Is it worth getting the new Lee manual?

[MnMike]

I have the older one, and do not use it much for loads (I have several manuals and the internet), but there is some other stuff in there that I have used. Does the new one have more/better information?

thanks

mike

[jgalar]

The last time I bought a manual was about 15 years ago. I don't shoot or reload any new cartridges that have come out since, so I don't see the need in buying a newer one. As for the Lee manual anything you buy from Lee has the instructions, so why do you need them in a manual also. AS you also state most of the powder companies have their powder data available on the internet.

I've looked at newer manuals, but I don't see that there is really anything new and worth the money.

Just my opinion

[fastbike]

I have the new manual. If was to do it over, I'd pass on the manual. The loads have a limited choice of powders and bullets compared to most manuals. In my opinion, the new one does not have significantly different "other stuff" than the previous version. As said previously, if you use Lee dies, you'll get most of the info.

I'd still recommend getting a newer version of a manual or two if you current are several years old since several new powders have been released.

I have the older one, and do not use it much for loads (I have several manuals and the internet), but there is some other stuff in there that I have used. Does the new one have more/better information?

thanks

mike

[Grumulkin]

Don't get the new Lee manual.  Get the new Hornady manual; then you will have 2 manuals to compare and the Hornady manual is a better one anyway.

[stimpylu32]

I tend to agree , there is not enough new info to rate buying the same one twice , get another like the Hornady or the Serria to go along with the Lee .

stimpy

[Ranger J]

I use the Lee manual quite a bit and prefer the 2nd edition because it gives loads for Hornady XTP bullets, which I use, a lot in my .44 mag and the 1st ed. doesn’t.  On the other hand, neither Lee manuals tells from what kind of gun or what length barrel they get their velocities from and their pertinacity to change powder brands when they change weight bullets drives me up a tree at times.
RJ

[qajaq59]

I bought it because it had loads for the 7.5 x 55 Swiss. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered, as I already had 4 others.

[Black Jaque Janaviac]

The new manual has projected velocity for the "start at" charges.  It also has some information for the cast bullet shooter and how it relates to BHN.  It's supposed to help you select a proper powder charge for a cast bullet, instead of burning powder "looking" for the right charge.

The new manual also has info for "newer" cartridges - such as the .454 Casull and the "Short-fat Magnums".

Beyond that, there's not much that the old manual didn't have.  On the other hand, the new Lee Manual ain't gonna break the bank.  I got both.  One is on the bench, the other next to the "throne".

[MnMike]

Thank you all. The velocities for the starting loads sounds useful (all the others have it). The cast info is also potentially interesting, since I shoot .45 Mag and .500 Mag. I may buy it the next time I feel rich. 

again thanks

mike

[brasskeeper]

I have never used the lee manual I mainly rely on Lyman, Hornady and Sierra but If I had not bought a new manual in 15 years I would start looking now. Powders and components change some from year to year.

 Just my two cents