Best reloading manual for a NOOB and .38/.357

[jad0110]

Hello all,

I am definitely a reloading NOOB, but am really interested in another hobby in addition to shooting. I have found a whole wealth of information in these posts, too much actually. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, so maybe you all can help me narrow everything down a bit. First, I'll start with a good manual. I am trying to determine which ones would suit my needs best. I'll begin with one and if I'm still interested, I'll get a couple more before actually purchasing any equipment. I've heard The ABCs of Reloading is the best to start on, others recommend Speer or Lynman. I also know that Lee makes a manual.

FYI, if it helps in recommending a specific manual:

I will basically be loading mainly .38/.357 at the rate of about 500 rounds per month. Later, I'll add 9mm to the mix and if I ever get into .44 or .45, I'll start loading those too. Of all the equipment I've seen, the one that interests me most at this point is the Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press Deluxe Reloading Kit with Auto Index at MidwayUSA.com for its affordabiliy and versatility. It seems like the kind of equipment that would satisfy my needs for years to come.

So which is best to start on? I'd rather not buy a bunch of manuals all at once if I decide this isn't for me. I know you guys see these questions all the time, so thank you for your patience!

 

[JDGray]

I like Lees modern reloading. Very good starter manual, tons of load data, every thing you need to know, is in it. I also have a 4 hole turret press. I load maybe 4000 rds a year, with no issues. If you get a Lee auto disk, be sure to get the pro. Reloading is as fun as shooting!

 

[MartinBrody]

I second Lee's Modern reloading, they have a lot of 38 & 357 loads with many powders & bullets.

 

[Vista]

jad0110:

I'm also new to reloading, about three months ahead of you!

In addition to the ABCs of Reloading, the Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook Third Edition is very good.

I think your Lee terminology is a little skewed. The Lee Turret Kit, unless something new is out there, has the old turret press. What you want, and by the way, what I have, is the new Lee Classic 4-hole Turret Press. It is a much beefier and better designed press. Take a look at MidwayUSA product #814175 - its now on sale for $75. While you don't get the kit parts with it, you can buy what you need separately. Search this site for fairly recent posts by Benedict1 and/or by Vista, for more info on this press. I guarantee you that the new Lee Classic Turret is worth the few extra bucks over the older model...

Vista

 

[CZ57]

LYMAN! No. 48, or the Pistol and Revolver Load manual. Bothwould be great for rifle and handgun. Plenty of data for jacketed and cast bullets. I would NOT recommend the LEE manual, but that's just me. After Lyman would come the SPEER. In reality, reloading manuals should provide pressure data. Many do not these days. They list a velocity and what chargeweight of powder the different types require to meet that velocity. One reason many young or new reloaders do not get indoctrinated to understanding pressure, load density and burn rates and such. SPEER does not provide pressure data either or I would recommend it first, but at least it is reliable and powders are listed from top to bottom by load density/how well the cartridge case is filled.

 

[RON in PA]

Ditto on the Lyman and Speer. While I really like Lee reloding products, especially their dies and presses I am not a fan of the Lee reloading manual.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Manual

Jad0110--Another vote here for the Lyman manuals, their 48th edition and their pistol/revolver specific one. (Although like most manufacturers, they cater to their own products, for example: Lyman doesn't make a 148 grain wadcutter .38/.357 bullet mould, so they don't include data for a 148 grain wadcutter .38/.357 lead bullet in their books. )

But IMHO, THE MOST important book for the new reloader--and it contains a wealth of info for the experienced as well--is, hands down, The ABC's of Reloading. This is not a loading manual but a how-to and more importantly why-and-why-not-to sort of book.

If it had been available when I started handloading it would have saved me many oopses and much puzzlement.

Get it @ yr local sptg gds sto, gun sho, the I'net, or order from the publisher, Krause Publishing, www.krause.com They must be doing something right; the book is in its 7th edition.

And by the way, welcome to The Magnificent Obsession--Handloading!!

 

[db_tanker]

add another vote to the Lyman #48.

It contains info for several diffrent bullet makes and powders and isn't beholden to one make or powder mfgr.


D

 

[jad0110]

Thank you so much for all the posts and the great information. I think I will really enjoy my new hobby, though I'm going to take my time and do lots of reading.

I think your Lee terminology is a little skewed. The Lee Turret Kit, unless something new is out there, has the old turret press. What you want, and by the way, what I have, is the new Lee Classic 4-hole Turret Press. It is a much beefier and better designed press. Take a look at MidwayUSA product #814175 - its now on sale for $75. While you don't get the kit parts with it, you can buy what you need separately. Search this site for fairly recent posts by Benedict1 and/or by Vista, for more info on this press. I guarantee you that the new Lee Classic Turret is worth the few extra bucks over the older model...

Vista,

Thanks for setting me straight, I did not notice the difference until I looked. What accessories did you buy in addition to the LC 4-hole Turret? Anything you bought that turned out to be a waste of $$$?