ABC's of Reloading

Check the publishing dates and get which ever is the newest.

Dean Grennell. I have never heard of the other two authors. I would also get the Lyman #49 reloading manual

Grennell,, I didn't even know there was others with the same title....

I have the Kindle version, it's the 9th edition and edited by C. Rodney James. I think Grennel wrote the original version. I've read it several times and refer to it every now and then. Good book.

All the same book, just different editions. 9th ed, for example, is edited by James.

So, who one thinks authored the book depends on which edition one has on the shelf.

Man, im new too. I Dont even have a press yet. It never hurts to read, but i wasnt to impressed with it to be honest. Seemed a bit outdated in places. It left me wanting a lot more, i'll tell you that.

mine is the 9th edition edited by James. If its updated, i'd hate to see the 8th edition

Save your money and get a modern reloading manual such as Lyman's 49th. Not saying it isn't worth it reading the ABC's of Reloading but most articles are from as far back as the 1960's. Some good info there but not required reading. I've read the Kindle edition.

It is an older book that I have about 1/2" thick, and has some good info. Just reassurance regarding hunting load accuracy, etc. Shows case splits and other things to look for when shooting hot loads and using worn brass.

I read it every now and then as a refresher.

For those who say ABCs is out of date:

Other than changes in powder specs and some enhancements in bullet technology, what would you say has changed since the 60s that makes the reloading principles, precautions, and processes discussed in ABCs so out of date?

Potatohead said:

Man, im new too. I Dont even have a press yet. It never hurts to read, but i wasnt to impressed with it to be honest. Seemed a bit outdated in places. It left me wanting a lot more, i'll tell you that.

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I felt much the same way, I used youtube and found a TON of information there. You just have to filter out some of the marketing of machines by the manufacturers. There is a lot of basic's that are very helpful.

Start with a single stage, I have a RCBS Rock Crusher, great press.

Potatohead said:

Man, im new too. I Dont even have a press yet. It never hurts to read, but i wasnt to impressed with it to be honest. Seemed a bit outdated in places. It left me wanting a lot more, i'll tell you that.

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I was underwhelmed with the ABCs also. Bizarre format, lack of detail that other manuals have in spades, and no load data. Lee, Hornady and Lyman are much better, IMHO.

Just to be clear, RCBS doesn't make a "Rock Crusher" and what they do make is no better in any respect than any other press of its general class.

And, again to be clear, ABCs are not "reloading manuals", they are reloading books and they are a waste for those who already "know it all"; that seems to refer to more green horns than old hands. The name on nthe cover is theeditor, not the author. Than means he selected and condensed the articles based on their perceived value to most people.

Thanks for the advice sweet agony on the rock chucker

The Chevalier edition is good for somebody just starting. Copy write 2008, so it's newer. I leafed thru the last edition, it was a lot of reprinting earlier editions. It would be the first book to get before you decide to tool up. See what's involved and how much it's going to cost.

I got it on kindle, along with five or six others, months before I got my first hardware or components. I am glad I did and would recommend it for anyone. There is no magic bullet, just the accumulation of information, which with time and experience, turns into knowledge.

well put

Reloading for Handgunners by Patrick Sweeney is better for pistols.

Seemed a bit outdated in places. It left me wanting a lot more, i'll tell you that.

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Then try "Gone with the Wind", it has a lot more plot to it. (LOL)

But seriously the Lyman 49th Edition is a good place to start. The front of the book will explain what reloading is all about, and the back will give you loads that will be useful in your reloading when you get your equipment. Also you should not have to spend more than $29.95 for a decent reloading manual.

Jim

I know there is a lot of stuff specific to the manufacturer and a lot of touting of their products but I have the Lee manual as well as the Lyman and ABC's, I find I use all of them for different things at different times.

Great book. I have the most recent edition along with the Lee 2nd Edition and Lyman 49th edition.

Posted from my car phone.

I just ordered my Lyman 49th edition so I don't know a lot about it. From what I've seen in other Lyman books. Lyman covers most every possibility known. I like Lyman because they list a lot of lead data, where as most do not. Almost all of my bullets are self cast (all except rifle bullets).

Lyman covers most every possibility known.

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It may seem so at first, but no manual does this.

I have the Grinnell edition from the mid eighties and the current Kindle edition. To me neither one present a logical approach to reloading for the prospective reloader, or for the experienced one for that matter.

I thought Grinnell's version was probably the most useless reloading book I have ever read. Most of his interest seemed to be showing gadgets he had made to use on his drill press.

As others have said, the Lyman and Lee books use a systematic approach and lead you through the process from beginning to end. Some don't like the Lee because he pushes his products. However, I have never seen a Lee or Lyman product mentioned in the RCBS publication. Everyone pushes their own products.

The load data in the Lee book is a compilation from other sources, as mentioned in the book, and is not the most current. Kind of like having a Load Book for 200 cartridges.