One book you could recommend to a noob reloader

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ronzorelli

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I'm considering getting into this specific section of shooting sports.

I know very little about reloading, and I'm leaning on folks who have experience in it.

If you could recommend reloading one book to a newbie, which book would it be?
 
abcs of reloading is a great intro book. once you get reloading you can, and should get a few more.
 
The ABCs is good, full of tips and tricks, but for a first book, I like the Lyman manual. Very good step 1, 2, 3 directions and good load data too.
The ABCs has no data.
 
The Lyman #49 reloading manual is as good as it gets for one book.

It includes complete step by step instructions for the beginner, as well as load data for both jacketed and cast bullets in almost any caliber you are likely to load for starting out, or later. Also info on bullet casting, etc.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=217655

I hear good things about the ABC's of reloading, but have never seen a copy, so I have no opinion.
It has no load data though, so if you get it, you also need to get a reloading manual like the Lyman #49 I suggested.

rc
 
I started out with just a copy of Lyman's 48th. Read it cover-to-cover, then went back and read the first few chapters (before it gets to the recipes) again. I would expect Lyman's 49th to be just as good (or slightly better) -- although I've read a few comments that it's not. RC says 49th is OK, so I'd tend to believe it :) (I know I just contradicted myself a little.)
 
I recommend the ABC's of Reloading as a first book BECAUSE it has no reloading data. Read the book and understand what is involved first, THEN get the books (Lyman, Lee, Hornady, Sierra) with data later. Get the basics down first before you dive in the details of a load.
 
Get yourself at least 4 manuals or books....if not 5

You will find out soon enough when you starting reloading more caliber's that you can never have enough


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I'd have to go with the Lyman #49 as well. I started on the latest Speer manual, and I like it, but it's not as good as the Lyman IMO. It takes you through every process with detail. It lists the most popular powders and the characteristics of each. Great book.
The ABCs is a good one too. It's available here at Barnes and Noble.
 
Thanks folks. I just bought both. The ABC's will be in sooner than the Lyman's, which it sounds like is just fine.
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Sounds great. I keep the ABCs and a stack of Handloader magazines in the john for daily refresher courses.
No one asks to borrow them.
 
Any of the loading manuals will work. If you get one that has data in it, ignore it until you have completely read and THOROUGHLY understand the mechanics presented in the front part. Don't even LOOK at the data section until you have that done and digested, as mistakes can be VERY expensive and/or injurious/life threatening.
 
Sounds like you are set up with books now. I too like the Lyman.
I have never seen the ABC book.
I bought a Hornady manual also because I have used a lot of their bullets.
 
i picked up lyman's 49th to do my preliminary reading before taking the plunge. from a beginners stand point i can say that it is perfect for breaking things down.
 
There are several books with the title "The ABC's of Reloading". Which one is the one everyone brings up? I bought the one by Chevalier a while back and, well, the Lyman 49th and Lee's Modern Reloading 2 always seem to remain at the top of my pile.
 
Pet Loads

Get at least 4 reload manuals. All are good but my favorites are Hodgdon,Speer, Hornady and Sierra. After studying them all get a copy of Ken Waters- Pet Loads. It is a wealth of information.
 
Lyman's ABCs of Reloading can often be found at libraries, which is where you want to get it, if possible. Once you understand the process and how it applies to the pistol, rifle, or shotgun cartridges you want to reload, then you can buy the appropriate reloading manual and let the ABCs go back to the library.
 
There are several books with the title "The ABC's of Reloading". Which one is the one everyone brings up? I bought the one by Chevalier a while back and, well, the Lyman 49th and Lee's Modern Reloading 2 always seem to remain at the top of my pile.
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The Chevalier is the one I'm talking about. For those who haven't seen it, it's not a recipe book, it's information about reloading book. Excellent place to start.
 
I agree, go Lyman for your first book. It will give you the best overall picture and the most load data for the money.
 
Both books came in today. Did cursory browse of both of them. Looks like a lot of info, but nothing I can't handle.

Thanks for the help on this, folks. Appreciate it.
 
Ditto on the Lyman no 49 for data. Richard Lee's book is another good source for the basics of reloading. All the other manuals are specific to a particular make of bullets or powders. In that respect, they are useful only to a degree. Personally, I rely on my trusty Lyman no 46, Ken Waters' Pet Loads and the online data produced by Alliant and Hodgdon (which includes Winchester and IMR). I will often extrapolate from published data to arrive at my own powder choice and charge weight. I can get away with this because I avoid maximum loads. My objective is optimum accuracy with adequate velocity, not the other way around. - CW
 
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