Reloading Literature

[DevilDawgJJ]

So I wanted to read about reloading first, before I make any dicisions about what purchases for equipment I would need, and what would suit my reloading rational.

What are some of the books that come recommened for someone who want's to start this trade?

[Ukiahgunnut]

ABC's of Reloading is a great book. It will tell you what you need equipment wise and supplies. This is one of the most used books on reloading and is great to get started.

UGN

[Clownpuncher]

^^^ That book is good.

If you are looking for a load manual that will show you what you need as well as have recipes in it I have heard the Lyman manual is good as it shows lots of different stuff.

Of the ones I own, the Sierra manual is great. I really like the loose leaf format and it has tons of info. The Lee manual is really good too but hard to find unless you order it online and pay shipping. The Speer manual is not bad but the least used out of the 3 I have.

[Fyathyrio]

ABCs as mentioned - but does not include "recipes" for bullets...just very good info presented in a clear manner.

At least two manufacturer books later on so you have a 2nd source to verify your load data.

The stickies at the top of this forum.

ultimatereloader.com for lots of reviews and videos of the equipment in action.

[DevilDawgJJ]

Thanks...I'll get the ABC's....

When you say 'manufacturer books'...what does that entail? Can you elaborate a little more?

[Fyathyrio]

Hornady, Lyman, Sierra, Speer, ect all have reloading manuals that highlight their equipment, presses and bullets. They include the specific components and powder levels they used to test, velocity and pressure numbers achieved, as well as a slightly less detailed (but still adequate) explanation of the reloading process compared to ABCs. Also, the major powder manufacturers have load data available, usually online.

I taught myself how to reload on a Hornady LnL progressive press using just the Hornady manual and ABCs to start with. I've since added the rest listed above, and learned a little from each.

The reason I say have at least two sources is because the odds of you having the exact same weapon, brass, primer, and bullet used are pretty slim. While the differences may be small between a Winchester primer and a Wolf primer, or Hornady vs Speer 158 gr jacketed hollow point, it's a difference you need to plan for and adjust your powder level accordingly...usually results are tested with a chronograph.

The easiest way to search many sources of load data for a specific round is Loadbooks USA available from MidwayUSA.com. They have licensed permission to include all the major powder and bullet manufacturer's load data into one handy caliber specific book. They cost about $7 each. The important thing is they have no instructions, just recipes.