Let me start off by saying, I grew up reloading rifle shells with my Grandpa. He didn't get into all the tech stuff like where to get the powder loads and bullet weights.Well that was over a decade ago and I would like to start reloading again. I plan on reloading handgun shells (40 S&W, 38 special, and 9mm) for practice and with hollow points. I could really use some help by pointing me in a good direction of some good reloading books. I appreciate your help.
Where to Start
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The standard answer for which book to read first is the ABC's of Reloading. The 9th Edition is the newest and you should probably buy that one.
After you read that you will need a good load manual (or two or three) Lyman's newest, the 49th Edition is an excellent manual. If you are going to load a lot of lead bullets you really should add Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition. It has all the lead bullet data contained in the full 49th Edition manual and a whole lot more added. It's a good buy IMO. There are also a lot of sites online for data but I highly suggest you stick with sites from bullet and powder manufacturers. They can be trusted to have safe data.
Accurate
Alliant
Hodgdon /IMR /Winchester
Ramshot
VihtaVuori
Nosler
Barnes Bullets
Hornady FTX Bullet Load Data
I hope this helps a bit...
After you read that you will need a good load manual (or two or three) Lyman's newest, the 49th Edition is an excellent manual. If you are going to load a lot of lead bullets you really should add Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition. It has all the lead bullet data contained in the full 49th Edition manual and a whole lot more added. It's a good buy IMO. There are also a lot of sites online for data but I highly suggest you stick with sites from bullet and powder manufacturers. They can be trusted to have safe data.
Accurate
Alliant
Hodgdon /IMR /Winchester
Ramshot
VihtaVuori
Nosler
Barnes Bullets
Hornady FTX Bullet Load Data
I hope this helps a bit...
Last edited:
I think ArchAngel pretty much covered it.
If you want some visual guides go to the RCBS web site and click on the videos. It's mainly for rifle but gives you the idea of the flow/process. Also click on the top, Guide to reloading, step by step.
RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Products
In addition to the manuals mentioned, I like the Speer manual.
If you want some visual guides go to the RCBS web site and click on the videos. It's mainly for rifle but gives you the idea of the flow/process. Also click on the top, Guide to reloading, step by step.
RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Products
In addition to the manuals mentioned, I like the Speer manual.
fredj338
Member
Even with all the powder manuf data sites, IMO, every reloader needs to have at least two good reloading manuals, then us the pwoder manuf sites to cross ref. I like the Spper #14 & Lyman #49 because they both have lead data for most calibers. The Speer also give me data that matches my results.
Lee Manual
Another good manual is Lee's Reloading Handbook. Lee is a bit full of himself and it is full of advertisements for Lee products, but it is a good source of information. It gives some of the most basic information on conversion from grains to cc's for measuring. Lee loading supplies work very well, but are built lighter to hit the economy market. I've used Lee products for a while with very satisfactory results.
RR
Another good manual is Lee's Reloading Handbook. Lee is a bit full of himself and it is full of advertisements for Lee products, but it is a good source of information. It gives some of the most basic information on conversion from grains to cc's for measuring. Lee loading supplies work very well, but are built lighter to hit the economy market. I've used Lee products for a while with very satisfactory results.
RR
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Isn't the Lee manual a reprint of the powder manufacturer's load data?
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
I think that they are MOSTLY that but not all. There are a bunch of reduced lead bullet rifle loads and there is some data for the weight of bullets that their moulds produce, some.
At any rate, the Lee is a sale flier, none better in that department BUT, it has the most all inclusive data available. Plus, if you use their stuff to load with, there are a lot of pictures on how to use it in the book too. I have both editions and am glad I do. Good material. Has casting help too.
FWIW
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