I do much the same, I have a number of books, I'll cross reference powder performance, decide which powders to consider then look at Hornady's data ( if that's the bullet I'm using ), then at the powder makers data. That way you can establish a baseline of where to start your load and what your max should be. Usually if you go to a local gun shop they'll know what powders/primers are being sold and will suggest a powder/primer combo. They'll probably own guns themselves and I don't know anyone who don't like to talk about their guns.