a search isn't helping me with my particular question: which is 'the' lyman book to get? i see several iterations, dates, etc. for the cast bullet handbook, and then i see the 48th reloading manual, and i wonder if it isn't best just to get the newest manual - won't this have all relevant info in it? have been using a speer manual that came with my rcbs equipt. but i see the lyman book touted here quite often. thanks, don e.

There's a cast bullet handbook, and a reloading manual. The reloading manual (any edition) is useful, and the cast bullet handbook if you cast your own bullets. Both good.....

Lyman also has a dedicated "Pistol and Revolver" handbook that is excellant.

And a Black Powder manual.

The Lyman 48th edition contains recommended loadings for both jacketed and cast bullets. Of all the many manuals available and that I use, the Lyman is the 'go-to' manual.

yep lyman 48th is my go to manual also. I do cross with other manuals but it seems no matter what manual I have out a lyman manual is right there with it.

The Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Manual is a good one.
The “current” Cast Bullet Handbook is the 3rd Edition. The 3rd Edition Cast Bullet Handbook has seen many reprinting since it first came out. I have three copies of the 3rd Edition and each has a different cover. The good thing about the Lyman cast Bullet Handbook is it also has data on the discontinued molds. There is ballistic coefficient data on the cast bullets that is pretty reliable.
The only “problem” with Lyman data is they tend to use powders that are on the fast side and the give velocities that do not quite equal what is possible today. For the beginning “castbulletier” the Lyman book is a good start with several very good articles on the basics and tips from experts who are in fact, experts at loading and shooting cast bullets in modern rifles.
Now for an opinion: You also need the 2nd Edition of the Lyman Cast bullet Handbook. The second edition has a back section which pictures all of the Lyman cast bullets and gives top punch and seating screw information in a very convenient format. There are two bindings of the second edition; the first edition has a spiral binding which allows the book to lie flat on the table. The second binding is a paperback that is more durable than the spiral binding but will not lie flat on the table. Either way you will enjoy any printing of the 3rd Edition and you will spend even more time studying the back pages of the 2nd edition.

Lyman 48th. I've also got some older Lyman manuals that go into a lot of detail on casting. The 34th is a good one for casting techniques. It's the one that has the foldout of all the bullet moulds Lyman used to make. Probably not very many of those in print any more though.

RJ

I have a few different manuals but my Lyman #48 is the one of choice I pretty much load everything I shoot using there data and it has never let me down. I like the fact that they are not bullet or powder Mfg. bias they just simply tell you what works best in there test shots they do.

Don, if you shoot cast bullets only, then get the cast bullet manual. But if you shoot both cast and jacketed, then get the Lyman 48th. The 48 has data for both kinds of bullets.

ah, too late. i ordered the 48th thru abe ($24 incld. shipping) and it is on the way. when i have gone thru the thousands (?) of cast bulltes i have on hand i might just have to get some molds. if i can cast babbitt bearings i can cast bullets - right? the handloader's digest '96 came and i see from what harris says that i may just have to cast different loads for the three guns. at least the equip. is all the same. the speed at which the powder burns would appear to be the biggest factor between snubby and 24". don e.

IMHO the Lyman manuals are best in the business. As mentioned the 48th edition is the most current. I particularly like getting jacketed and cast bullet data in the same manual although the Lyman manuals have many things in their favor. If you shoot primarily jacketed bullets from one manufacturer (say Speer or Hornady) it's nice to pick up their newest manual. This will give you pressure tested loads with the same bullets you will be shooting......If you're like most of us bitten by the reloading bug you will end with a whole shelf (or two) of reloading manuals and related literature. This is not a bad thing and you will reference them all from time to time. Good luck and God Bless....

I spoke to the Lyman folks at SHOT, and the 49th Edition is in the works. They couldn't promise it in 2008, but that's the goal.

Why you have to do that Rocky. I'm getting tierd of buying Lyman manuals. Everytime I turn around they come out with another. Well guess I'll get somebody else into reloading. My last manual I took to town when Buying a few different powders and bullets just to get a variaty of componets and got to talking to a kid about shooting. this lead to reloading and I wound up giving him the manual I brought to town.

I think it's been five years or so since #48, IIRC. With all the new bullets and powders introduced since then - not to mention new cartridges - it's actually pretty timely. Plus, they usually change the material in the front half as well as in the tables in back, so old manuals are still useful as reference.

I'm looking forward to it - have always found the Lyman the most useful of all the manuals.

Had to look in the front of my Lyman. Even though I just bought it less than a year and a half ago, the first printing of the 48th was Dec. 2002 and the 2nd printing was May 2004. I'd say it is time for them to print another one or at least offer an update with the new cartridges and maybe any new powders that are out.