Over 15 Data Sources For Reloading Your Best Ammunition
Norma
Norma is a legendary company that got its start back in 1902. They have been producing high quality hunting and target ammunition as well as reloading components for over a century. During that time they have also developed several of their own cartridges like the 308 Norma Magnum, and the 358 Norma Magnum.
They are credited with the development of the boat tail style of bullets. Their website has a large variety of reloading data available with several projectile choices using their own powders across a plethora of popular cartridges.
Nosler
Nosler is a favorite company of many, for both their factory loadings, as well as their components for hand loaders. They even have Rifles and Suppressors available these days! Here you can find plenty of useful load data recipes for their projectiles in many popular cartridges. You will also be able to find data for their own proprietary 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 33 Nosler cartridges.
One thing I enjoy about the Nosler data: they list the most accurate load found in their testing. It might mean nothing because your gun is not their gun, but it could be a good place to start. They currently have their 9th Edition Handbook available for purchase as a hard back.
Sierra
The Bulletsmiths, aka Sierra Bullets, was founded in 1947 shortly after WWII to help fill a void in the reloading market demand. Since then, Sierra have been producing high quality components and ammunition for over 70 years. They were opened in Santa Fe Springs, CA, but have since relocated to Sedalia, MO where they have their own 300 yard test range – The longest privately owned underground bullet test facility in the world!
They have recently released their 6th Edition Reloading Manual for purchase. Here is some limited free data I found on a blog they seem to no longer run?
Speer
Much like Sierra, Speer was founded following WWII to help get components into the hands of reloaders. Vernon Speer started with Rifle Hunting bullets, but later moved to build the first mass-produced jacketed handgun projectiles. Speer then started producing loaded ammunition in the 1960’s, and today produce the Gold Dot line of projectiles and ammunition – one of the most trusted Self Defense and LEO rounds of all time.
You can learn the Reloading Basics here on their website, or search through their excellent Rifle Data or Pistol Data as you like.
Shooters World Propellant
Shooters World Propellants are a growing favorite of mine. The have recently been updating their site with their own Reloading Data Center, much like the Hodgdon website where you pick a cartridge, bullet weight, or powder to begin. You can also download a PDF version of the manual, although I recommend checking back frequently, as they are constantly updating their load data!
They might not be the most popular, or have the availability of some other powder manufacturers, but if you are looking for an economical option to load up some cheaper rounds, don’t hesitate to try a powder from Shooters World Propellants if you see some out in the wild on the shelf at your local shop!
Nobel Sport Vectan
Nobel Sport Vectan Powders are manufactured in France and sometimes imported to the States. I do not have any experience with Vectan Powders, but have heard many people have used them successfully when unable to find their more preferred powders.
They offer a nicely designed Reloading Data Center where you first select your weapon type, then cartridge, then powder type. It will finally display all of the available load data options for the chosen combination. Alternatively, you can also download their full Reloading Manual here. Like Shooters World, they are another great economical option – when you can find it!
VihtaVuori
VihtaVuori is owned by International Aerospace and Defense Mega-Giant Nammo Group of Norway, and is imported to the States by the Capstone Precision Group. CPG are also in charge of Lapua brass and projectiles, SK Ammunition, and Berger Bullets here in the States. VV has reloading data available on their website, as well as an app you can download. Here you’ll find data strictly using VihtaVuori powders, but a very good variety of projectile options and manufacturers. You can also find their full Reloading Manual to download for free.
That is all I have for now. It is not a complete list. I’m sure I’m missing something from the near and far corners of the internets. If you have another manufacturer/source to share with the world, let me know in the comments and I will add it here! Make sure to subscribe to the email newsletter over on the right side bar to get notified when all the latest content is out, as well as awesome deals on your favorite 2A related gear.
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