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Nick, a very good book to start with (and will continue to be usefull) is the loading manual published by Speer.
It is called The Speer Manual #13. (with the animal skull on the cover)
A loading manual, as you may know by now, is a reference book with loading data organized by caliber. There are usually two sections: handgun and rifle. This is where you look up loading data (powder weight) and predicted results (bullet velocity & cartridge pressure). Let's say you turn to the .38 special pages. They start with a little text on the history, general characteristics, and diagram of the .38 special cartridge, with dimentions, and info on the gun, brass, and primers used in their tests. Then they give suggested maximum and minimun load data (gunpowder weight in grains) listed by bullet type (shape), material (lead or copper jacketed), and weight, for several different appropriate powders. You probably know this already — sorry if it's a repeat.
Some loading manuals also have much instructional material with illustrations and general step-by-step narrative on how to load ammo.
This is the area where the Speer #13 really shines. Their intro material is well written, well illustrated, and well designed. In other words, they had talented people prepare this.
Not all gun and reloading reading material is as well-prepared or well-presented. Much is often written and organized by gun geeks — well informed people who just cannot communicate well.
I'm going to catch some flack for this, but the Lee Loading Manual is a perfect example of poorly written and poorly presented work. They know what they are doing, but they cannot write well! I'm not criticizing their knowledge, opinions, or quality of equipment. But bad writing and graphic design is what I'm talking about. In books, that matters.
There certainly are other good ones, but this Speer #13 rises to the top.
Later, of course, you will be using the book for load data. You must have several different loading manuals on hand. They are sort of like bird books. You cannot get enough info from just one.
Speer Manual #13 is available from gun supply companies. Don't buy older editions while you are starting out.
As for blowing yourself up, get informed and work methodically. Buy quality equipment and supplies. You will soon understand that you can keep well within the margins of safety. This is a very interesting and fun extension of shooting guns. You can really get hooked on loading.
Loading ammo is like cooking — if you love eating good food, cooking will enhance the experience in ways otherwise impossible. This is very true of loading your own ammo — especially oddball cartridges.
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