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Nosler Reloading Guide Sixth Edition

Nosler Reloading Guide Sixth Edition

As a reloader there is one thing that you can never have enough of and that’s data manuals. Looking at my book shelf I have dozens; some of which date back to when I first got started in 1975. One of these is the old, green-bound Nosler #1, which is now looking a little foxed. So I was glad to receive their latest 6th edition, which coincides nicely with the company’s 60th year in the business.

No real surprises here, as the book is similar to others of its type with a section on how to handload, with good solid information on every step of the process that will be of great use to the novice. Plus sections on bullet-types and construction with the data beign split into rifle and handgun sections. It also includes a deal of company history, which if you know nothing about it is always interesting and you swiftly realise the people who work at Nosler are all shooters.

.20” to .45”

The calibre lists run from 20 cal (204) up to .45” and cover the majority of popular cartridges, though I was surprised not to see 458 Win Mag, with 450 Marlin and the old 45-70 Government being the only two .458”s in the book. However, the 416 Rigby, 375 H&H and 9.3x74mm are there amongst other big game numbers. Getting modern we have the Winchester WSM and WSSM series and similar.

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Your more standard calibres are all catered for too including things like the PPC and BR range so for the British shooter a comprehensive choice of data. Another section gives the best uses/applications for the various types of Nosler bullet. Interesting was John A Nosler’s tale of how he came up with the idea of the Partition design after an elk hunt where his 300 Magnum Model 70’s bullets did not work properly. I’m a big fan of Partitions, so it’s nice to know how they came about.

Four Column Data

The loading tables again are reasonably standard with a dimensioned schematic of the cartridge and the usual barrel length/type, rifling twist, primer information with a technical write up of the calibre. Data is presented in four columns; powder, charge velocity and load density with the bullet noted at the top giving both ballistic coefficient and sectional density.

In each case you get three options on powder charge with maximum load indicated (MAX). Muzzle velocity is shown with a figure and a black bar for easy comparison. An * indicates ‘most accurate load tested’ and ** shows a compressed load. Propellants used are notably American though there are some references for VihtaVuori too. Each cartridge is introduced by a known shooter with a bit of history and often small anecdotes as to use, which again I found a nice touch. For example Ron L Reiber (Ballistics Director) at Hodgdon Powder Co gives his views on the 6mm PPC. The manual is finished off with rifle/pistol ballistic and drop tables and completed by a glossary of terms.

Overall worth getting as each reloading manual you own though appearing similar will give its own subtle nuances on the process and data used.

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