.... The problem with buying a bullet manufacturer's loading manual is that it will only give loading data for their bullets. You won't find data for loading Hornady bullets in a Nosler manual, etc., etc.
I DO have various bullet maker's manuals in my loading room, just for that reason. But I really think if you want a good, comprehensive loading manual with quality loading procedures and how-to instuctions along with lots of loading data per caliber/cartridge which lists MULTIPLE bullet manufacturers and powder producers, the current Lyman manual is, in my opinion, definitely the book to have on your bench when starting out.
..... As far as a chronograph goes, I have had one for years and rarely use it at all anymore. As was mentioned above, the velocities listed in the loading manuals are rarely representative of what you will find your loads actually doing on the range. Yes, it's nice to know your average FPS and std. dev., but what you want to strive for is the tightest group possible with the highest velocity. If you shoot a 4" group at 100 yds. at a gazillion FPS, what good is that? If you shoot a 1" group at a reasonably fast velocity for that bullet/powder combo, that is what you should be pleased with. It's nice to know how fast that load is traveling, but it is far better to know with some amount of certainty that you should be able to hit what you are aiming at. If you are shooting pretty tight groups, your loading procedures are probably reasonably consistent. If you can repeat those groups regularly, you're home free. Inconsistent loading will most always produce inconsistent groups.

Handloading can be a very rewarding hobby, but at the same time it can be quite frustrating as well. You will learn with time and experience that guns are individuals unto themselves, and what bullet/powder combo shoots well in one gun, another gun of the same make and cartridge may not shoot it well at all. I have found this to be true quite often. But come on in, get your feet wet, and ask questions. We all started sometime. Back when I started, there was no Internet, and just a few people around to ask. But here I am, still got both eyes, all my fingers, and can hear the dog bark to come in yet......