First reloading manual
- Thread starter Hal
- Start date
You will probably get a bunch of different answers, but here's one man's opinion: for the first reloading manual, it's hard to beat the Lyman manual (most recent edition is #49 last I looked); it covers basic reloading cautions and procedures well, including some info on cast bullets. Then, as funds permit, he can add the current manuals from Speer, Hornady and Sierra and/or any other bullet manufacturer that interests him. For powder companies, I use the internet manual from Hodgdon and anyone else that puts one on a web site. The bullet company manuals are often good for education on ballistics and things like wind effects, too, and have lots of useful tables about that stuff that can be handy, in addition to reloading procedures and safety precautions. And advice from experienced reloaders helped me a lot when I first started out over 40 years ago....
I use a combination of older and newer reloading manuals. The newer manuals from Hodgdons, Sierra and Hornady offer plenty of information on the newer powders and bullets. But I also rely on the older manuals from Speer, Lyman and Ken Waters for down-to-earth load data used in real guns, not laboratory guns. There can be quite a difference between the new and old manuals.
I believe any of the newer comprehensive manuals will provide all the information necessary for your nephew to get started in reloading. They will preach the safety basics, loading steps, specialized techniques, as well or better than the older manuals and will provide data based on current powders and loading tools.
Your Fellow Shooter,
Lawrence
I believe any of the newer comprehensive manuals will provide all the information necessary for your nephew to get started in reloading. They will preach the safety basics, loading steps, specialized techniques, as well or better than the older manuals and will provide data based on current powders and loading tools.
Your Fellow Shooter,
Lawrence
Shynloco
You can lead a horse to water, but ........
HAL,
As has been stated, different people will offer different ideas. So here's my thing. Reloading manuals are great and all. I use them often. But I also believe that new reloaders need to learn the basics. The best book I've found over the years is the ABC's of Reloading (by Bill Chevalier). Though it DOESN'T contain reloading data, it does provide both written and pictured directions for the new reloader to understand and put into practical application. It also explains several basic step by step suggestion to help the newbie learn that which has provided most of us with year of continuing fun and personal accomplishment. If my nephew were starting out, this is a book I'd get him and perhaps some of the fantastic reloading manuals that we depend upon to give us direction in developing loads for our rifles. Good luck and don't forget to take advantage of that quality time you can share with your nephew as you teach him how to safely reload and have some great fun together.
Alex
As has been stated, different people will offer different ideas. So here's my thing. Reloading manuals are great and all. I use them often. But I also believe that new reloaders need to learn the basics. The best book I've found over the years is the ABC's of Reloading (by Bill Chevalier). Though it DOESN'T contain reloading data, it does provide both written and pictured directions for the new reloader to understand and put into practical application. It also explains several basic step by step suggestion to help the newbie learn that which has provided most of us with year of continuing fun and personal accomplishment. If my nephew were starting out, this is a book I'd get him and perhaps some of the fantastic reloading manuals that we depend upon to give us direction in developing loads for our rifles. Good luck and don't forget to take advantage of that quality time you can share with your nephew as you teach him how to safely reload and have some great fun together.
Alex
I got started with ABCs of Reloading, an excellent book on a beginning to intermediate process.
From there, look for some books in Precision Shooting Reloading Guide for some more advanced techniques. Once you're through this book, you'll find more references to equipment and techniques on this forum and others.
Reloading Manuals for load development are NOT universal. You'll find that all experienced reloaders reference several manuals for a starting point, then perform load development to find what works in our rifles, or a quick pressure test to know we are in the safe zone before loading a lot of plinking rounds.
Lyman 49th is a good Manual, as are the specific powder manufacturers, and bullet manufacturers manuals. I'd recommend one print copy, then do a serious look at QuickLoad. You can find lots of online sources too Hodgdon for one. Most reloading manuals have more information on a beginning process for you to combine/compare ideas.
-Mac
From there, look for some books in Precision Shooting Reloading Guide for some more advanced techniques. Once you're through this book, you'll find more references to equipment and techniques on this forum and others.
Reloading Manuals for load development are NOT universal. You'll find that all experienced reloaders reference several manuals for a starting point, then perform load development to find what works in our rifles, or a quick pressure test to know we are in the safe zone before loading a lot of plinking rounds.
Lyman 49th is a good Manual, as are the specific powder manufacturers, and bullet manufacturers manuals. I'd recommend one print copy, then do a serious look at QuickLoad. You can find lots of online sources too Hodgdon for one. Most reloading manuals have more information on a beginning process for you to combine/compare ideas.
-Mac
Dvldawg
Aim small. Miss small
My first manual was the Hornady, as a newbie to the art of reloading, I found it easy to follow and understand. I have loaned out the Hornady manual to at least three persons, all of them replied that it was very informative and an easy read. I own all the manuals and normally update when a new one is printed, due to new powders and bullets. You will not go wrong with any of them, they all have the same general information.
Dvldawg said:
NO!! You MUST use the manual I started with!!! Oh, wait, wrong forum...
They do all have the same general information which will get anyone started. Any specific questions can be researched online for many different solutions/ideas from there.
-Mac
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