Reloading manual for complete beginner?

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ssgrock3

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ETA: you can pick up free reloading manuals from the powder companies at the stores where you buy reloading stuff.

also online...fill out their form and they will ship them. Data is also online but doesn't give you Everything you need.

http://www.hodgdon.com/

http://www.imrpowder.com/

http://www.wwpowder.com/

http://www.alliantpowder.com/

I know the top three send out books. Doesn't have every load imaginable but it is a start. Alliant load data has only speer bullets.

I personally like the speer manual. I got a #13 that I have had a while, but also have a couple of others. Look around. Ebay can find you some manuels a little cheaper but might be an older version.
 

Daryl Licht

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For one manual I'd have to say go with the Lyman.

I have Speer, Nosler, Hornady, Lee, Sierra, Hodgdon and a few oddballs and have several editions of some of them. The Lyman nearly always gets the first look, and their instructional sections are very good.
 

flatwins

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Also, if you want to see the basic mechanics of reloading there are tons of videos on Youtube. It is not really rocket science but you do need to pay close attention to the type and volume of powder you are using. It's always best to start with loads that are light and work up from there.
 

WILLARD

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I've never reloaded at all, but really want to get into it. Everyone says to get a manual and read it first so that's what I intend to do. Problem is that there are just so many out there and I don't want to have to spend $200 on books before I find one geared toward my skill level. I plan to start with rifle ammo, .32 Winchester Special to be specific, but if it turns out that I enjoy it, I'll almost certainly start reloading .38 special as well.

any recommendations would be appreciated.

-S
I started out on a Lee single stage anniversary kit. This kit came with a loading manual that explained each step in detail and had cut away photos as well. Also, Lee dies come with detailed instructions on how to set the dies up on the press and load data as well with the dies. I later up graded to a Dillon 550B. I dont know what kind of loading press you have your heart set on but the Lee reloading manual is a good read. Good luck and enjoy.
 

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