Recommended Read for Handloading

[rdhays2000]

Unless I'm missing something, I have not been able to find anything about the best books to read up on handloading. Can someone please recommend some good books to read up on handloading. At different times I have thought of doing my own loads but I push it out of my mind cus I dont know where to start.

Rick

[C.G.]

I highly recommend Lyman's, but it should not be your only handloading book.

[GW]

+1 on Lyman's They aren't pushing a particular brand of bullet or powder plus they have excellent loads for cast bullets.
I like Any Shot You Want from A Squared but Lee's book is OK too


But get the Lyman book first

[ar15barrels]

Get the lyman book first.
Get several more manuals later so you can cross-compare the load data.

Are we seeing a trend here yet?

[Rangerat]

If you are loading for rifle accuracy then "Handloading for Competition" by Glen D. Zediker can't be beat for a how-to. Not loading info, but how to load for accuracy.

[ocabj]

NRA Guide to Reloading

Yes, it's actually a good manual and it's only $10.

It doesn't have any ties to a specific manufacturer.

It discusses reloading from the general standpoint of how metallic cartridges work (headspace, pressure, etc) and the steps needed to reload a fired case.

[rdhays2000]

Ok. Lyman's books, is all of their books equally good. Right now I mainly shoot the .40S&W and that will be my first caliber when I get a reload machine kit. But is all of Lyman's books equally good or would there be a particular one to look for? And thanks for the help.

[Fjold]

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

At the bottom of the page they have links for procedures, safety, etc. in both print and videos.

[ar15barrels]

Ok. Lyman's books, is all of their books equally good. Right now I mainly shoot the .40S&W and that will be my first caliber when I get a reload machine kit. But is all of Lyman's books equally good or would there be a particular one to look for? And thanks for the help.

Get the standard "metallic cartridges" one first.
The handgun one is better for actual data because it's handgun specific, but I don't remember if it uses the same chapters on the basics of reloading as the main book does.

I would recommend the main lyman book and then buy the Midway loadmaps for specific cartridges.

[eaglemike]

The Lyman stuff, just to join in the chorus. Even older used versions can give you good practice. The latest data can be had on some of the powder companies' websites - but you don't need to worry about that for a little while, IMHO. When you start, the usual rule about starting 10 percent below maximum is great, or a starting load if that is available.

Years ago (many) when I was loading for a specific event (the night before) I only changed one component. This resulted in difficult brass extraction in my wheelgun. I broke one of the rules, and fortunately didn't get hurt. Don't do what I did!

Primers are the most dangerous part of reloading. I'd also suggest you get used to wearing safety glasses while loading.

You wouldn't believe the stories I heard about people's "mishaps" back when I as working at Star, or when I was selling the Dillon stuff at gun shows.

all the best,

Mike