Jlpgumbo
Member
Hi everyone. I am looking into loading my own ammo. What is the best book for beginners? I want to read up before I buy any equipment.. Thoughts please. Thanks
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Best loading book for beginners?
- Thread starter Jlpgumbo
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I would get the Lyman 50th edition loading handbook, and then the new Speer or Hornady manual.
I second the recommendation of the Lyman manual.
cowboy4evr
Member
LEE loading book for your 1st . After that I like the latest Speer 14th edition . I have several Speer manuals going back years . But for your first I would have to say the LEE manual . Regards, Paul
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Golphin
Member
I have many and most are good. I find a lot of them are better if you are using their bullets like Hornady or Sierra. While I like both of those manual the best for the first is the Lee like cowboy said above.
Lee’s Modern Reloading 2nd edition that came with my Classic Turret kit is what got me started.
OP
Jlpgumbo
Member
Thanks for posting so quickly. I primarily will load .357, .38 to begin with.
cowboy4evr
Member
38 special has to be probably the easiest cartridge to reload . I would stay away from Titegroup powder though . Yes , it is a great powder for the 38 special but a 3.5 gr powder charge literally disappears in the case and would be hard to spot an over / double charge . It's a very very dense powder . For a fast burning powder in the 38spl I like Red Dot or Unique . Gives more bulk in the case so a double / over charge is more easily spotted . Have fun , take your time . It's a hobby not a race . regards, Paul
Ditto this.
The Lee book does and exceptional job of explaining the fundamentals in very clear and understandable terms for the novice.
max503
Member
The best one is the one you enjoy reading - the one that will inflame your interest.
I started out with, "The Complete Book of Practical Handloading" by John Wootters, copyright 1976. That book is full of statements that would be laughed at today. He advocated heavy, round nosed bullets for their brush bucking abilities. He also stated it's futile to try and load shotgun slugs or 22 and 25 caliber cast bullets.
But dang, I studied that book cover to cover and it fed my interest in the sport. I also read several books by the late Major George C. Nonte from the same time period. People just don't write like that anymore. I would suggest you do a search with your local library and get some books by some of those old-timers. One of my favorite passages by Nonte is where he talks about fondling and familiarizing yourself with your carry gun, the way you would treat a lover. People just don't write like that anymore. Political correctness forbids it. One of my gun-hating friends once called me a firearm fondler. I recalled that passage from Nonte and proudly proclaimed that I am!
Then get the Lyman manual for load data and procedures.....but that's some dry reading.
I started out with, "The Complete Book of Practical Handloading" by John Wootters, copyright 1976. That book is full of statements that would be laughed at today. He advocated heavy, round nosed bullets for their brush bucking abilities. He also stated it's futile to try and load shotgun slugs or 22 and 25 caliber cast bullets.
But dang, I studied that book cover to cover and it fed my interest in the sport. I also read several books by the late Major George C. Nonte from the same time period. People just don't write like that anymore. I would suggest you do a search with your local library and get some books by some of those old-timers. One of my favorite passages by Nonte is where he talks about fondling and familiarizing yourself with your carry gun, the way you would treat a lover. People just don't write like that anymore. Political correctness forbids it. One of my gun-hating friends once called me a firearm fondler. I recalled that passage from Nonte and proudly proclaimed that I am!
Then get the Lyman manual for load data and procedures.....but that's some dry reading.
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HorizontalMike
US Veteran
I agree. Choose a larger volume powder that fills most of the useful capacity of the cartridge. I chose HS6, slower burning than those above, however, it works for me.
Rosco Shooter
Member
I second the recommendation regarding the Lyman Reloading Manual as a good starting point. Then purchase the manuals corresponding to the types of jacketed bullets you will be loading, e.g., Nosler, Speer, Sierra, etc. You will soon have a nice sized library. The Lyman Manual also has data for loading cast bullets, and offers a separate manual containing additional data for loading cast bullets as well.
samnev
Member
Same recommendation here.
Probably the most recommended "how to" text for reloading is The ABCs of Reloading. It will show you not only the "how to", but explain components and the equipment used. Once this text is studied, a reloading manual, Lyman's 50th, is the next book to get. Most reloading manuals have a good "how to" section, Hornady's manual comes to mind. While Lee's manual is a good read, entertaining, I haven't opened mine in a few years and there are many I would recommend before this manual...
Ole Joe Clark
Absent Comrade
Lyman is a good general load manual because it covers many types of bullets and powders. When you get into branded manuals like, Hornady, Speer, Sierra etc. they concentrate on only their bullets. A good source and generally at no charge is the load data that the powder companies offer, most have that data at their websites and covers numerous different bullet manufactures.
Squarebutt
Member
The NRA offers a reloading class taught by certified instructors, with an NRA certificate upon completion. It's a great introduction.
I also started with the Wootters book, and still refer to it often. I have the Lyman 48th and 49th manuals and just ordered the 50th today. There are very good articles on the basics of reloading pistol and rifle ammo.
I also started with the Wootters book, and still refer to it often. I have the Lyman 48th and 49th manuals and just ordered the 50th today. There are very good articles on the basics of reloading pistol and rifle ammo.
