Cheap reloading manual

[scidx]

Why is the Lee reloading manual far cheaper than others?
I'm starting my reloading adventure and figured my first two purchases would be a press and a manual. (I'm taking for granted that all name brand "single-stages" in the same price range are the same.) (aren't they?) I noticed the Lee manual is a big advertisement for Lee products, but is there valuable info in there? Do all manuals have similar info in them? I need a beginner's guide, foremost. Thanks for any input.

[mattman]

I think Lee still has a book for $40 that comes with a single stage press free. Throw out the book or use it as a paper weight. Load data can be had online for free. Lee kits come with a paper that outlines reloading in a few steps and has pictures.

[Fjold]

I think Lee still has a book for $40 that comes with a single stage press free. Throw out the book or use it as a paper weight. Load data can be had online for free. Lee kits come with a paper that outlines reloading in a few steps and has pictures.

That's probably the worst reloading advice that I have ever seen.

Lee publishes their manual which includes a lot of "advertising" of their own products so they sell it cheaper to get that advertising in front of more people.

ALWAYS buy reloading manuals and read them from cover to cover. They give you all the safety precautions, loading and case preparation procedures and the theory behind reloading to make the safest and most accurate ammunition that you can.

I've been reloading for 29 years and I still buy updated reloading manuals and read them. It's easy to get complacent and make a mistake and since there is only 50,000 PSI or so 3" in front of your eyes, you can't be too careful.

[ivanimal]

That's probably the worst reloading advice that I have ever seen.

Tell it like it is.

I use the Lee book for load reference. Although Lee is somewhat of a maverick the info is good for reference, he covers all the newer cartidges as well. I always use more than one source for all loads I am new to. The cheapest books are the ones that the powder companies give out. Then there is one that can be had at most Borders books, Hogdons reloading.



It is about 8 bucks.

I always push people towards the Lyman books read it cover to cover and then again when you have time. As mentioned above 50,000 PSI is not something I would seek a bargain in.


The best book on reloading I own is Ken Waters "Pet Loads". Ken is enjoyable and informative. I miss his column in Handloader magazine. His book is for the reloader that knows what he is doing already though. Its not cheap either.

[Nodda Duma]

+1 on good info in the Lee manual. It is definitely not a paperweight. Also good advice to not rely on a single source. I recommend Hornady and Sierra manuals.

-Jason

[Blwnbwtie]

The Lee book is very good, it has a lot of info in it. I have a few manuals. I like to get the manuals from the bullet manufacter for the bullet i am using. NOt all bullets are identical. The Lee manual and the Lyman manuals are both good reads with good beginer info. I also have the hornady manual cause i use a lot of their bullets. The instruction is also very good in that one too.

[gemoose23]

I started with the book, ABC's Of Reloading. Looks like there is a new edition out now, and can be had for 16 bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/Abcs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/0896896099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246255714&sr=8-1

No load info.. but you can get those from many sources. I reference the poweder manufacturer websites for some load data.

[domokun]

I suggest one of the following:

• Lyman's 49th Edition
• Lee's Modern Reloading 2nd Edition
• Speer #14

Just get one of these and you'll be good to go for starters.

[Sunwolf]

Always,always several different reloading manuals.

[EOD3]

I use Lyman, Hornady, Speer, Nosler, Hogden, and IMR load manuals. The Hornady data is my primary source BUT, the .358 data is a little odd.

[ar15barrels]

I think the lyman manual is the BEST manual to start with as far as explaining the process and also offering a wide variety of loads that are not so bullet specific.

[bartt]

I have to defer to others here about which manual is better than another.

Not to side track this thread, but I think this is pertinent..
Since you are asking about reloading data - one thing that I have found is the load data is an approximation in almost all cases, due to the mfgr variances in powder density. So, on top of getting at least one manual, make sure you have a good scale and double check the charges that you are using. Do not assume anything when it comes to the amount of powder in a cartridge.
Most powder measures are by volume not weight, but most published data is by weight not volume, so a conversion factor is involved, and that varies by density; density also varies from lot to lot of a given powder. I've taken to working up my own conversion factor for each lot of powder I open. And I still weigh charges just to make sure.
HTH..

[ccampbell]

I would recommend the Lee Anniversary kit, comes with the reloading manual, press and everything you need to get started, except dies. Midway usually caries it for $60 to $80 (depending on if it is on sale). It is a good inexpensive way to get started. Later if you move up to a progressive press, you will still have ocasional need of a single stage press.