Author Topic: Reloading Books ... (Read 594 times)

PASlugger · « **on:** March 25, 2004, 02:50:40 PM »

I would like to buy a book or two on reloading. I have never reloaded before, and would like to read up a bit while I'm deciding on a press.

Which books would you suggest that cover beginner topics, and are also good for load reference?

Thanks

PASlugger

longwinters · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2004, 02:56:53 PM »

I have Speer, Nosler and Sierra. But as I look thru other ones that friends have I actually think for learning how to reload etc... the Hornady reloading books are by far the best. Good illustrations and clear instructions. The only downside is that you have to buy both volumes ($39.00).

long

jgalar · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2004, 03:24:28 PM »

I think Lee's book is very good for beginners. It reads like an ad for Lee, but has info on casting, handgun and rifle reloading, powder measuring and weighing, reloading for shotgun etc. There are alot of good books on reloading, but some of them get into more detail than most beginners want or need.

Kragman71 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2004, 03:40:13 PM »

The books mentioned are all good;so is the Lyman/Ideal manual
The NRA also offers a Handbook for Reloading.
Frank

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2004, 04:12:48 AM »

I second Kragman's suggestion of the NRA book. It is a good comprehensive manual and unlike others is not an advertisement for one brand. It has safety reference information you won't find in other manuals such as the National Fire Protection Association standards which are the basis for most local and state fire regulations. It is also very inexpensive. Most folks here will also tell you that you should have more than one.

I think you should also look into instruction in your area. You can find instruction by going to the NRA website:

www.nra.org

and instruction, tutorials and safety info by going to:

http://www.reload-nrma.com/

Questor · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2004, 04:57:10 AM »

I think the Speer book is the best overall.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2004, 06:38:06 AM »

)The hands down best is "ABCs of Reloading" by C. Rodney James. It is a no nonsense book on reloading period. No data, just plain, informative and clear instructions. It is inexpensive enough, compared to a reloading manual with data, that you can dish out the cash and if you decide that reloading may not be for you (which I doubt will happen :-D ) then you not out a lot of money. Should you decide you want to continue then you move up to a couple of manuals. So I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Brian M.

Carl l. · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2004, 10:02:06 AM »

I don't think you can have enough handloading books. If I was starting out to day to handload and know what I know now, I would buy the
Sierra, Layman and Hornady to start with. I think all the new handloading books today are safe. The old handloading books were hot compared today's books. They started lighter loads in 1970. I guess I was doing it all wrong when I started but I went by the load book that was out at the time, so I guess I was lucky. Happy handloading Carl L.

Flash · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2004, 12:52:56 PM »

Well, I second the recomendation of the ABC's of Reloading. Mine was written by Dean Grennell and it's a comprehensive description of the entire process with excelent photographs. PaSlugger, you are going about this in the right way. Read, read and read again before you purchase. Good Luck, you'll love reloading your own ammunition. Wait until you kill a deer with the bullet you cast.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #9 on:** March 26, 2004, 12:55:52 PM »

Like Longwinters, I have Speer, Sierra's 5th Edition, and Nosler's 5th Edition. In addition, I have the NRA handbook mentioned above and it gives a very well explained introduction to reloading.

All of these books have something to offer and I agree that you can't have too many because of the cross-referencing benefit. What is most important is that you read and read and read them again. Safe practices is stressed in all of these manuals and should be well heeded. Wear safety glasses and have a lot of fun!!!

Good luck ...

JBMauser · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2004, 03:50:38 PM »

I agree with all previous posts with one qualifier. I recomend when you start out to buy manuals NOT published by the Bullet Boys they are good but they are first trying to sell you their bullets. You can get them later. Buy Lyman and or lee, NRA and ABC's. Check your library and see if you can get Nonte's modern handloading or his basic handloading (out of print). You can find them on Ebay from time to time for less than $10 and around $4 for the latter. Best of Luck and welcome to a great hobby and pastime. JB