8 Best Reloading Books

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Looking for the Best Reloading Manuals/Handbooks? This Best Reloading Books review will comprehensively cover the best on the market.

The advantages that come with reloading your ammo are quite many. This is even so if you are well familiar with the activity.

Other than the fact that the process itself is enjoyable and rewarding, you can save a lot of money by reloading your ammo instead of using factory-loaded ammo.

Ammo reloading is however not as easy as it may sound, even with the right equipment. You need to have an idea of the entire reloading process.

The best reloading books are there, written and released by big reloading equipment producers, such as Hornady and Lee, as well as people who are well versed with the reloading activities.

There are tons of these books in the market and choosing the best one can be quite a task.  We made this review to give you an easy time with your reloading books shopping.

 

Best Reloading Books

 

1) Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook

Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook

 

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Lyman reloading handbooks have been the reloaders’ main source of reloading information for many years. They feature the biggest selection of reloading components, and this product is the latest of them.

The Lyman 50th Edition Handbook has a large selection of bullets from Barnes, Hornady, Remington, Sierra, Speer, Swift, and Winchester, as well as a full selection of cast bullets.

The reloading manual also has a wide range of popular powders from Accurate, Alliant, Hodgdon, IMR, Ramshot, VihtaVuori, and Winchester.

The reloading data in this manual is generated and tested by expert Lyman technicians in the Lyman state-of-the-art ballistics laboratory.

This manual shows in-depth instruction on how to reload, advanced case preparation techniques, how to use Ballistic coefficient, and much more. It is ideal for any type of reloader, both beginner and advanced.

Newly added cartridges include: 17 Hornet, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-284, 26 Nosler, 28 Nosler, 300 AAC Blackout, 300 RUM, 338 RMC, 450 Bushmaster, 458 SOCOM, and 50 Beowulf

Features

  • Features the latest load data
  • Has a how-to-reload tutorial
  • Most accurate loading recommendations
  • The largest selection of bullets in any reloading manual
  • Wide range of powders
  • Backed by over 130 years of reloading expertise
  • Feature Articles by Top Gun Writers and Firearm Industry Experts

 

2) Hornady 9th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading Hardcover

Hornady 9th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading Hardcover

 

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Hornady 9th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is a 900 pages book with a representation of data of all the newest Hornady bullets like the NTX, GMX, and FTX, as well as the longtime favorites like the V-MAX, SST, InterBond, Interlock, A-MAX, XTP and more.

Each cartridge features applicable Hornady bullets along with velocity/powder charts for quick and easy reference. The available cartridge additions include the 17 Hornet, 327 Federal, 356 Winchester, 5.56 NATO, 416 Barrett, and 505 Gibbs.

The manual also includes expanded data on over 20 favorites like the 223 Rem, 300 Whisper, 308 Win 25-06 and many more. A variety of propellants such as Power Pro Varmint, AR Comp, CFE-223 among others have been added to many popular cartridges.

In addition to the comprehensive reloading charts, this manual gives shooting enthusiasts in-depth, easy-to-understand explanations of internal, external, and terminal ballistics.

Features

  • Has over 900 pages of data of all the newest Hornady bullets
  • Features comprehensive reloading charts
  • Data on over 20 favorites
  • Ideal for both novice and seasoned reloaders
  • Data for the newest Hornady bullets like the NTX, GMX, and FTX, plus longtime favorites like the V-MAX, SST, InterBond, Interlock, A-MAX, XTP, and more

 

3) The ABCs of Reloading: The Definitive Guide for Novice to Expert

The ABCs of Reloading: The Definitive Guide for Novice to Expert

 

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The ABCs of reloading is one of the best reloading books and is written by Dr. C. Rodney James; a shooter, a competitor, and a collector, with more than half a century’s experience with rimfire rifles.

The editor is a professional firearms forensic expert, Dr. James who lives on a large farm in central Ohio, where he can often be found testing the latest development in .22 rifles and ammunition.

This reloading guide offers you everything you need to know to be reloading your own cartridges faster than you ever thought possible.

Features

  • Has hundreds of detailed photos
  • It has step-by-step procedures for reloading rifle, handgun, and shotgun ammunition
  • Gives detailed information about primers, bullets, powders, and cases

 

4) Lee Precision Modern Reloading 2nd Edition

Lee Precision Modern Reloading 2nd Edition

 

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Lee Precision Modern Reloading Manual offers a great way for reloaders, both new and experienced, to learn a few new pointers and techniques on the processes of ammo loading.

The guide written by Richard Lee and distributed Lee precision features information about over 28,000 loads covering 167 cartridges in a new, larger, easier-to-read format, with velocities for starting loads.

The 2nd Edition Modern Reloading Handbook by Lee Precision has information about exclusive pressure and velocity factors that enable you to accurately calculate pressure and velocity for reduced loads.

This book gives you a never-before-published in-depth analysis of current load data that provides insight into the effects of reducing or increasing a charge.

Features

  • Has detailed information on the processes of reloading
  • Perfect for amateur or experienced reloader
  • Offers new techniques for reloading
  • 28,000 Loads covering 167 cartridges
  • New, Larger, Easier to read format with computer rendered and dimensioned drawings
  • Latest information on the pressure to help you accurately calculate pressure and velocity for reduced loads

 

5) Shooter’s Bible Guide to Handloading by Wayne van Zwoll

Shooter's Bible Guide to Handloading by Wayne van Zwoll

 

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This guide is a thorough resource on handloading at home, with detailed information about the history of handloading and key figures’ innovations, a simple explanation of hand reloading, selecting the basic tools needed and how to choose your cases, dies, primers, and powders.

It also includes detailed step-by-step instructions for reloading firearm cartridges and how to test your loads at the range.

The book as one of the best reloading books not only has text but also has more than one hundred detailed photographs that illustrate the various types of reloading equipment available and provide guidance in performing the actions that result in a hand-loaded cartridge.

Features

  • It covers interesting engineering questions the handloader may consider, including bullet integrity, copper bullets, and energy versus killing power.
  • Discussed topics are;-Handloading the old-fashioned way, The influence of barrel length, Economics of home reloading, and Casting your own bullets
  • Text supplemented by more than one hundred detailed photographs

 

6) Sierra 5th Edition Rifle Handgun Reloading Manual

Sierra 5th Edition Rifle Handgun Reloading Manual

 

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The Sierra 5th Edition Rifle Handgun Reloading Manual is an 1152- page manual that holds the popular three-ring binder format and has been modernized with new cartridge information, histories, and reloading recommendations.

Features

  • It talks about new bullets, new cartridges, and new powders
  • Has an updated section dealing with the reloading process, reloading tools, and equipment, bore care, and firearms cleaning.
  • The Sections include: a complete glossary of ballistic, reloading, and firearms terminology

 

7) The Beginner’s Guide to Reloading Ammunition by Steven Gregersen

The Beginner's Guide to Reloading Ammunition by Steven Gregersen 

 

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The Beginner’s Guide to Reloading Ammunition is one of the best reloading books for anyone who has always wanted to reload their ammo but has no idea where to start.

In it are detailed chapters about primers, cartridge cases, gun powder, and bullets, explaining in layman’s terms what they are, variations you’ll encounter, and the characteristics of each. In this book, you will also learn the different facets of case preparation: which are necessary and which are optional, and how to do them.

This guide will also teach you some characteristics of gunpowder and which types work best with bulk measurements. Included are detailed photos and explanations teaching the process of reloading ammunition.

You will also learn how you can gear up to reload your own ammunition even if you don’t have much money or space.

Features

  • It shows the steps involved and how to become operational with very little money and minimal space requirements
  • It talks about metallic cartridge reloading as well as reloading shotgun ammunition
  • In the end, you should- be able to make informed choices when purchasing equipment and components, be able to understand the reloading process and why certain steps are taken or omitted and have a safe, profitable, and enjoyable experience from the very beginning

 

8) The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition by Tom McHale

The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition by Tom McHale 

 

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The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition teaches the subject of reloading in a fun, easy-to-understand, and safe manner.

This tactical guide is well detailed to help readers understand the gear they need – and what can wait. With every chapter, the book elaborates the entire process from brass cleaning to final inspection.

The practical guide is filled with pictures and illustrations, making the process simple and clear to understand. It will help readers to be reloading their own cost-effective ammunition quickly and safely.

Features

It focuses on the “how-to” aspects of reloading

Topics discussed are:

  • Why take up reloading?
  • Is reloading right for you?
  • Pistol caliber reloading.
  • Rifle caliber reloading.
  • Advanced equipment options – how gear can speed up the process.
  • Introduction to advanced topics
  • What equipment do you need?
  • Cleaning and processing brass.
  • The reloading process: step by step.
  • Buying reloading components.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Reloading Books

Brand- Load data can vary across different brands. For this reason, many reloading books on the market, such as the Hornady 9th edition handbook are brand-specific.

Bullets can have different designs that affect velocity or pressure or be produced using different tolerances. These powder tolerance differences can be the cause of some manuals detailing different load data than others.

Caliber- the manual you choose should contain instructions on the specific caliber of bullets you use. Most reloading manuals will cover all the basics but always check to confirm before purchasing especially if you load a certain kind of ammunition.

Writing style and format- your reloading guide should be written in a clear and interesting manner. This way, anyone will find it fun and enjoyable to read, especially the beginners.

Expertise- some manuals will cater to different expertise levels while others will be general. Whether you are a beginner and you have never reloaded ammo or you are experienced, there will always be a suitable guide for you. It is good to check to confirm who the book targets.

Discussion on other topics- you will not only find load data in reloading manuals. The books can offer various articles regarding any of the many different aspects of reloading and shooting. These articles help to broaden your knowledge and as well as your overall understanding of shooting.

Publisher and author- the most reputable and trusted manuals in the market are released by the manufacturers of ammunition or reloading equipment. They are reliable, especially if you are using their ammo or reloading presses. Other books are written by experienced gunmen who have been in the industry for a long time, and who have great credentials in the same field.

Best Reloading Books FAQs

  • Is reloading really worth it?

Absolutely! Reloading your ammo can save you a lot of money that would have otherwise been used on factory-loaded ammo. Having good reloading kits and books is an investment any gun owner should make.

  • Is reloading your own ammo safe?

Yes. Reloading ammo is safe when you start low and work your way up. You should not start at your reloading manual’s maximum load. This is not only dangerous but also necessary in many situations. The safest way to develop new loads is to start at the minimum load and work your way up. Even with this said, just like any machine, a reloading kit can be dangerous to operate.

  • What is the best reloading press?

There are many reloading presses in the market. Here are some of the best of them;

  • Lee Precision Breech Lock Hand Press.
  • Dillon precision XL 650
  • Lee cast aluminum 4-hole turret press.
  • RCBS Rock Chucker
  • Lee Classic. 308 Win Loader
  • Hornady Lock N Load Progressive Press

Conclusion

Reloading has tons of advantages, including money-saving and also helping you to understand your equipment and weapon better. You should look for a good reloading kit in order to achieve the best reloading experience.

With that, you should also get a reloading book to guide you before you start your reloading process. This will guide you on the steps to follow to avoid unnecessary accidents.

See Also: Best 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Equipment