I forgot about that one! I also agree about the Lee manual mentioned above, although I have the first one, not the new one.
Best loading book for beginners?
- Thread starter Jlpgumbo
- Start date
I forgot about that one! I also agree about the Lee manual mentioned above, although I have the first one, not the new one.
oink
Member
I'll have to vote for the Lyman. I have several. The Speer is good too. I also have the Lee but I didn't get a Lee early on and haven really looked at it other than to look at their data as a method of confirmation on what I was already doing or planing to do.
My only "reloading book" is a Speer #9 I bought in the '70s. I've never really encountered anything that wasn't explained in its pages. It's a bit long in the tooth and outdated now, at least load data wise.
If one manual is good, more is better. The internet had a lot of good technical info also, but one has to know enough to pick through the garbage to find it.
If one manual is good, more is better. The internet had a lot of good technical info also, but one has to know enough to pick through the garbage to find it.
In addition to the NRA talk with the staff at ranges, LGS or shooting competitions in your area.
The books above are essential.
Read aloud!!!
Buy quality reloading gear.
AND: Have your local public library order the manuals.... but buy one as well.
The books above are essential.
Read aloud!!!
Buy quality reloading gear.
AND: Have your local public library order the manuals.... but buy one as well.
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This should keep you busy for awhile, a link to 20+ reloading manuals.
Manuales de recarga - Google Drive
Manuales de recarga - Google Drive
DWalt
Member
Lyman manuals are good, but there are literally dozens of books about reloading. The Lee manual is OK, but the reloading data in it has been lifted from other sources. I have collected a large number of reloading manuals going back to the 1950s (mainly Lyman) as well as reloading pamphlets from all the bullet and powder manufacturers.
One especially good information source is the Shooter's Bible Reloader's Guide by R. A. Steindler (I have the second edition, 1968). Rather old, but very thorough in its treatment of equipment and procedures. However, it concentrates mainly on reloading rifle cartridges.
Something else you might consider. There is a publication called "Handloader's Digest" which is a reloading counterpart to "Gun Digest." I think it is now up to about the 18th or 19th edition. Most editions can be found on eBay or Abe Books, very interesting reading for the reloader.
One especially good information source is the Shooter's Bible Reloader's Guide by R. A. Steindler (I have the second edition, 1968). Rather old, but very thorough in its treatment of equipment and procedures. However, it concentrates mainly on reloading rifle cartridges.
Something else you might consider. There is a publication called "Handloader's Digest" which is a reloading counterpart to "Gun Digest." I think it is now up to about the 18th or 19th edition. Most editions can be found on eBay or Abe Books, very interesting reading for the reloader.
Funflyer
Member
I'm new to reloading also and read through several books, Lyman 50th, Hornady 10th, Lee Modern Reloading, Nosler Reload Guide, Shooter's Bible, and others. Found every one of them at my local library. Lots of invaluable information but, when it comes to actual load data, there are also contradictions from book to book, some slight and some had me scratching my head.
Before I actually started to work up any test rounds, I turned to the forums to get into the "weeds" with specific pistols and which powders, bullets and loads were the best for accuracy and reliability.
So far I've reloaded and fired about 500 rounds (combined) of 9mm, 45ACP and 38 super with 99% reliability. The only ones I had trouble with were 9mm using Hornady XTP (115gr) bullets. Those had the longest COL of my XTP test rounds and a few required a slight nudge into battery from my Shield. None of these were loaded to the "max" powder charge from any book and most were as accurate as any factory ammo I've used. Some have my groups tighter by about half so I'm not changing a thing with those.
Still working on dialing in the 38 Super and then I'll start on the 380s and 38/357s.
Before I actually started to work up any test rounds, I turned to the forums to get into the "weeds" with specific pistols and which powders, bullets and loads were the best for accuracy and reliability.
So far I've reloaded and fired about 500 rounds (combined) of 9mm, 45ACP and 38 super with 99% reliability. The only ones I had trouble with were 9mm using Hornady XTP (115gr) bullets. Those had the longest COL of my XTP test rounds and a few required a slight nudge into battery from my Shield. None of these were loaded to the "max" powder charge from any book and most were as accurate as any factory ammo I've used. Some have my groups tighter by about half so I'm not changing a thing with those.
Still working on dialing in the 38 Super and then I'll start on the 380s and 38/357s.
rkittine
Member
Another vote for the Lyman for a first manual.
DWalt
Member
"Still working on dialing in the 38 Super"
The .38 Super is a very versatile cartridge and I have been loading it for a long time. One of my favorites. My loads are fairly mild but it can be pushed to nearly .357 Magnum levels. I have done it - upwards of 1400 ft/sec in 9x23 cases.
The .38 Super is a very versatile cartridge and I have been loading it for a long time. One of my favorites. My loads are fairly mild but it can be pushed to nearly .357 Magnum levels. I have done it - upwards of 1400 ft/sec in 9x23 cases.
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OP
Jlpgumbo
Member
Thanks for posting everyone. Great information. I found a Lee book cheap and will start there. My library is walking distance. I will probably take my time buying equipment. Will look for a good deal I cannot pass on. Thanks
In the link I posted above are free manuals that you can download. You should download:
The ABC's of reloading (lee manual 2004)
The Hornady handbook of relaoding #4
Lyman's #48th edition of reloading
Lyman's cast bullet 3rd edition
Speer #12 edition reloading manual
2014 reloader's guide to reloading
The complete handloader
These are only a few of the free to download manuals/books in the link.
S&WsRsweet
Member
The very best start out set up in my opinion is a Lee manual,lee hand press along with die set for your favorite caliber and components .I have loaded up to 7mm Remington magnum with mine with no problems .I would say it is the most inexpensive and best investment I have made in reloading equipment. With the Lee manual just the first few chapters of technical and safety information is worth more than the cost .I highly recommend Lee Precision products dollar for dollar a great investment.
FWIW and not to be confused with a text; reloading manuals' data will vary because the test labs did not all use the exact same components (components will vary slightly from lot to lot, and even bullets may vary from lot to lot) nor the exact same test equipment (some use actual guns, some use universal receivers with different length barrels). Some still publish CPU pressures and some use more modern/accurate PSI information. For a brand new reloader, I'd recommend a text dedicated to new reloaders before a manual (which may include a "how to" section). While I'm not a Lee Hater, I cannot recommend a Lee manual for anything more than an entertaining read...
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hdwhit
Member
Any of them.
Provided you read - no, study - the part at the front about "How to Reload".
And then read that "How to Reload" section a second time.
Then, sit down and reduce what you have learned into a set of steps we can call your "Reloading Procedures". I suggest you turn those procedures into a checklist and then use it every time you reload. No exceptions.
Remember, you are assembling tiny "pipe bombs" and if you ignore the guidance on how to do it safely, it can cost you - depending on the skill of the surgeon - an eye, a face, a hand, or an arm.
Reloading can be an enjoyable hobby that is done safely for years, but it can't be done both chaotically and safely. It can't be done drunk and safely. It can't be done high and safely.
I would be interested in what fault you find with the Lee manual and/or equipment.
jwk
Member
Latest Lyman manual 1st as your starter general purpose manual. Follow up w your favorite bullet manufacturer's manual for bullet specific data. Hodgon makes a magazine type manual that is inexpensive for a 3rd manual.
READ THE PART OF THE MANUAL ON HOW TO RELOAD A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT STARTING TO LOAD YOUR 1ST CARTRIDGE!
READ THE PART OF THE MANUAL ON HOW TO RELOAD A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT STARTING TO LOAD YOUR 1ST CARTRIDGE!
nachogrande
Member
LIKE POTATO CHIPS.
One will not be enough. ABC's would be a good start, as could several IF you actually read/study/follow the instructions. Beyond that, my most used go to's are Ken Waters pet loads vol 1&2, Lymans #49 & the cast manual, followed by the mfg's manual for whatever bullet you plan on using. VERY IMPORTANT for me (if possible) is a manual that uses the same gun as their test gun, that is the same as the gun I am loading for. EXAMPLE: if you are loading for a rifle with an 18" barrel & the manual is loading for a 26" barrel, the velocity info will be off. The interweb likely has lot's of info IF you find the right sight.
One will not be enough. ABC's would be a good start, as could several IF you actually read/study/follow the instructions. Beyond that, my most used go to's are Ken Waters pet loads vol 1&2, Lymans #49 & the cast manual, followed by the mfg's manual for whatever bullet you plan on using. VERY IMPORTANT for me (if possible) is a manual that uses the same gun as their test gun, that is the same as the gun I am loading for. EXAMPLE: if you are loading for a rifle with an 18" barrel & the manual is loading for a 26" barrel, the velocity info will be off. The interweb likely has lot's of info IF you find the right sight.
