Beginner's reading material

[JohnGill]

Assume I know nothing about handloading(I don't,except I want to learn).
What book(s) do I really need to read? I'm looking to start,and there is no rush,with .38spl and at some point the .357Magnum.Thanks again.

John

 

[SDC]

You're going to need at least one manual sooner or later, and this book covers the basics of the hows and whys
http://www.leeprecision.com/catalog/browse.cgi?=bookpg.html

 

[Sisco]

The Lee manual is excellent, Lymans is good too. Check ebay auctions for both.
Take a look at your local library too, you might be surprised at what you might find.

 

[Mike Irwin]

The first book I always recommend to newbies is Dean Grennel's "ABC's of Reloading."

Still the best, as far as I'm concerned, for taking someone through the beginning to ending steps, and getting them there safely.

LOTS of illustrations, too.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I started off with the ABC's of Reloading also, I felt ready to tackle it all after that, and I had a very good idea of what I needed and wanted to order to begin. After finding a data error in the Lyman manual, extra manuals are a sure must, and also, pick up all the free manufacturers data books. You can never have enough information.

 

[Quantrill]

There is a manual published by Lyman strictly for pistols and revolvers.

 

[JohnGill]

Thanks all...I want to do this safe.


John

 

[gobabygo]

If you get a Dillon press, get the Dillon video to go with it. It's only like $5 and it really made a big difference in my anxiety level when I went to reload for the first time.

Definitely read some books first, but actually seeing it being done is extremely helpful.

 

[Damon of Baltimore]

Also pick up a copy of Blue Press (Dillon Catalogue), and check out Brian Enos's website

Good readin'

Damon

 

[R-Tex12]

I highly recommend "ABC's of Reloading" by C. Rodney James. It carries added credibility for me due to the fact thar Mr. James lost both his hands due to "an accident with homemade explosives" years ago when he was in his teens. As you might imagine, he places a rather high priority on safety.

Rick

 

[caz223]

Dittos for the ABCs of reloading by Dean Grinnell.
Hiliarious book, be careful, you might accidentally learn a thing or two about reloading just by flipping through the pages...

 

[Smokey Joe]

Reading matter

The ABC's is your starting point, I concur.

If you get only one reloading manual as your second volume, make it the Lyman 48th ed. (latest). The standard advice is to get as many different reloading manuals as you can, and cross-refer between them. But for a newbie who needs a cookbook on which to start, go with the Lyman.

I've heard bad things about the Lee manual, and so would hesitate to reccommend it in any case.