Reloading manual for complete beginner?

[ssgrock3]

ETA: you can pick up free reloading manuals from the powder companies at the stores where you buy reloading stuff.

also online...fill out their form and they will ship them. Data is also online but doesn't give you Everything you need.

http://www.hodgdon.com/

http://www.imrpowder.com/

http://www.wwpowder.com/

http://www.alliantpowder.com/

I know the top three send out books. Doesn't have every load imaginable but it is a start. Alliant load data has only speer bullets.

I personally like the speer manual. I got a #13 that I have had a while, but also have a couple of others. Look around. Ebay can find you some manuels a little cheaper but might be an older version.

 

[doctorjj]

For someone who is just getting into reloading, I would suggest this book. I got it and learned a ton about reloading.

http://www.amazon.com/Abcs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/0896896099/ref=dp_ob_image_bk

 

[Daryl Licht]

For one manual I'd have to say go with the Lyman.

I have Speer, Nosler, Hornady, Lee, Sierra, Hodgdon and a few oddballs and have several editions of some of them. The Lyman nearly always gets the first look, and their instructional sections are very good.

 

[Roadking Larry]

Lee's Modern reloading
Lyman's
NRA's book
Most bullet and powder manufactureres put laod data on line.
You just can't have too many current reloading manuals.

 

[Hoss]

Lee's Modern Reloading was the first manual that I bought. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=484416
It was cheap and gave me lots of good information on about every aspect of reloading. Now I have several different reloading manuals, but I just use them to check loading data.

 

[Jerryinokc]

Lyman's 49th edition...not biased to any brand that I can see, has load data for lead, and a very good section for beginners.

 

[flatwins]

Also, if you want to see the basic mechanics of reloading there are tons of videos on Youtube. It is not really rocket science but you do need to pay close attention to the type and volume of powder you are using. It's always best to start with loads that are light and work up from there.

 

[Stingray]

Thanks for all of the info so far. I've ordered the NRA book. I'm sure I'll order more after I've read it.

-S

 

[WILLARD]

I've never reloaded at all, but really want to get into it. Everyone says to get a manual and read it first so that's what I intend to do. Problem is that there are just so many out there and I don't want to have to spend $200 on books before I find one geared toward my skill level. I plan to start with rifle ammo, .32 Winchester Special to be specific, but if it turns out that I enjoy it, I'll almost certainly start reloading .38 special as well.

any recommendations would be appreciated.

-S

I started out on a Lee single stage anniversary kit. This kit came with a loading manual that explained each step in detail and had cut away photos as well. Also, Lee dies come with detailed instructions on how to set the dies up on the press and load data as well with the dies. I later up graded to a Dillon 550B. I dont know what kind of loading press you have your heart set on but the Lee reloading manual is a good read. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[WILLARD]

If you are going to reload using cast bullits consider J&K bullit casters out of okc very good pricing. They have a web site.