going to use Hornady bullets, you should have the Hornady manual.

A first rate book for all gun enthusiasts even if you don't handload. Describes each cartridge commonly used for handguns and rifles, then gives detailed technical data on powder types and volumes to achieve various velocities. This book is essential for handloading, but very informative for those wanting to learn more about ammunition. It is a large book with high quality paper with great color. This volume does not have ballistic tables as previous editions did but those tables are availabe online for free.

I have read some other reviews that recommend looking at a collection of reloading guides. I disagree 100% with this attitude. If you are using Hornady bullets (arguably one of - if not the best) then this is the book you should use. Lyman does not make bullets (do they?) so their research can get complicated since it covers too many variables. I suggest using a manual specific to the brand of bullets you are using and follow the recomendations carefully especally the brand of primers recommended. The case brand is the least important but if you can find the brand recommended for your caliber use them. I would not use any cases other than American made (Remington, Winchester) if you cannot locate the Hornady cases for example. I always choose the powder that produces the lowest velocity with the highest number of grains and start there. This reduces the chance of detonation and if you are doing things correctly (like using a device that measures actual velocity) you can work your way up from there. More is not better when it comes to reloading. Since I use nothing but Hornady bullets this is the only manual I need.

Like most of you I own a big handful of reloading books. They all are good. This one is my favorite. He seems to have nailed appropriate loads with components that are availeble. Several of the books do this. I like Hornady's writing style and the size and quality of the book also.

As I write this review, Hornady has come out with a more recent edition -- I would recommend that you buy it, especially if using FTX bullets, etc. Some of the newer Hogdon Powders might make a difference as well. This manual was just fine while it was current.

I have been reloading for 2 years useing older manuals. I have always heard that this is the one to have. So I did it. I should got this first before I bought any reloading equipment. Great info on all kinds items in regard to reloading. All of the balistics, parts and gear have to do with Hornady but that should be expected.

It also has the millitary rifles that I collect for reloading. Get it you will not be disappointed!!

If you do any serious reloading for precision target shooting, hunting or just good old fashioned plinking, this is the book to have. Easy to read and understand, this is a must for the shooter out there that wants accurate information including work-up loads for any cartridge that suits your shooting style. A brief history of each caliber is included to aquaint the reader and this in itself is very informative. A great deal of work went into this and other Hornady publications and I would not attempt a new reload unless I had this book for reference. Greatly expanded since my first purchase back in '76. Well worth the money to have on your bookshelf. Free shipping doesn't hurt either.