What reloading manual should I start with?

[Baxtherin]

Title pretty much says it all. I want to start reloading. What manual should I start with. I've reloaded with another guy, so i know the basics, but it was a couple years ago, and I don't trust my memory THAT much. What's the best all around manual i can pick up to give me the info i need to reload? Specifically i'll be reloading my .30-06.
-Travis

[kawalekm]

Hi Travis
I think my personal favorate is Speer, though I also have Hornady, Lee and Hodgon. *For consultation I pretty much start with Speer, and branch out for there. Speer uses mostly real, off the shelf guns for their testing (instead of pressure barrels) and they picked a surprising number of guns I actually own. *Also, I'm from north Idaho, so I HAVE to be partial to Speer!

I shoot my own cast, so Lyman is usually my second choice. *Though the manuals are very informative, I'd also suggest a book on reloading such as "ABC's of Reloading". *It should be available at any gun shop that is selling you powder, bullets, and primers.
Michael

[cubcadet]

When I was studying the gun repair trade, I was taught that in any reloading, always start with a powder charge about 10% less than the one published, and work up your charge by the grain. You`ll find that every arm likes it`s own particular powder charge. It`s just a fact. I recommend you follow this. Sage advice, from some old sages.

[Lanark_Sixgunner]

I would recommend the Lyman manual, after that the Speer, then the Lee.

[jim]

Keep at least three manuals and reference then diligently.

Pay close attention to the advice to start at 10% below listed loads. Not to do so can really cost you.

jim

[Florida_boy]

They all have good and bad points. You might find some calibers that aren't covered in one manual that will be covered in another. If you plan on shooting a lot of cast bullets you might still need the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook.
There's a lot of online material as well.

[Stinger]

My favorite reloading manual is, also, Speer.

However the texts you should start with are, 'The A B C's of Reloading - Seventh Edition'; and, 'The NRA's Guide to Reloading'

http://www.nrastore.com/nra/Product.aspx?productid=PB%2001779

http://www.kitterytradingpost.com/product.php/pid/103/sid/650/tid/2528/prodid/20564

[Mad_Professor]

I use R-P 30-06 cases full length sized with Lee dies. Trim for length and clean primer pocket, chamfer neck. CCI large rifle primers, 54.0 gr IMR 4350 (55 gr is listed max, start out with ca. 50 gr and look for signs of pressure) topped with 180 gr nosler partion bullet. COL will depend on your barrel/action.

[seekeroftruth]

That sounds like a good load Prof. But I have a feeling he's not ready for that if he's looking for a manual to start with. He may not even know what "COL" means yet. (pssst.. it means Cartridge Overall Length)

All these manuals are good. Find one that you are comfortable with and can understand easily. I agree your first book should be "The ABC's of Reloading"

Keep in mind that Manuals like "Speer" and "Hornady" tend to use only their products for load development. Not a problem as load data for a 110 gn speer can be used for a 110 gn remington. Just something to keep in mind.

It sounds like you are interested in starting with the 30-06. I'd also recommend picking up a Caliber specific load guide. You can get them from MidwayUSA, Cabelas, and I'm sure other places. They focus on loads for one specific caliber and use a huge array of bullets, powders, primers, etc. If you are going to focus on only one or two calibers I'd highly recommend them.

Myself, I use Lymans for my first choice, I really like the way its laid out, and I have others that I use for Reference and Cross check. I also use load data for the Powder I use. Which currently for what rifle I reload is Ramshot's TAC. So I downloaded the load data for that powder from Ramshot's website.

I think that everyone here will agree, that you should have at least 2 sources of DATA and check them both. Typos do occur. And a responsible reloader NEVER relies on memory. Everytime you sit for a reloading session you should crack the book just to make sure. Sometimes it takes just that one time you add a half grain powder too much that will ruin your gun at the least, you at the most.

Have fun though, reloading is very rewarding.

seek