Best Reloading Manual: Beginner
- Thread starter MattE93
- Start date
I think its fair to say that pistol loading can be more challenging than rifle loading, particularly if you are using lead pills. Moreover, the risk of a double charge is a major concern. (A pistol charge occupies less than half the case volume, a rifle charge almost fills the case...)
Lyman does an excellent job explaining things for newbs. ABC's of reloading is decent as well. Then start collecting all reloading manuals. Can never have enough info. Youtube has some decent info as well on beginner reloading. When you go to the range ask the more experienced shooters questions as well.
- Location
- West Quebec
The ABC's is one of the best written for newbys.
Lyman and Lee. Then pick up more over time. Not every manual covers every type, style and weight of bullet, or ever powder. I have a bunch, and when working up a new load, I will also compare on line data from powder manufacturers as well.
The important part of the loading manual is not the recipe section. It is the educational preamble in the first half of the book. Read and study this info. It is published because it is important and will help you understand and enjoy loading.
The least important part of the book is the OAL (Overall ALL Length) they used for their load to fit THEIR firearm. I only look at the book oal if it mentions the max that will fit a pistol magazine, so I can make sure I stay under that if I load for multiple guns.
I use many books, but Lyman and Hornady are on my desk.
The least important part of the book is the OAL (Overall ALL Length) they used for their load to fit THEIR firearm. I only look at the book oal if it mentions the max that will fit a pistol magazine, so I can make sure I stay under that if I load for multiple guns.
I use many books, but Lyman and Hornady are on my desk.
Blastattack
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg MB
I strongly disagree. Lee in not affiliated with anyone, thus they provide listings for every bullet weight, powder and cartridge available. Many of the bullet manufacturers are part of a large group, and only list the powders that are owned by that group.
If I were using only one manual there would be several better choices than the Lee IMO. Which bullet manufacturers are owned by a company that also makes powder?
Off the top of my head, I have the current Lee, Lyman, Sierra, Speer, and Hornady manuals. In each case, the most important information for someone starting out/learning is in the front 1/4 to 1/3 of each of them. No exceptions. Read it and re-read it. Play with the dies, set them up and read pertinent parts again. All sorts of incredibly useful info there. At times there is reason to go back and have another look at those sections, even for a well seasoned reloader.
In each book, the recipes following the important part are just general guidelines specific to the testing methods employed by each. They can give a person an idea of a starting point for a particular caliber but should never be relied on as definitive.
Never rely on just one manual either. I found the ABCs of Reloading to be an excellent starter but rapidly realized that more info presented in somewhat different manners from differing viewpoints is always better.
In each book, the recipes following the important part are just general guidelines specific to the testing methods employed by each. They can give a person an idea of a starting point for a particular caliber but should never be relied on as definitive.
Never rely on just one manual either. I found the ABCs of Reloading to be an excellent starter but rapidly realized that more info presented in somewhat different manners from differing viewpoints is always better.
Except they aren't using the same rifle you are.
Not using the same rifle no. But bullet design is a factor. You can deform bullets using one manufacturer's data on another's bullet design.
And doubt a noob reloadeder is casting bullets.
Although I am thinking about rifles and this is for hand guns I suppose.
And doubt a noob reloadeder is casting bullets.
Although I am thinking about rifles and this is for hand guns I suppose.
