Review: Nosler Reloading Guide – 5th Edition

Nosler’s new manual was released in April of 2002. I know it took me a while to pick up a copy and read through it, but I hate to get into the backorder/out of stock dilemma that is always affixed to trying to secure early copies of manuals. More so, unless the new manual contains urgently needed sole source data, what’s the rush? Manuals don’t go obsolete, and they are typically at least a generation behind new cartridge releases, so I get them as I can, and keep them for a very long time.

Compared to the fourth Edition, the new Nosler has improved aesthetics, 4 color photo covers, rather than 2 color gold on black. Inside, there is a carry over of prefix data that covers cartridge and component theory of operation, an illustrated overview of how to reload, explanation of Nosler product designs, etc. This information, as well as the obligatory photos of satisfied customers, company staff and some line drawing illustrations are essentially a carry over from the fourth edition. This portion of the manual serve as intended, however, what represents a great value is the amount of reloading data included within the manual.

There are a few “drops” from the fourth edition: 218 Bee, 225 Winchester, 30-40 Krag, 308 Norma Magnum, 358 Norma Magnum, and 45 Winchester Magnum. Judging from the cartridges, the reason is probably pretty obvious, although I’m not sure much is gained by tossing historical data. There are a lot of adds, like the 450 Marlin, most of the WSM, Ultra and Short Ultra cartridges, however, the 7mm WSM and 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum are missing, no doubt because of their last of the line announcements.

There is some odd ordering of cartridge listings which, outside of these exceptions, are presented in order of ballistic performance within a given bore size. The .30-378 and .378 Weatherby Magnums will all out perform their Remington smaller capacity Ultra Magnum counterparts, yet are listed subordinate to the Remington Cartridges, and the Weatherby loads listed are less than optimal, particularly the 378 Weatherby. Oddly enough, the .338-378 is properly placed relative to the 338 Remington Ultra Magnum, but the data is superficial, with the glaring omission of an Re25 selection for 250 grain bullets, a powder used in the adjacent section for the 338 Remington Ultra Magnum.  I’m hair splitting – the Nosler manual is on par with Speer #13, and Hornady’s two book sets, in terms of quality of coverage, and broad latitude of loads and, as with the content of these other publications, the Nosler book contains universal ballistic tables and an illustrated glossary.

 As a more general statement relating to reloading manuals – I like bound books, they work well on the bench, and it is nice to be able to take them along with you without dragging a computer along also. Still, reloading data lends itself more naturally to a digitized environment, perhaps one based on a paid subscription so new loads could be updated on an ongoing basis. Not only would this approach go a long way toward keeping information current and helping the sale of new cartridge based firearms, but it would also cut obsolescence of manuals and aging CD’s sitting in a retailer’s inventory. It would also be nice if cartridge manufacturers would spend a bit more time collaborating with the folks who provide reloading components and publish manuals, so it doesn’t take so long for a cartridges to find their way into reloading manuals. I think RCBS.Load data and update feature goes a long ways toward that direction.

In the mean time, the Nosler Reloading Guide – 5th Edition is a great value and a worthwhile addition to any reloading bench.

Thanks
Joe