Best reloading books

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Mhael

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Hi,

So I tried to search the forum for a list of reloading book recommendations and couldn’t find a dedicated thread for it. I have seen a few suggestions in threads but given the growing interest in reloading I figured it would be helpful for us newbies to have a dedicated thread to reference.

I’ve avoided reloading for years because I previously always had good access/pricing for ammo and I was lazy:). I’m not quite ready to bite the bullet yet, need to sell some other gear first, but I want to start building out my library.

thanks in advance for the help.
Trevor
 
I reach for Lee, Lyman and Speer in that order. And the Cast Bullet Handbook form Lyman is a good reference as well.
 
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All good suggestions so far. I’d add Hornady to the list. I have many and have gotten something useful from all. Will also reveal to you wider ranges of acceptable charge weights for a bullet. I also like to get the annual Hodgdon magazine/new loads.

Also many good resources on YouTube; Ultimate are loaded and 6.5guys come to mind but there are many more.

Most importantly, leaning on the awesome resource that is this community will pay dividends to specific questions and problem solving. @Toprudder @Michael458 @BatteryOaksBilly @Downeast etc & etc.
 
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The ABCs of Reloading has always been highly recommended, although I have never read it.

Lyman, Speer, and Lee, in that order.
 
You can always find data and info on powder mfgs website as well. Best part of that is that its readily updated
 
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Hornady, Speer, Lyman, and Sierra are good for regular cup and core bullets and for some lead handgun bullets. If you use a lot of Hornady bullets, using their manual is not a bad idea. It generally is my first manual to open when working up a new load. Nosler and Barnes data are generally rather specific for their bullets and should be consulted when loading them. Getting new editions is wise because of newer data and data on new bullets and new powders. The data from powder makers are useful if you can match up the bullets they specify. That is sometimes difficult. The chambering-specific books are just compilations of the data from other sources and often contain fairly old data. The same goes for the Lee manual.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Eventually, small quantities 44 mag, 45/70, 6.5 creedmoore, larger quantities of 9mm, 5.56, .308 maybe 6mmARC depending on how all the terminal ballistics/mags work out.
 
Oops as far as manuals I know the load data is only as current as of the printing but was basically trying to find a few core things to buy hard copies of.
 
Mhael said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Eventually, small quantities 44 mag, 45/70, 6.5 creedmoore, larger quantities of 9mm, 5.56, .308 maybe 6mmARC depending on how all the terminal ballistics/mags work out.
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Start with 44mag or 9mm. (I love loading 44 mag). Straight-wall cases are easier to learn the basics. For the first bottle-neck calibers, 5.56 is a good place to start since brass is pretty much free if you can scrounge at the range for it, and bullets are cheap. Learn how to prep the brass, and pick methods that work for you. Learn how to work up loads looking for accuracy and pressure. All the knowledge will then transfer to the other - more expensive - rifle cartridges.
 
Mhael said:
Oops as far as manuals I know the load data is only as current as of the printing but was basically trying to find a few core things to buy hard copies of.
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Loads don't stop working because they are older, they get more refined and new powders are created making new loads.
 
Mhael said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Eventually, small quantities 44 mag, 45/70, 6.5 creedmoore, larger quantities of 9mm, 5.56, .308 maybe 6mmARC depending on how all the terminal ballistics/mags work out.
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I gotta warn ya....you get a progressive press and you can and will go through consumables quick (bullets, brass, primers). They load quicker and you either go through longer times between loading or spend more on consumables.
 
McDirkale said:
I gotta warn ya....you get a progressive press and you can and will go through consumables quick (bullets, brass, primers). They load quicker and you either go through longer times between loading or spend more on consumables.
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the going through the consumables is the idea I thought! I’ve been saving brass a long time for a reason!
 
I just went in to this section to ask which book to get (I have the Lyman book currently).
 
When I asked the same question a couple years ago, the two books on the bottom were the most common answers. The Cast book was added even though I have no casting equipment.

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In addition to those, you can find the stuff on manufacturer’s websites (as mentioned already), and also buy yearly publications if you’d rather have the paper copy. As an example:

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