70's Speer Reloading Manual
In pulling out my old reloading gear after a 15 year absence from the hobby, find I am unable to locate my 1971 Speer reloading manual. I loved it becaus it was PRE-"saturday night special"-scare loading levels. Anyone out there know a source for older loading manuals? (have advertised in this forum's Want Ad section- I'm willing to spend $$ if anyone wants to part with one[:D])
Thanks - Rick
'...it tolls for thee.'
Thanks - Rick
'...it tolls for thee.'
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You might also try a search on www.bookfinder.com sometimes they turn up in bookstores.
My heros have always killed cowboys.0 -
Just a couple of points
1- A large number of powders were re-formulated around that time. The old data is dangerous with the new forumlia powder.
2- Pressure testing methiods have improved since than. The old methiods were (and still are) erratic in there results.
3- A lot of the old manuals were written using (for lack of a better phrase) "goat entrails and tea leaves" for both pressure and velocity.
Use your "old" data at your own risk, but try to understand the risks your taking.
Current loads arn't so much "lawyer loads" as they are "actual pressure max" loads in the chambers they were fired in.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
Thanks, Tailgunner-good points,now that I think about it.I never loaded quite to the max, but I did have several work-ups that I liked a lot. I just didn't record them at the time. It won't hurt to start over and work my way up. That's half the fun. . . Rick
quote:Originally posted by Tailgunner1954
Just a couple of points
1- A large number of powders were re-formulated around that time. The old data is dangerous with the new forumlia powder.
2- Pressure testing methiods have improved since than. The old methiods were (and still are) erratic in there results.
3- A lot of the old manuals were written using (for lack of a better phrase) "goat entrails and tea leaves" for both pressure and velocity.
Use your "old" data at your own risk, but try to understand the risks your taking.
Current loads arn't so much "lawyer loads" as they are "actual pressure max" loads in the chambers they were fired in.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
'...it tolls for thee.'0 -
Post what your loading for, and a number of the people here will share there "pet loads" with you.
I've had excelant accuracy results with the "recogmended" powders / loads in the Nosler manuals (I use there bullets almost exclusivly).
Another site that is friendly and dedicated to reloading only is the forums at www.reloadbench.com
Happy to help.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
I have been using and will continue to use the older manuals as references for reloading. Most of them contain a large amount of information that you can't get in the newer manuals for various reasons. The older manuals can be invaluable when used in conjunction with the newer ones. The more information you have, the better decisions you can make. Besides, they're fun to read!
In answer to your original question, I have had great luck locating reloading manuals and other references, new and older, in the used books stores in town. The smaller town that I am near has 3 of them. The library has book sales that we all donate to and has had some good selections on occasion. We don't have any gunshows in town but the ones I travel to have a good lot of used books and generally a large number of used reloading manuals since many shooters update and then get rid of their older manuals.
I just did a quick look at this link and found 2 Speer manuals from 1979 for $4.95 and $6.95, so some manuals are available online, you just have to do a little searching.
http://www.alibris.com/home.cfm?siteID=6W_xCb.0Oks-pA0OCL8.gtV2wfFlntRDGQ
The other place to look would be FLEA-Bay. I know that lots of books show up there but they are a pain to deal with nowadays.
That will get you started. Good Luck with your search!
Best.0 -
Thanks again, Tailgunner. I will be loading for Ruger Security Six SS 4inch bbl. 1983 mfg. in excellent condition. My prior experience with this model was it could eat up anything I could load in .38sp, 'tho I did not push .357 mag loads. I have confidence in this gun, and that is why I chose to buy another one. All suggestions welcome, and thanks to all who have responded. . . Rick
quote:Originally posted by Tailgunner1954
Post what your loading for, and a number of the people here will share there "pet loads" with you.
I've had excelant accuracy results with the "recogmended" powders / loads in the Nosler manuals (I use there bullets almost exclusivly).
Another site that is friendly and dedicated to reloading only is the forums at www.reloadbench.com
Happy to help.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
'...it tolls for thee.'0 -
P_rick, Sorry I can't help you with your pistol loads, as I stick mainly to HP rifle.
Nononsense, Your statement "The older manuals can be invaluable when used in conjunction with the newer ones." goes well with my opening statement about understanding the risks.
Saxon Pig,
Note: "When comparing data prepared for publication using IMR powders manufactured prior to 1977 with more current data, remember that the linters used in the manufactuing process were changed from cotton to pulp. This affected the burning rates of the IMR series powders. The older powders were definitely "slower"."
"Copper crusher" testing is very crude and unrepeatable (inhearant system inaccuracies) when compaired to the Peizo and strain gauge methiods that are currently being used.
Finaly look at the "firearm used" (in a manual thats more than 10-15 years old) if it dosn't say "universal receiver" you can bet the load wasn't pressure tested at all (since than they have started fastening strain gauges onto the test gun).
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
What number manual is that? I have a extra copy of manuals 6-10 that I'm willing to part with. Email me at e8gm@highstream.net. 0
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