Barnes Loading Manual #3 Pictured
Barnes has just come out with their new Reloading Manual #3
but I've only had the #2 manual for a relatively short time
so will comment but briefly on it as the new #3 is the one to
get when you get a Barnes Loading Manual.
The Barnes manual is laid out a bit unconventionally as
compared to the other manuals you might be familiar with. In
the #2 manual at least there is no data for their handgun
bullets, only the rifle bullets. It begins with numerous
Sections of info before they jump into the actual reloading
data section. You'll find sections on: Introduction and
Acknowledgments, History, Bullet Performance, Bullet
Endorsements, Favorite Cartridges, Hunting Around the World,
Barnes is Committed, Barnes On LIne, Reloading Procedures &
Technical Tips and finally the reloading data section.
The reloading data in laid out in ascending caliber order
beginning with the various .224" cartridges and ending with
the .510 BMG and then .50 caliber muzzle loader data. The
first page of each section lists all the cartridges for which
data is provided for that bullet diameter. With each
cartridge data section is a drawing of the round with
applicable specs and dimensions. Here they also provide info
as to barrel length but not gun used and list of components
used other than their bullets. Also provided is a bullet drop
comparison graphic and a bar graph of bullet energy. Then
follows the specific load data for a variety of appropriate
powders and another graphic depicting what game or other use
the bullets are considered useful for in that particular
cartridge.
If you are going to load Barnes X Bullets this manual is a
MUST HAVE! Due to the nature of Barnes bullets it is not
appropriate to use the loading data for conventional lead
core and gilding metal jacket construction bullets when
loading Barnes X Bullets. There solid copper construction
requires slightly different data and Barnes supplies that to
you. So if you use Barnes bullets get the Barnes manual.
I'd like to see a section on their handgun bullets and since
I don't have the latest #3 manual perhaps they do provide
that in the new manual. I would hope so as again you really
should use Barnes' data for their XPB pistol bullets.
Visit the Barnes Bullets website by clicking on the name.
Barnes Bullets
P.O. Box 215
American Fork, Utah
84003
1-888-BARNES-X
Fax: 1-801-756-2465