Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Getting started reloading rifle/handgun

What are the best books to learn about reloading for rifle & handgun?

There are several that have good beginner sections. I've recommended the Lyman over the years.

Once you've digested the basics and gotten started you'll want to look into books by John Barsness. For example:

https://www.riflesandrecipes.com/product/rifle-trouble-shooting-and-handloading/

Any of the loading manuals such as Nosler, Hornady ectara would be a good start .

IMO the Western Powders reloading manual has the best and most informative beginner section of any of the manuals available.

https://www.amazon.com/Western-Powders-Handloading-Guide-Reloading/dp/B0051521C4

drover

Yeah, I would also recommend the Western Powders manual for beginners.

Lots of u tube videos too.

If you know what bullets and powders you plan to use, I would get the manuals put out by those manufacturers.

Another vote for Lyman...they use variety of bullets, and have probably the best reference " how-to" section of any.

Hodgon prints a reloading manual in magazine form that is usually on well stocked magazine racks and I find it about as comprehensive in terms of cartridges, powders (of their manufacture) and bullets of any reloading manual I have seen, Another good source is Alliant tech's website for the Reloader series of powders if that is the type of powder that is commonly available in your area.

One source I would recommend you stay away from the loads people post on the internet until you have a couple 1,000 rounds under your belt and then only with extreme caution. Some of the loads posted may be fine for their firearms, ambient temperature, ... but they may not be appropriate for you firearms or your application. None of us would intentionally send anyone astray with our internet advice but unintentionally blown up guns are just as bad and hurt the same.

One saying someone with far more gray hair than I did at the time told me "Focus on accurate loads not fast loads." this has served me well for almost 50 years of reloading.

https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-10th-Philip-Massaro/dp/1951115279/ref=sr_1_11?crid=1FYANNZOSAM5&keywords=reloading+book&qid=1647803826&sprefix=reloading+book%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-11

This was what I used to get started.

+1.

I advocate using your library system to examine reloading manuals without having to buy them blindly. You can often get many different ones, & get a lot of knowledge by comparing them. You'll also find which ones you find to be the most understandable, so you can make the best buying decision for you.

And the Barsness books will save you much time & money, by quickly pointing you to those parts of the process that make the most difference for accuracy.

Good Luck,

FC

This is a good one for anybody, especially beginners. It not only has a bunch of load specs for most rounds, it also explains things well. If you can only afford Lee dies, etc., don't let anybody tell you they won't work. I use them right along with my expensive components. They are the best "bang" for the buck. Also keep you eye out in classifieds on hunting and shooting sites, as well as your local area for estate sales and used stuff for sale. Much of my bench stuff I bought used for less than half price through the years. Always....SAFETY,SAFETY!

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101284116/

The hard part will be finding supplies.

Do you have a friend or some shooter that loads? If so, ask to borrow reloading manuals. Look up hand loading basics online
Ask questions here.
Lyman and , at least in the old days Speer were good manuals.
As previously mentioned the ABCs of reloading.
Feel free to ask questions here.

Some gun clubs (ours for example) have NRA certified instructors who teach reloading among other things.

Might also add that while both the Lyman and Western Powders manuals provide plenty of good advice, have seen far more BAD (including dangerous) advice on Internet websites in the past year than in any loading manual published in the past 50 years.

Thanks to all. Very helpful & much appreciated.

When I started a decade or so ago, I bought the RCBS kit and had a friend come over and take me through the process one time to get a hands on perspective. My advice would be to start with new brass first to save all the brass sizing and prep time, do that after you get the hang of things. Also, you must have a chronograph as you have really no idea what you are doing re velocity without one. My loads were typically below range for velocity and usually had to work my way up to get to published velocities. My gear is packed up now due to a move but I really enjoyed it and encourage you to have at it, it's not difficult, you just need to pay attention to what you are doing.

You motivated me to go look at my Western manual, and I have to agree that's the best beginning handloading section I've seen.

Yes......