8 Best Reloading Handbooks

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Looking for the Reloading manuals? We have compiled the Best Reloading Handbooks on the market for you.

Reloading your ammo has many advantages, among which is that it saves you money and it’s fun doing it. The process itself is enjoyable and rewarding compared to using factory-loaded ammo.

However, ammo reloading on your own can only be successful if you know have the right equipment and most importantly, if you know the entire reloading process.

Even the best reloading kits with the finest accessories might not help you much if you do not have a reloading manual that guides you on how to reload your ammo properly and safely.

For this, you need a good reloading manual/handbook. There are many great reloading manuals out there, and the options can be confusing. Here are our top choices if you are looking for the best reloading handbooks.

 

Best Reloading Handbooks

 

1) Hornady 9th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading Hardcover

Hornady 9th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading Hardcover

 

 

 

The 9th Edition Hornady Handbook offers over 900 pages representing 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
  • Data on over 20 favorites
  • Comprehensive reloading charts
  • Ideal for both novice and seasoned reloaders

 

2) The ABCs of Reloading: The Definitive Guide for Novice to Expert  (9th Edition)

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

 

 

Check out the Latest Edition(10th Edition).

This guide 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

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

 

3) Lee Precision Modern Reloading Manual 90277

Lee Precision Modern Reloading Manual 90277

 

 

This Lee Precision Modern Reloading Manual is one of the best reloading handbooks on the market, it 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 guide 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
  • Offers new techniques for reloading
  • Perfect for amateur or experienced reloader
  • Covers 167 Cartridges

 

4) Shooter’s Bible Guide to Handloading

Shooter's Bible Guide to Handloading

 

 

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 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

Discussed:

  • Handloading the old-fashioned way
  • Casting your own bullets
  • The influence of barrel length
  • Economics of home reloading

It covers interesting engineering questions the hand reloader may consider, including bullet integrity, copper bullets, and energy versus killing power.

 

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

The Beginner's Guide to Reloading Ammunition by Steven Gregersen

 

 

This Beginner’s Guide to Reloading Ammunition is the book for anyone who has always wanted to reload their ammo but has no idea where to start. It contains detailed chapters about primers, cartridge cases, gun powder, and bullets, explaining in layman’s terms what they are, the 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.

It 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

  • Talks about metallic cartridge reloading as well as reloading shotgun ammunition
  • It shows the steps involved and how to become operational with very little money and minimal space requirements
  • 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

 

6) The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition by Tom McHale

The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition by Tom McHale

 

 

The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition is one of the best reloading handbooks on the market, it 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 on the entire process from brass cleaning to final inspection.

It is filled with pictures and illustrations, making the process simple and clear to understand. The book 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 Include:
  • Why take up reloading?
  • Is reloading right for you?
  • What equipment do you need?
  • Cleaning and processing brass.
  • The reloading process: step by step.
  • Pistol caliber reloading.
  • Rifle caliber reloading.
  • Buying reloading components.
  • Advanced equipment options – how gear can speed up the process.
  • Introduction to advanced topics

 

7) Sierra 5th Edition Rifle Handgun Reloading Manual Books

Sierra 5th Edition Rifle Handgun Reloading Manual Books

 

 

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

Features

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

 

8) Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook (Softcover/Hardcover)

Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook Hardcover 

 

 

 

This Lyman reloading handbook features 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.

Having the largest selection of bullets, cast bullets, and powders from all Major manufacturers makes this one of the best reloading handbooks.

The 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.

New Cartridges

  • 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
  • 50 Beowulf

Features

  • Features the latest load data
  • The largest selection of bullets in any reloading manual
  • Feature Articles by Top Gun Writers and Firearm Industry Experts
  • Data Gathered From A Largest Selection Of Reloading Components
  • Wide range of powders
  • How-to-reload tutorial
  • Featured articles by industry experts
  • Most accurate loading recommendations
  • Backed by over 130 years of reloading expertise

 

Choosing the Best Reloading Handbooks

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.

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.

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.

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 the press. Other books are written by experienced gunmen who have been in the industry for a long, and who have great credentials in the same field.

Brand- Load data can vary across different brands. For this reason, many reloading manuals 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.

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 as well as your overall understanding of shooting.

Best Reloading Handbooks FAQs

  • Is reloading really worth it?

Yes. Reloading your ammo on your own can save you a lot of money that is otherwise used on factory-loaded ammo. This is an investment any gun owner should make.

  • Is reloading your own ammo safe?

Just like any machine, a reloading kit can be dangerous to operate. However, 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.

  • What is the best reloading press?

The following is a list of some of the best reloading presses in the market.

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

Conclusion

Reloading has its advantages. From money-saving to understanding your equipment and weapon better, the reasons why you should invest in a good reloading kit are overwhelming. Do not forget to get your reloading book before you start your reloading process to avoid accidents.

See Also: Best Ammo Reloading Equipment