Recommended reading

[Clutch]

Hello to all as I am a Newbie to the board. I have recently purchased a Taurus 24/7 chambered 9mm. I have put over 500 rounds through it without a problem at all. I like the feel of the gun and am very comfortable with it. As I have now been "ingested the handgun virus" I am sure my purchases will increase. However, I would like to start to reload. My motive for reloading is cost and something to do when not plinking around. My question is can you recommend some beneficial reading? I have learned over the years to read more, talk less, and then make a decision, which translates to I have purchased anything at this time and would like to do my research first. CWOOD had a very helpful post. Thanks in advance for the help and I look forward to hearing the results!

[UpTheIrons]

I started with "The ABC's of Reloading", 8th edition, by Bill Chevalier. It gives you more than you want to know to start off, especially if you read it cover-to-cover right away. I went back and re-read individual chapters after that, to bone up on the particulars I was interested in. Right now, I'm working through "Lyman's Reloading Handbook", 49th edition, and it is like Chevalier's book - drinking from a firehose if you try it all at once. That's where I'd recommend you start, albeit in smaller pieces than I did!

Other reloading manuals are in the pipeline, too, as is the continued reading and asking of questions in this forum. I have yet to pull the press arm once (still gotta build the bench and it's too blasted cold in the garage today), but I've stocked up on supplies, and continue to stock up on knowledge.

I'm looking to save money, too, as well as have a hobby with a concrete product at the end of the day. Us preachers deal with so much that is intangible that we've got to do something with our hands to sometimes see a sense of accomplishment - nothing says that like a fresh box of .45 rounds screaming to be emptied!

[longtooth]

completely w/ UpTheIrons.
ABCs of reloading is the best starter book out there. My opinion.
This board is an excellent resourse for help. We will do our best.
Take it slow to start. Check, recheck everything. If you hit a stump come ask. Better than having to pull bullets.
Dont ask how I know that.

[Oldgringo]

Al Gore's wonderous invention that he named the World Wide Web, aka "the internet", contains a fount of information on the subject of reloading also.

[Clutch]

Thanks guys, I have spent much internet time searching and reading as much as I can. I am working in Peru and have plenty of time inthe evenings to do the searches. I am looking to start with 9mm and then move to 30 cal. But I subscribe to the K.I.S.S. method on most things. I have ordered the ABC's and it willbe waiting for me when I get home...

[longtooth]

W/ you on the K.I.S.S.

I do not use a different powder for every different caliber I load. As far as accuracy, what I load will still outshoot me.
Load the same bullet weight I carry. Dont have 7 different loads depending on what I am going to practice.

You are going to do well.

[cbunt1]

Along with the Lyman manual and "The ABC's of Reloading" I recommend "Modern Reloading, 2nd edition" by Richard Lee.

Although the Lee manual is a reloading manual, the text portions are both interesting and informative. Lots of background about why we do things the way we do, and how things we take for granted reloading today came to be...even if it is just a *bit* biased toward Lee's products!

--Chris

[NcongruNt]

Along with the Lyman manual and "The ABC's of Reloading" I recommend "Modern Reloading, 2nd edition" by Richard Lee.

Although the Lee manual is a reloading manual, the text portions are both interesting and informative. Lots of background about why we do things the way we do, and how things we take for granted reloading today came to be...even if it is just a *bit* biased toward Lee's products!

--Chris

I agree. I've started into mine, and have learned quite a lot. I disagree with him on not using vibratory tumblers, though. His reasoning is that if media gets left in a case, it can cause overpressure. I don't foresee myself not paying enough attention during the multiple times I inspect each case to miss something like that. I've learned quite a bit from the book, and I'm only like 40 pages in!

[cbunt1]

I agree. I've started into mine, and have learned quite a lot. I disagree with him on not using vibratory tumblers, though.

I'm with you there. You do need to double-check bottlenecked cases, though; I've had stuff stuck in them...I always tumble after I deprime though, and that helps.

[bstach]

Thanks this is a great list for someone like me just starting to get things together for reloading. Any more must reads out there?

Brad

[TexasRedneck]

I've got probably 8-10 different manuals on reloading, simply because I find different ideas/kernals of knowledge in each of them. The one thing I'll caution you on, though, is relying TOO much on stuff you find on the internet. I've seen lots of answers that, while technically correct, are best applied by those with LOTS of experience and knowledge.

I started with a single-stage reloader, and frankly recommend that to folks that are just getting started, mainly because it forces them to pay close attention to what's going on at all times. Progressive loaders are definitely the "end goal", but (and I'll freely admit to being accused of being overly risk-adverse in lots of cases) I tell folks that until they can listen to a press and know if something sounds wrong, then they're not ready to go to the next step. Reloading is rewarding - both in a personal experience and financial sense - but if you screw it up, IT CAN KILL YOU. Just remember that when you're tempted to "take a chance". I've got a coffee can next to my loader that I toss in ANYTHING that I have even the slightest question about - I'll either break it down or give it to the local PD for safe disposal before risking a problem.

I enjoy sitting at the bench and reloading in the winter months, so I tend to load 4-5k rounds of my primary calibers at a time. With my 650, it doesn't take long - I just have to be sure I've got enough components on hand! Thankfully, I've got a VERY understanding wife that doesn't hit the roof when an order for 10k bullets, or 15-20k of primers show up on the doorstep....

[nmsu]

I have also used the The ABC's of Reloading and thought it was an excellent source of information. I'll need to take a look at Lyman's Reloading Handbook. Thanks for posting, this site is great.

[OldCannon]

I've only recently started reloading (it's a hoot!), but I can tell you that I can find RELIABLE information on the internet just like I do in a reloading manual. Look at http://www.hodgdon.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for a start if you're using Hodgdon powders (under the "Data" section). You don't need a book, but I think it's handy to have at least one (Hornady, Modern Reloading, etc.).

I started off with a nice Lee Classic Turret setup from Kempf's Gun Shop (online -- they have a package deal that's a winner), and am absolutely delighted.

Best advice I can give you is to read the reloading section on this forums, and read this http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1027887"How To Get Started in Reloading" article on Glocktalk.com. Most of all: ASK QUESTIONS. No such thing as a dumb one (although if you ask one and the whole room gets quiet and people stare at you blankly, you can probably chalk that one up as a dumb one )

[Houston1944]

I always recommend a new loader start with either the single stage or a turret press. Turrets and singe stage presses make it easier to learn each stage of the process and you will also have a use for it even if you get a progressive press later.

Several of the powder manufacturers have web sites for load data and they are a good source of reliable info. You should not use load data from other web sites, even such as this one, without verifying it with a known source. The problem with using unknown sources is we all can make typing mistakes or maybe we are giving answers based on our memories.

I would also recommend that you look for a reloader at your local range and strike up a conversation. Most reloaders I know are always willing to help others learn the process. We are easy to spot, just look for the shooters that have their ammo in funny looking plastic boxes or in a coffee can.