hubby11

Thinking about getting into reloading. Mainly for .308 rifle and .38/.357 handgun, possibly .243 rifle in future. I want to read about it first.

Can anyone recommend a good book to get the basics?

Thanks

Big Uncle

Hornady is good, as are Speer and Nosler. Barnes is a bit weak on most things except self promotion. It may be best to buy the book for the brand of bullet that you wish to load.

handloader1

Speer Reloading Manual is a very good starters guide. Good luck.

hubby11

Thanks! Next stop, Amazon.

M7025-06

Lyman's 49th Edition is good too.

White Duck

Lyman 49th is a good book

Gromky

Lyman is a classic, but I think they backed off a bit in later editions.

One thing to remember is that the powder manufacturer's often have recommended loads on their website. From what I've seen, they're usually max/factory dupe loads, so I'd just take them into consideration with a good book and start low.

hubby11

Ok, one more question. How important is it to get the latest edition? I see that I can pick up a Speer manual, 11 ed., for next to nothing. Does the latest edition (14th, I think) offer much more? Are there safety issues with using an older edition?

Thanks again.

Big Uncle

#11 was first printed in 1987. #14 was released in 2007. #11 does not have the cartridges that were developed during those 20 years (WSM, etc.), or the powders.

#11 has clear instructions for reloading that are worth reading. The loads in #11 are safe loads. #14 shows some maximum loads that exceed the #11 maximum loads, sometimes the reverse is true, but in general they are about the same. It may be wise for a new reloader (and many old ones) to stay below maximum loads.

Examples for .308 Win. 150 grain bullet:
748 powder #11 max - 48.5gr / #14 max - 50. gr
4064 powder both the same
H335 powder both the same

If you mostly wanted to read about how to reload and to get some starter loads #11 would be OK (for a super low price), but a #14 would be better. If I still lived in McLean I would lend you a manual or two to look over, but I now live elsewhere. Most older loaders would be happy to help you get started - try to find one.

Mr. Slim

hubby, i suggest you might look into the hornady reloading manual. it goes into detail on reloading. explains just about everything you should know.