Who publishes the best reloader's book?

ITEOTWAWKI · October 1, 2006, 04:36 PM

As I'm pondering the idea of getting into handloading, what book or books should I look into to get myself started? I like to think I can pick up new things pretty well, it's just that I'm as green as can be when it comes to loading ammo.

I've read somewhere that 'lee' books are where to begin? What's considered the end-all be-all greatest handloading book/bible?

ammo.crafter · October 1, 2006, 04:46 PM

What do you indend to reload? Rifle handgun or sotgun?

The NRA publishes a very good all around reloading book that is must reading for a "newby".
Lyman is great for shotgun reloading and Hornady, Sierra and Speer are good for handgun and rifle.

Good luck. Reloading is lots of fun and relaxing once you get into the groove.

ITEOTWAWKI · October 1, 2006, 06:49 PM

Primarily .45 and .223 (until perhaps I venture into the wonderful world of real .30 cal rifles)

**Bud Helms** · October 1, 2006, 06:55 PM

The best ... it's just like the best pistol, or revolver, or rifle, or caliber, or model, or bullet, or holster. There's no best. They're different. When it come to reloading manuals, get 'em all. Each one has something the others don't, like pistols, revolvers, rifles, different calibers and chamberings, different models, bullets, and holsters.

Edward429451 · October 1, 2006, 07:00 PM

I have nine manuals and can't really say that any ones the best because they all have something the others do not. If I was just getting into reloading I'd be split between Lyman or Speer.

Not familier with Lee's so can not comment on that.

rem33 · October 1, 2006, 07:22 PM

I have several from 4 different company's , not all are current but I do refer to them all at times. Lyman's seems to get the most use.

rwilson452 · October 1, 2006, 08:37 PM

Like the man said there is no best. The top three for a new reloader are, "the ABC's of Reloading" Lee's Modern reloading and Lymans ( the latest edition). I would suggest you get all three. Really you never have enough reloading manuals. I reload a lot and I'm still collecting them. I consult the powder mfg web pages. Bullet mfg, you name it. I read a lot before starting a new reloading project. That's my suggestion, others may very.

Dave R · October 1, 2006, 09:02 PM

FWIW, the only one I read for fun is Speer's. The introductions to each cartridge are great. Good history, background, tips, etc.

amamnn · October 1, 2006, 09:15 PM

I agree you can't have too many manuals. I think I'd start with the Lee "Modern Reloading" as it has a large "how to" section and good general reloading data for rifles and pistols. I use the manuals that the bullet makers put out, since they try a lot of powders using their bullets. While many bullets may look identical, there are subtle differences in shape and composition that will change the neck tension of a cartridge, and hence, the start pressure. Lee takes this into account in the load data and gives a good safe starting point for each caliber and bullet type. But to get the most out of your loads, once you have decided on favorite bullets, the manuals by Sierra, Nosler, Hornady, and other bullet makers would be the best choice.

You are wise to read up on the subject before jumping in. I've been doing this for 50 years come this April and it's good to see new people getting interested in shooting and reloading. It's really too bad that there are still fools who just load up whatever seems ok to them. Those people make problems for more than just themselves or the poor guy on the bench next to them at the range when they blow the receiver out of a rifle. We've had one range closed to centerfire shooting here and another severely restricted because of incidents like that. Reloading is a great hobby and a rewarding one if done safely. I hope you enjoy many years of fun at it.

ledavatar · October 1, 2006, 09:27 PM

I have 3 manuals - Lyman, Lee, and Sierra. Lee has more loads than anybody, so if you like to experiment w/ various powder and bullets, that's the way to go. I seem to use that book most of all since it has the most data.

I wouldn't recommend Sierra - they only carry info on their own manufactured bullets.

JJB2 · October 2, 2006, 12:40 AM

i have always checked as many sources as i could for different loads and tips on reloading.. then just pick out what you want to start with and research for your needs....... and i come up with my own safe loads for my guns...... for me reloading is a great wat to spend the long iowa winter evenings..... that and shooting my rws air rifle into small groups

LIFE IS SHORT.........

MrGee · October 2, 2006, 12:47 PM

Like everyone one else i have more then one .. i prefer to start with Lymans,
[#48 Edition] being the newest, i always use Sierra as cross reference an then Speer. the reason All here say the more the better , is when you get into loading what you'll be looking for will depend on the components brands you use... bullets, powder an primer brands.. will very in each book. one idea would be for you is to get which ever you choose `plus' a book[s] just on the caliber you would be loading ... [as you said .45/.223] which can be found @ http://www.midwayusa.com/ or http://www.brownells.com/ an other sites that carry reloading stuff....
best of luck .. you'll find it a lot of fun.....

azredhawk44 · October 2, 2006, 05:34 PM

Never start reloading with just one manual.

It's always possible for one manual to have a typo in it. Always second-source your loads.

Lee's modern reloading is an excellent resource. Lyman's is another. READ THE FIRST HALF OF LEE'S BOOK BEFORE RELOADING. FIND A FRIEND WHO KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING AND LEARN FROM HIM.

I probably have over a dozen manuals. I get the ones from each powder manufacturer. I have a printout from CorBon's website for loading .400 Corbon. I get the ones from Rainier's website. I have 2 caliber-specific manuals for 44mag and 30-30. I even have one specifically for loading Hodgdon 777 powder for cowboy-style reloads that I do for my dad.

Lots of data is always best. Have fun, be safe!

ClarkEMyers · October 2, 2006, 06:10 PM

Phil Sharpe and Earl Naramore wrote the best books. For data the respective makers have the best data for their own product. That is for data I'd look first at the bullet maker and the powder maker for data. The various editions of ABC's of Reloading and the Richard Lee book and some others all together add up to something pretty decent but none of the newer books about reloading is really as good as some of the older books.

Tim R · October 3, 2006, 05:26 AM

Unlike some of the others Speer uses real firearms for testing. Speer is my go to book and is always about right on the money. Good how too section and is fun to read the history. My $.02 peso's.

sundog · October 3, 2006, 09:26 AM

For a 'how-to' I like the NRA Guide to Reloading. It was specifically developed for the NRA Reloading Course. It covers the basics very well with word and image, metallic and shotshell. ABC's of Reloading is a good second. Also take a look at NRMA. You will also want more than one reloading manual. Plus, look at all the powder and bullet mfg's web sites. There's certainly alot more available today than years ago! sundog

2400 · October 3, 2006, 10:40 PM

I've been loading for over 35 years and have a few to look through. I agree with the guys that say you can't have too many different manuals.

flutedchamber · October 4, 2006, 11:04 PM

I have to agree with what everyone above said as far as a variety of manuals and cross-checking information. The only thing that I can add is the Lee loading manual (the original one) is well worth buying for not only loading information, but there is also a wealth of other reloading information well explained which is nice to have at your fingertips as a handy reference guide.

Smokey Joe · October 5, 2006, 12:00 AM

ITETO--Best book for the beginning reloader is without a doubt The ABC's of Reloading! It is considered the standard textbook on the subject. This is not a loading manual (you'll need at least one of those, too!) rather it is a how-to and more importantly why-and-why-not-to kind of book. Get it from yr local sptg gds sto, gun sho, the I'net, or order from Krause Publishing www.krause.com They must be doing something right; the book is in its 7th edition.

And +1 on Rwilson's comment,

Quote:

You are wise to read up on the subject before jumping in.

I whish there had been all the books availble nowadays, when I started. Would have saved me more than a few oopses.

caz223 · October 5, 2006, 04:59 PM

+1 on the abcs of reloading.
It was it the 4th edition when I picked one up.
Remember, all the brass prep they do for rifle, isn't necessary for straight wall pistol.

Clark · October 11, 2006, 12:11 AM

I have ~50 reloading manuals, but do not use them much any more.

For my ~60 calibers, I mostly make up my own loads, using Quickload software.

Of the books, I like the Sierra for rifles, and for handguns, I like the free data from the powder sellers and re-sellers.

October 1, 2006, 04:36 PM	#1
ITEOTWAWKI Junior member Join Date: September 22, 2006 Posts: 454	Who publishes the best reloader's book? As I'm pondering the idea of getting into handloading, what book or books should I look into to get myself started? I like to think I can pick up new things pretty well, it's just that I'm as green as can be when it comes to loading ammo. I've read somewhere that 'lee' books are where to begin? What's considered the end-all be-all greatest handloading book/bible?

October 1, 2006, 04:46 PM	#2
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	What do you indend to reload? Rifle handgun or sotgun? The NRA publishes a very good all around reloading book that is must reading for a "newby". Lyman is great for shotgun reloading and Hornady, Sierra and Speer are good for handgun and rifle. Good luck. Reloading is lots of fun and relaxing once you get into the groove. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

October 1, 2006, 08:37 PM	#7
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	The Best? Like the man said there is no best. The top three for a new reloader are, "the ABC's of Reloading" Lee's Modern reloading and Lymans ( the latest edition). I would suggest you get all three. Really you never have enough reloading manuals. I reload a lot and I'm still collecting them. I consult the powder mfg web pages. Bullet mfg, you name it. I read a lot before starting a new reloading project. That's my suggestion, others may very.

October 1, 2006, 09:02 PM	#8
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	FWIW, the only one I read for fun is Speer's. The introductions to each cartridge are great. Good history, background, tips, etc. __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

October 1, 2006, 09:15 PM	#9
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	I agree you can't have too many manuals. I think I'd start with the Lee "Modern Reloading" as it has a large "how to" section and good general reloading data for rifles and pistols. I use the manuals that the bullet makers put out, since they try a lot of powders using their bullets. While many bullets may look identical, there are subtle differences in shape and composition that will change the neck tension of a cartridge, and hence, the start pressure. Lee takes this into account in the load data and gives a good safe starting point for each caliber and bullet type. But to get the most out of your loads, once you have decided on favorite bullets, the manuals by Sierra, Nosler, Hornady, and other bullet makers would be the best choice. You are wise to read up on the subject before jumping in. I've been doing this for 50 years come this April and it's good to see new people getting interested in shooting and reloading. It's really too bad that there are still fools who just load up whatever seems ok to them. Those people make problems for more than just themselves or the poor guy on the bench next to them at the range when they blow the receiver out of a rifle. We've had one range closed to centerfire shooting here and another severely restricted because of incidents like that. Reloading is a great hobby and a rewarding one if done safely. I hope you enjoy many years of fun at it. __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

October 1, 2006, 06:49 PM	#3
ITEOTWAWKI Junior member Join Date: September 22, 2006 Posts: 454	Primarily .45 and .223 (until perhaps I venture into the wonderful world of real .30 cal rifles)

October 1, 2006, 06:55 PM	#4
Bud Helms Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 1999 Location: Middle Georgia, USA Posts: 13,198	The best ... it's just like the best pistol, or revolver, or rifle, or caliber, or model, or bullet, or holster. There's no best. They're different. When it come to reloading manuals, get 'em all. Each one has something the others don't, like pistols, revolvers, rifles, different calibers and chamberings, different models, bullets, and holsters.

October 1, 2006, 07:00 PM	#5
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I have nine manuals and can't really say that any ones the best because they all have something the others do not. If I was just getting into reloading I'd be split between Lyman or Speer. Not familier with Lee's so can not comment on that.

October 1, 2006, 07:22 PM	#6
rem33 Junior member Join Date: March 31, 2006 Posts: 1,528	I have several from 4 different company's , not all are current but I do refer to them all at times. Lyman's seems to get the most use.

October 1, 2006, 09:27 PM	#10
ledavatar Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2006 Posts: 147	I have 3 manuals - Lyman, Lee, and Sierra. Lee has more loads than anybody, so if you like to experiment w/ various powder and bullets, that's the way to go. I seem to use that book most of all since it has the most data. I wouldn't recommend Sierra - they only carry info on their own manufactured bullets.

October 2, 2006, 12:40 AM	#11
JJB2 Junior member Join Date: December 14, 2005 Posts: 558	i have always checked as many sources as i could for different loads and tips on reloading.. then just pick out what you want to start with and research for your needs....... and i come up with my own safe loads for my guns...... for me reloading is a great wat to spend the long iowa winter evenings..... that and shooting my rws air rifle into small groups LIFE IS SHORT.........

October 2, 2006, 12:47 PM	#12
MrGee Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2005 Location: NC Posts: 260	Like everyone one else i have more then one .. i prefer to start with Lymans, [#48 Edition] being the newest, i always use Sierra as cross reference an then Speer. the reason All here say the more the better , is when you get into loading what you'll be looking for will depend on the components brands you use... bullets, powder an primer brands.. will very in each book. one idea would be for you is to get which ever you choose `plus' a book[s] just on the caliber you would be loading ... [as you said .45/.223] which can be found @ http://www.midwayusa.com/ or http://www.brownells.com/ an other sites that carry reloading stuff.... best of luck .. you'll find it a lot of fun.....

October 2, 2006, 05:34 PM	#13
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	Never start reloading with just one manual. It's always possible for one manual to have a typo in it. Always second-source your loads. Lee's modern reloading is an excellent resource. Lyman's is another. READ THE FIRST HALF OF LEE'S BOOK BEFORE RELOADING. FIND A FRIEND WHO KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING AND LEARN FROM HIM. I probably have over a dozen manuals. I get the ones from each powder manufacturer. I have a printout from CorBon's website for loading .400 Corbon. I get the ones from Rainier's website. I have 2 caliber-specific manuals for 44mag and 30-30. I even have one specifically for loading Hodgdon 777 powder for cowboy-style reloads that I do for my dad. Lots of data is always best. Have fun, be safe!

October 2, 2006, 06:10 PM	#14
ClarkEMyers Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2004 Location: PacWest Posts: 455	Phil Sharpe and Earl Naramore wrote the best books. Phil Sharpe and Earl Naramore wrote the best books. For data the respective makers have the best data for their own product. That is for data I'd look first at the bullet maker and the powder maker for data. The various editions of ABC's of Reloading and the Richard Lee book and some others all together add up to something pretty decent but none of the newer books about reloading is really as good as some of the older books.

October 3, 2006, 05:26 AM	#15
Tim R Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2004 Location: God's side of Washington State Posts: 1,601	Unlike some of the others Speer uses real firearms for testing. Speer is my go to book and is always about right on the money. Good how too section and is fun to read the history. My $.02 peso's. __________________ God Bless our Troops especially our Snipers.

October 3, 2006, 09:26 AM	#16
sundog Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Green Country, OK Posts: 782	For a 'how-to' I like the NRA Guide to Reloading. It was specifically developed for the NRA Reloading Course. It covers the basics very well with word and image, metallic and shotshell. ABC's of Reloading is a good second. Also take a look at NRMA. You will also want more than one reloading manual. Plus, look at all the powder and bullet mfg's web sites. There's certainly alot more available today than years ago! sundog __________________ safety first

October 3, 2006, 10:40 PM	#17
2400 Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2004 Location: AZ Posts: 389	I've been loading for over 35 years and have a few to look through. I agree with the guys that say you can't have too many different manuals.

October 4, 2006, 11:04 PM	#18
flutedchamber Member Join Date: July 14, 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 61	I have to agree with what everyone above said as far as a variety of manuals and cross-checking information. The only thing that I can add is the Lee loading manual (the original one) is well worth buying for not only loading information, but there is also a wealth of other reloading information well explained which is nice to have at your fingertips as a handy reference guide.

October 5, 2006, 04:59 PM	#20
caz223 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,429	+1 on the abcs of reloading. It was it the 4th edition when I picked one up. Remember, all the brass prep they do for rifle, isn't necessary for straight wall pistol. __________________ I'm not just a gun. I'm YOUR gun. (Hold me.)

October 11, 2006, 12:11 AM	#21
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	I have ~50 reloading manuals, but do not use them much any more. For my ~60 calibers, I mostly make up my own loads, using Quickload software. Of the books, I like the Sierra for rifles, and for handguns, I like the free data from the powder sellers and re-sellers.