In my opinion, the "top three" learning manuals are LYMAN #49 (new) or 48 (old), DBI METALLIC CARTRIDGE RELOADING 3rd ed (long out of print and stolen from most libraries that used to have it. They told you up front and no BS what was good, what was junk and what you REALLY needed!), Lee Modern Reloading 2nd ed (ignore all the lies about how great all Lee stuff is, some is, some isn't. Also the Lee warranty, mentioned 32 times in the book, is a total waste of time and a sick hoax). All three manuals look at reloading completely differently and you WILL learn a lot!
As to cases, I like Winchester rifle brass when I can get it, then Federal and Rem in that order. OK, I have not actually have had problems with Rem CF brass, but have never had any luck w/Rem .22s for the last 45 years (every year or so I buy a box, from cheapo to their best, to check and get blown rims and misfires, have for the last 45 years and every time Rem claims they had a "bad lot" and send me a new box which does the same in six different rifles and handguns) so if they can't produce a decent .22 case, do I want to mess with 50,000 psi going off in front of my face?!
As to pistol brass I don't really care. I have heard of problems with A-merc (which I don't doubt either) and bought a box of .45 to try. They all fired and reloaded fine for ME, but lots of people say they have had problems. Starting out you don't need any problems so you may want to stay away from them.
Speaking of "stay away from", avoid Lee pot metal presses like the plague too. Like A-merc cases, you don't need any more problems than you will already get and should buy a QUALITY press to begin with. Later, if you have the money and time to waste, sure buy a junk pot metal press to see why I told you to avoid them for yourself.