Which Book a Newbie to Reloading Should Start With?

[Rugerdaddy]

OK, I have read several times that to start reloading, one must get, and read, cover-to-cover the book titled The ABCs of Reloading. Good advice. However, when I went to Amazon to find it, I found there are three books with the SAME title by two authors!

1. The ABCs Of Reloading: The Definitive Guide for Novice to Expert (ABC's of Reloading) by Rodney James

2. ABC's of Reloading by C. Rodney James

3. The ABC's Of Reloading: The Definitive Guide For Novice To Expert by
Bill Chevalier

Are the first two the same? Which of these is everyone referring to? Maybe it makes no difference.

Thanks for your advice.

[tANDa]

Did you look at the dates?
I think there are several editions to the book, and they might have different editors for the different editions.

[Fyathyrio]

Here's the one I have, bought just over a year ago...

The ABC's of Reloading
The Definitive Guide For Novice To Expert
8th Edition
Edited by Bill Chevalier

Cover has Hornady gear all over it.

[Rugerdaddy]

Did you look at the dates?
I think there are several editions to the book, and they might have different editors for the different editions.

Thanks! One of the James books is 6th edition and the other is 9th. That answers one question.

Now, any preference between James and Chevalier? Anyone?

[GeoffLinder]

Just get the latest edition.

Next purchase recommendation is the Lyman reloading manual

After that get another manual, Hornady, RCBS or Sierra.

Always good to have more than one loading manual. The published load data in each will be slightly different so never rely on just one source for load data. Compare, average the differences and select the safe low-end compromise to start when researching charge weight data.

[SanPedroShooter]

+1 for the 49th lyman manual.
I am a bit ashamed to admit i bought it based on the cover picture and size. But i am glad i did, they really cover the step by step basics. The Horandy manual has good stuff in it, but it can be a little vauge imo. I think i will probaly get the sierra manual as well. They have a whole section dedicated to gas guns, or so i hear.

[tujungatoes]

Just get the latest edition.

Next purchase recommendation is the Lyman reloading manual

After that get another manual, Hornady, RCBS or Sierra.

Always good to have more than one loading manual. The published load data in each will be slightly different so never rely on just one source for load data. Compare, average the differences and select the safe low-end compromise to start when researching charge weight data.

^this

[Rugerdaddy]

Just get the latest edition.

Next purchase recommendation is the Lyman reloading manual

After that get another manual, Hornady, RCBS or Sierra.

Always good to have more than one loading manual. The published load data in each will be slightly different so never rely on just one source for load data. Compare, average the differences and select the safe low-end compromise to start when researching charge weight data.

I've read this idea elsewhere of using two sources for load data (is that the same as two recipes?) and then averaging, or splitting the difference. If the manuals are good, and accurate, why not just use any ONE good recipe. Even though the load data may be slightly different, wouldn't either one be OK for a beginner to use?

[GeoffLinder]

Because the tests that establish load data are not 100% standardized from place to place doing the testing. Not all bbl's and bullets are the same and pressure can vary from firearm to firearm and bullet to bullet by quite a lot.

It's "always" a good idea to compare from several sources and go with the mid-range or low-end to start. Always has been, always will be

[choprzrul]

I really like the Lee manual and have given it to both of my sons as a gift.

Any recommendations for a good internal ballistics book/books?

.

[GeoffLinder]

Any recommendations for a good internal ballistics book/books?

No book recommendations, but for a primer on internal ballistics, start here.

Internal Ballistics Primer

More info about ballistics in general here:

Ballistics

Here are some references to published materials on ballistics:

Ballistics Bibliography

[SanPedroShooter]

"Understanding firearms ballistics" by robert rinker 9th ed.
Much much more than ballistic info. Basically how guns work, from basic physics to component manufacturing process. Its an overview, but a good place to start.

[Divernhunter]

I think the Lyman book is better than the ABC book and it has data you can use to load with. I never used the "take 2 and average" method. I have been loading since 1962 and have never had a problem. I have many books to cross check when at max loads but still have not had trouble. "I" think too many people get hung up on some things when reloading. Carefull is good but you can take it too far in some areas. Same goes with case prep for a hunting rifle and selecting a bullet/load just on group size as opposed to what it will be used for.

[bubbapug1]

3. The ABC's Of Reloading: The Definitive Guide For Novice To Expert by
Bill Chevalier

And a big NO to the advertisement passed off as a manual by Lee.

After you read the book use youtube to get more details and techniques, especially on setting up dies

[Markus]

I got the 8th edition of the ABCs of reloading and I found it personally to be a bit out of date and on the low end with helpful technical advice. I felt as though I was reading the history of reloading with a slight blurb on how to actually do it and then onto more history. If your dead set on getting the ABCs of reloading they do have a new edition coming out on the 12th of january here so I would just wait a couple days. I also ordered myself the Lyman 49th ed Reloading manual and couldnt be happier.