Where do I start? Best info source?

I would suggest getting a few different books but keep the one you have. Having multiple books will give you multiple sources of info because not any single book has all the info but I'd suggest getting the ABCs of reloading and lymans 49. As for which caliber to start with I'd suggest pistol since it's easiest but if you're only doing rifle then just choose one of the two you have and get started

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Welcome to THR.

Start here: For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST

Then here: Reloading Library of Wisdom


Since that was your first post, we don't know a thing about you; specifically, what you may already know, what guns and in which calibers you like to shoot, etc...

What I did? was stumble across posts in threads written by those who "roll their own"; what they were saying and how they were describing the particular cartridge in question. I was able to understand more and more simply from the context of the thread subject/topic.

This osmosis, if you will, began a few years ago. You may know more than I did at this point, but I suggest starting by reading from the two links I just posted. Good luck to you and perhaps we'll see you around the Reloading forum more often.

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I should add that there is much more to learn about the How and Why of handloading metallic cartridges than can possibly be covered by any "vids" or "tutorials". Those kinds of things if properly done would be hours long and too much to absorb in one or two sittings. But you can always *sigh* go to YouTube...

Take your time. Learn slowly, learn well. READ. Read, read.

Read the manual you have. Speer covers all the important information regarding procedure, safety, and component selection. Use the internet for questions not clear to you after reading.

More current load data can be found on line from the powder companies, Hodgdon, Alliant, Accurate, etc. There is a lot to learn beyond the basics but the information in the manual will be the base needed to start loading.

A current manual by the manufacturer of the bullet or bullets you decide to load is a good idea as data varies between different manufacturers products.

1st get a couple more reloading books .
Different books will same different things about
The same load . If you have not reloaded before ,
get a Lee hand loader - it will only do one at a time
but you will learn the basics .
I prefer the hodgdon and searria reloading book because
they are in notebook style - easy to take out scan ,
Enlarge and print - then into a regular notebook .
Make lots of notes and add book and page number .
If on web , write down web address where you found it .
Ask every question you have . Your chances of meeting
someone from the site are only a little better than
winning a 100 from lottery - so no embarrassing questions

To answer the OPs question "where is the best source of information", there isn't one source that I personally would call the "best source", rather there are many good sources that you can take advantage of.

The book you have is divided into several sections. The bulk of that book is handloading data for many cartridges. This is good for when you are getting ready to buy powders, primers and bullets. You can ignore those sections which concern calibers you are not loading. Right now all you need to concern yourself with is the sections that explain how to actually prepare your brass and assemble the ammo.

A lot of handloaders when asked will say read this and that book. It is true that you need some reference materials but the truth of the matter is that most if not all of these books are quite boring. I say this as an adult that takes college math and science classes for personal enrichment (this semester I'm taking Organic Chemistry 1). A lot of the manufactures of reloading equipment have, at their websites, videos on how to use their products so check them out. Most of this will make much more sense once you start handloading. The main thing is handling the materials in a safe manner.

If you could list the items you have and tells us what you reloading goals are we can give you an idea of what you should consider purchasing (if anything) and where to start with your load development. Hopefully you have dies, a powder scale, brass trimming tools, tumblers and perhaps even some brass and bullets to get started without having to spend much money.

The internet is the best place for info .

deepstuff said:

Hi,
About a year ago, I inherited reloading gear from my Grand-Father. Included with his gear is the SPEER Reloading Manual Number 10. I want to get started in reloading. Is there a better or more up to date book I should get? I intend to start with loading target loads for a 243 and 280. Which would be easiest to start with or does it matter? Are there any good videos or tutorials out there?

Thank-You.

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I still use my Dad's Speer #9 manual. I also have a Nosler manual, and a Barnes manual. They are all 20+ years old, and I still refer back to them. Get all the current powder manuals, or download the data for 243 and 308 from their websites. The Lee manual is the best one for beginning loaders, lots of good info.

Older manual are good for reference . Bit the powder gets changed evert once in a while and new powders come out .
Generally there is a race to see who can post - XXX changed VVV powder . so come back often and read headlines .
A while back there was a recall on powder , without the web , you probably would miss it .
There are steel cases that are not in my books [ yet ] or at least I have not seen them

If you are going to shoot target loads using Hornady bullets, get their manual. Same if you will use Sierra, get their manual or Nosler then their manual. I don't feel Speer manuals are good for comparing other bullet company bullets. May be ok for using only Speer bullets with the exact components they use. I think Speer data is too hot for many of their loads especially using other same weight bullets. Not all their loads are excessive but some are. Lyman's 50th is a good manual to compare loads.

I like Sierra and Hodgdon . They both are notebook types . Easy to scan .
Then print for a regular note book .
Acan pages from web sites , print and put in notebook .
Same with reading something you want to remember .
Don't get wrong idea , if I see a reloading book , I check out 25ACP and 50 AE
both ends of what I shoot .

my biggest let down when I got started was thinking I was going to unpack the boxes load some up and head to the range all in the same day. it's not rocket science but there is lot to learn and plenty of tasks to do before you are ready to shoot 'em.

Lyman 49 (50 is out now) is always a good choice for a 2nd (or first) manual.
While the little lee loaders (non press type) will let you load ammo if you are going to load very much you will need a press and all the associated equipment.
I have been quite happy with my Lee press and Lee is less expensive than some other brands.

Dudedog said:

Lyman 49 (50 is out now) is always a good choice for a 2nd (or first) manual.
While the little lee loaders (non press type) will let you load ammo if you are going top load very much you will need a press and all the associated equipment.
I have been quite happy with my Lee press and Lee is less expensive than some other brands.

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I agree, the newest Lyman 50th Edition manual is a very good choice and can be found for ~$21. The 49th Edition is now under $12 and also a good choice for the two cartridges you are going to load for.

Contact the local NRA and see if the have a certified reloading instructor in your area. You will learn so much more seeing it done and being shown hands on that reading 100 books. It's just a thought. Good luck, sorry your granddad isn't around to show you.

welcome to the obsession

deepstuff, I've loaded hundreds of rounds of ammo using the Speer #10 manual and you should read the first few chapters all the way through the article by Jack O'Connor. You can use this manual and not even be concerned about getting another one. For the 243 and 280 a good choice of powder would be IMR 4831 because the data is in the manual. I have several manuals from Speer, Sierra, Nosler and Berger and that Speer #10 is as good as it gets. The only thing you give up is data on the newest powders like Varget and Reloader 17. Remember that when using the Speer manual the loads were tested using Speer bullets, and if you work up to loads that are 2 grains below max you shouldn't have any problems. There are a lot of good videos on youtube and if you can spell what you want you will find it.