Best Reloading Manual

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Safety and quality are top priorities when reloading ammunition. You need to be familiar with the correct reloading process and have a beginner’s guide to reloading ammunition. This is why you need accurate, reliable, and detailed information about the different reloading procedures.

Rifle handgun reloading manual published by bullet or powder companies is recommended. You can be sure that the load data creators are highly qualified engineers who have access to the most advanced equipment.

There are many great reloader reloading books available that provide detailed information about everything including powder measures, priming tools, reloading equipment, safety precautions, theory of reloading, and much more about the process of reloading. We’ve done the research and found the best reloading manual on the market so that you don’t have to.

Which reloading manual is best?

Best by our choice:
Product
Best
Lyman 50th Edition Handbook Hardcover
Runner up
Hornady 11th Edition Handbook
Best budget
Precision Rifle Handloading (Reloading) Handbook
Image
Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook Hardcover
Hornady 11th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading
Precision Rifle Handloading (Reloading) Handbook: Learn Reloading Match Grade Ammunition Easily - Basic to advanced match level instruction (Long Range Shooting Book 4)
Features
The only data source using multiple Brands
It's a one-stop shop for support of Hornady component bullets
All the jargon explained in simple language: neck tension, headspace, COAL etc..
Print length (pages)
528
1019
378
Publication date
June 23, 2016
May 9, 2021
October 14, 2018
Customer Reviews
4.8 (1800+ reviews)
2.9 (20 reviews)
4.5 (155 reviews)
Best
Product
Lyman 50th Edition Handbook Hardcover
Image
Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook Hardcover
Features
The only data source using multiple Brands
Print length (pages)
528
Publication date
June 23, 2016
Customer Reviews
4.8 (1800+ reviews)
Runner up
Product
Hornady 11th Edition Handbook
Image
Hornady 11th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading
Features
It's a one-stop shop for support of Hornady component bullets
Print length (pages)
1019
Publication date
May 9, 2021
Customer Reviews
2.9 (20 reviews)
Best budget
Product
Precision Rifle Handloading (Reloading) Handbook
Image
Precision Rifle Handloading (Reloading) Handbook: Learn Reloading Match Grade Ammunition Easily - Basic to advanced match level instruction (Long Range Shooting Book 4)
Features
All the jargon explained in simple language: neck tension, headspace, COAL etc..
Print length (pages)
378
Publication date
October 14, 2018
Customer Reviews
4.5 (155 reviews)

Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

I would love to know which one you trust the most. The best reloading manual will be Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual. The Lyman reloading manual is both for beginners and experienced users. The reloading book was written by industry professionals, so it contains 100% legitimate knowledge. The Lyman reloading manual contains the most bullets and powders of any reloading book.

If you are searching for a best-for-money reloading manual, the best option is Hornady 99240 handbook 10th Edition. This rifle handgun reloading manual contains 1000 pages and covers every aspect of the reloading process. This reloading manual contains information on reloading and calibers. The manual contains important information about safety precautions.

Precision Rifle Handloading (Reloading) Handbook is the best guide on the process of reloading and is manual for beginners. You need a reloading manual because it covers nearly every topic, such as firearm cleaning, safety aspects, and reloading process guide.

Best by customer choice:
SaleBestseller No. 1
Lyman 51st Reloading Handbook-Softcover
  • New Cartridges Included
  • New Cartridges Included
  • Wide Range of Popular Powders
  • Feature Article on Progressive Presses
  • Full Color Edition
Bestseller No. 2
Nosler Reloading Guide 9th Edition
  • Includes data for all Nosler Cartridges
  • Data for nine new cartridges
  • New powders
  • Expanded Bullet Selections
  • New Cartridge Introductions
Bestseller No. 3
Hornady Reloading Manual - 11th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (2021), Features 1,000 Pages of Reloading Data, Techniques and Bullet Information - All Skill Levels, Hard Cover
  • Hornady 11th Edition Reloading Manual – Whether you're a novice or a seasoned hand loader, this Hornady Reloading Handbook will provide everything you need to successfully reload your favorite cartridges! Hard cover book
  • Cartridge Reloading Information – Features over 1,000 pages of reloading data, techniques and bullet information for over 200 different calibers. Covers over 1,500 load combinations to update and expand the reloading pages in this edition (compared to the 10th Edition)
  • New Data – The 11th edition handbook includes an impressive lineup of expanded data that incorporates new powders, new bullets like the A-Tip Match and new additions in the ELD-X, ELD Match, GMX, FTX, Sub-X and more
  • Cartridge Additions – This edition introduces multiple new cartridges, including 6mm ARC, 6.5 PRC, 300 PRC, 224 Valkyrie, 350 Legend and 28 Nosler
  • One Stop Resource – This manual is a total wealth of information including: comprehensive reloading charts, in-depth, easy-to-understand explanations of internal, external and terminal ballistics and topics covering the basic reloading principles for rifles and handguns

Last update on 2024-01-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Top 5 best reloading manuals on the market

1. Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual: Overall Best Manual

Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook Hardcover
  • Backed by over 130 years of reloading expertice
  • The largest selection of bullets, cast bullets, and powders from all Major manufacturers
  • In depth instruction of how to reload, advance case preparation techneques, how to use Ballistic coefficient, and more
  • A must have for every reloader from beginner to advanced
  • New cartridges included: 17 Hornet, 6.5 grendel, 6.5 creedmoor, 6.5-284, 26 Nosler, 28 Nosler, 300 Blackout, 300 rcm, 338 rcm, 450 bushmaster, 458 SOCOM, 50 beowulf

Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

New cartridges, popular rifle calibers, and feature articles (written by experts)

Lyman 50th edition reloading manual includes information about the new cartridges: the 17 Hornet and 26 Nosler etc.

Popular rifle calibers like 6.8 Rem SPC and 204 Ruger are included along with newer pistol calibers like 5.7x28mm, 460 S&W, and others. And also about cast bullets.

A great feature that many users love about this reloading book is the suggestion of a “most exact load.”

The ease of reading this best reloading manual is undoubtedly the main reason it is so popular within the firearms community. It’s not only informative but also very entertaining. It’s not just about the process of reloading; you’ll also learn how your pistol and rifle work.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Reloading manual for beginners.
  • Color instructions are easy to comprehend.
  • This is a great reloading manual for AR-15 rifle shooters.
  • The New Edition includes information about several new cartridges.
  • Covers brands such as Sierra, Hornady and Swift Instructions.
Cons
  • Information not up to date was complained by some users.
  • Possibly not the best manual for more experienced reloaders.
Related post:

2. Hornady 11th Edition reloading Handbook

Hornady 11th Edition Handbook of Cartridge Reloading
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Hornady Manufacturing (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 1019 Pages - 05/09/2021 (Publication Date)

Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Recent load recipes, common propellants, and load data for popular rifles!

The 10th edition was great, but the 11th edition reloading handbook has been updated with the most recent load recipes. These Hornady handbooks include Hornady’s ELD-X bullets, new bullets, and powders. New calibers include the 280 Ackley Improved, 338 Federal, and 7×64 Brenneke.

This reloading book, like the Handbook 10th edition, contains information about Hornady bullets and powders. This includes Interlock, InterBond, and V-MAX bullets.

This edition reloading manual has a lot of great information. The reloading book not only covers the ammo types (e.g., 308 Win 25-06 or 223 Rem), 300 Whisper, or 416 Barrett but also provides information about common propellants. This includes the Power Pro Varmint and the AR-Comp.

The book is a nice rifle handgun reloading manual. This reloading book, like the Hornady Handbook 10th edition, contains load data for popular rifles such as the AR10 and M14, 223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, and M14.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Information about new Hornady bullets and powders has been updated.
  • Provides easy-to-understand information about different ballistics.
  • Information about trimming and case length.
  • Easy to understand.
  • Well-written and well-organized.
Cons
  • Some rifle cartridge load data, such as the 450 Bushmaster, is incomplete.

3. Berger Bullets Reloading Manual

Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Load data for 71 cartridges, detailed and comprehensive manual!

Berger Bullets Reloading Manual is a glossy, hardcover reloading book with heft. It measures over 2 inches in thickness. The manual measures 819 pages in length, with the reloading information starting on page 244. The book contains loads of data for 71 cartridges, ranging from the “aught-6” standard to wildcats such as the 6mm Dasher.

The load data shows that the Berger 140 VLD hunting was able to step out of my 708 at 2840 FPS after consuming a 46-grain load of Winchester 760 powder. The MOA of three-shot groups at 100 yards was consistently below 1/2 MOA. It works for me!

With the Berger load data, the author was able to easily calculate a load of 7mm-08. Berger’s first manual was comprehensive and detailed. It is much more than that. Berger bullets and powders are a great choice for serious shooters and hand loaders.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Berger’s Autobiography is a great read.
  • Berger projectiles are a great choice for reloading with multiple calibers.
  • Reloading manual that is comprehensive, well-written and well-organized.
  • Good information was also provided in the bullet accuracy and case prep sections.
  • Manual for beginners, there are many options.
Cons
  • Only Berger bullets, pistol, and some calibers are included in the 338’s.

4. Reloading for Handgunners

Reloading for Handgunners
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Sweeney, Patrick (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 325 Pages - 10/24/2011 (Publication Date) - Gun Digest Books (Publisher)

Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Reloading for Handgunners includes:

The basics of handgun load development.
Load data for the most popular calibers.
Specialty loading info for competitions: IPSC/IDPA, Bullseye, Steel Challenge, Cowboy.
Advice on loading for heavy magnums and big-bore handguns.
Coverage of new powders.
Pressure-test info on common calibers.
New info on loading for pistol-caliber carbines.
Understanding barrel-twist considerations.

Interest in reloading popular centerfire handgun calibers has increased due to the increasing demand for reliable, economical ammunition. Many shooters, both novice and experienced, have benefitted from Patrick Sweeney’s Reloading Tips for Handgunners advice.

Sweeney now has the 2nd edition with 50 pages and more than 100 photos. He brings his advice into the 21st century, updating and covering the many advances in products, components, and methods that will benefit both novice and experienced reloaders.

Sweeney’s step-by-step instructions will show you how to safely and economically reload a handgun beginner’s guide to reloading ammunition. This information is supplemented by technical load data that was not available in the original edition.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Handgun loading components and tools are discussed in this article.
  • It is easy to understand and concise.
  • Reloading terminology can be learned in this book.
  • The following steps will help you understand your actions.
  • It is a pleasure to read Mr. Sweeney’s humor and writing.
Cons
  • A little more about quantity, not quality.

5. Precision Rifle Handloading (Reloading) Handbook

Reloading for Handgunners
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Sweeney, Patrick (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 325 Pages - 10/24/2011 (Publication Date) - Gun Digest Books (Publisher)

Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The various techniques, caliber, and equipment!

When starting in Long Range shooting, one of the most frequently asked questions is “How do I hand load precision ammunition?”

The Precision Rifle Handloading (Reloading) reloading book will provide a comprehensive understanding of the various techniques used to make a basic guide to reloading ammunition and full competition-style precision handloading rifle ammunition.

This book includes information from experts on how ammunition is made. It also contains tips and advice about everything, from caliber to equipment, and techniques – nice rifle handgun reloading manual and guide to reloading ammunition for begginers!

The jargon is explained in plain English, even advanced topics such as neck tension, headspace, and coal. Safety, selection, sorting, and preparation are all covered in match-quality handloading. This resource focuses on Long Range Precision Handloading to provide the shooter with the best precision setup.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced shooter, a reloading book will teach you how to make precision hand loads that will improve your Long Range Shooting accuracy.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Manual for beginners.
  • There are many options.
  • It is easy to put into practice and understand.
  • It helps to attain greater precision.
  • Simple to read.
  • This helps you determine the best powder charge for gun.
Cons
  • Poor grammar and punctuation.

Things to Consider When Getting a Reloading Manual

There are various reloading manuals on the market out there aside from the ones that we have listed here and you may want to tell us, “Hey, will one of those three contain the caliber that I’m interested in?”

The answer is, yes. However, to know which one does, it’s better that you ask the seller or reviewers on Amazon for more accurate answers. This is often the number one method people use to choose their reloading manual. There are many other things to think about when you choose a manual.

Personal knowledge

Consider your level of knowledge. Beginners must especially get a handbook that is detailed in explaining how a bullet works and the types of powders that exist. Depending on your interest and expertise, some handbooks are very detailed about each part of reloading from the equipment to how it works along with charts to refer to.

Beginners will also typically prefer a handbook that is not too complicated from the get-go. It should contain easy-to-understand instructions that will allow you to reload your first bullet with not too much of a hassle. These days this is rare in reloading manuals as people love to shove in load data without explaining them or helping those with little background knowledge on it.

Experts will do better with a reloading book that does not get rid of important warnings, a quick recap of basic knowledge, and more meat in load details. It should have content that can be easily referred to when needed on your bench.

Caliber Variety

The best reloading manual is the one that answers your questions, not just massive and complete. You want your manual to be detailed in the caliber that you want to try and precisely of that type. Some reloading manuals are wide in a variety of caliber, like the Hornady’s. It’s great for people who like to explore various types of calibers.

Other reloading manuals don’t contain as many calibers, but love to go deep into each that they have. They provide load data on various powder mixtures and show you the pressure as well as how you should adjust the seating and charge.

Most reloading manuals contain details on their products, like Hornady’s and Lee’s. There are some like Lyman’s that contain powder and caliber of other giant manufacturers in their handbook as well. It makes mixing easier to be done and you don’t have to go strictly with only one brand.

Publisher and Author

Manufacturers of ammunition and reloading equipment have released a lot of the best reloading manuals. These reloading manuals are highly reliable, especially if used with their ammunition or reloading presses.

Some of these articles were published by experts in the field. To judge the reliability and expertise of these individuals, you can Google their names.

Types of powder and bullets

Because of many reasons, reloading manuals are often very precise about the feature. Different bullet designs and tolerances can affect load velocity and pressure. Powders are also affected by this. These factors make it unlikely that load data from different manuals will match.

It is impossible to predict when you will find a new caliber so we recommend purchasing a universal reloading guide that covers a broad range of calibers as well as several types of ammo.

This manual will help you get started in the art of reloading. These manuals can also be helpful if you are looking for a guide to reloading ammunition.

Brand

Different brands may have different load data. Many reloading manuals, such as Hornady’s reloading handbook (find it below), can be brand-specific.

Different bullet designs can affect pressure, velocity, or production tolerances. This can lead to manuals that provide different load data.

If you are using reloading equipment made by a particular manufacturer, it is best to purchase the manual that was written for that brand.

Images and diagrams

Diagrams and other elaborate forms can sometimes show information more clearly than diagrams. You need an easy-to-understand manual that is both attractive and has practical illustrations, regardless of whether you are an expert or a beginner.

Good manuals should not be difficult to read. It should be easy to read and use simple language, especially manual for beginners. It should be attractive and vibrant, as well as easy to read.

Current Data and Information

Every day, the industry is exposed to new developments and technologies. This is an important aspect to consider when looking for the best reloading guide. The manual should contain accurate information about the latest cartridges as well as the most recent reloading techniques. Inaccurate reloading data can result from outdated information.

Additional content

If the manual includes additional topics related to the main topic of reloading, it will be a bonus. Many manuals include load data. Many manuals also provide information on equipment buying. 

These topics will help you decide which equipment is worth your investment and which ones are not. Safety is another important topic the manual should cover. Safety should be a key topic in the manual. A manual may also include a section that explains how to set up reloading equipment within a limited space. For those who live in small apartments, this section can be very helpful.

Writing style

A good reloading manual should be fun to read and convey the information in a clear, entertaining manner. You should consider the different levels of reloaders as well as their targets when writing.

For beginners, this is crucial as they may not like reading technical texts. To avoid a negative first impression, beginners need something clear and appealing to read.

Experienced reloaders will not waste their time learning new things.

Reloading Book Forms and Quality Actual

It is a good idea to have the manual in at least two or three formats. If you have the manual in ebook format, you can access it online using an eBook reader, or even your smartphone.

What is the purpose of a reloading manual?

Teach you how to Reload: I have a section in every reloading book that teaches you how to reload. Start with the Lyman and Lee Precision modern reloading manuals if you are a complete beginner. These manuals will be your guide for life.
Include Load data: While most people can learn how to reload from YouTube videos or reading forum posts, that is not why we need a manual. Your book’s most important section is the load data section. This section contains all the necessary recipes to reload any caliber.
Expected Velocity/Load pressure: If you are easily distracted by hobbies, don’t get involved in reloading. Once you feel the itch, you will be hooked forever. I am constantly running my rifles through the chronograph, trying to perfect my reloads.

What are the benefits of using a reloading manual?

Anyone who wants to reload ammunition can benefit from a detailed reloading guide with clear instructions. This can make all the difference between making bullets of higher quality quickly and struggling to get the job done.

Speed

You won’t be able to make more than a few bullets an hour if you rely on guesswork or a poor understanding of the shotshell reloader user manual.

Information is power. You can trust a manual with reloading data that has been backed up by thousands of user reviews to be able to complete a fast, but clean job.

Confidence

A good manual should have clear and easy instructions. Many reloading books provide many guides, which aren’t limited to what type of ammunition you wish to reload. A manual might help you reload shotgun shells of 2 3/4 inches or 3 inches.

You will still find instructions on how to create blanks. The complete reloading guide is like a roadmap that will help you improve your reloading skills and confidence.

A high-end reloading machine like the LEE loadmaster will not make you skilled if you don’t have a guide to help you get started.

Reference

You may no longer need to refer back to your manual as you reload bullets over time. It is still a good idea to have a reference point in case you need to change your reloading techniques or learn a new style.

More organized

The internet has a lot of information. It is difficult to find the right format for learning. The manual has a content table, and the information is organized in a section that makes learning easy. It is easy to track your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best reloading manual to buy?

Best Reloading Manual is Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual: Overall Best Manual. LEE PRECISION Modern Reloading 2nd Edition is great, too.

What is the value of expertise when purchasing a reloading guide?

You should, of course, look for a manual with more than just load data.

I have some reloading experience. Do I need to buy a manual?

Yes. It is complex work that requires a lot of attention. Therefore, errors and accidents are possible. A reloading guide is a must-have.

Is it possible to use a reloading guide that is brand specific?

This is not recommended. Brands can have different load data. This can be due to differences in bullet designs and tolerances. Specific instructions are available for specific bullet brands.

What is the most important safety measure to take?

Reloading is a dangerous reloading process that requires a lot of skill. So, only reload when you are able to give it your full attention. If you are sick or fatigued, do not reload.

You can find reloading information on the Internet. Why would I need a manual?

Anyone can post anything online without needing to be verified. It is impossible to verify that information is reliable so it makes sense to buy a manual. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

What is the best book for beginners?

Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual, a book that is easy to understand for beginners, is the perfect book. This manual includes information about various new cartridges, including 17 Hornet, 10.5 Grendel, and 6.5 Creedmoor. The reloading book contains the most bullets. This book is ideal for beginners because it covers many topics in different sections that feature different brands of equipment.

Can I use a brand-specific guide to reload ammo of a different brand?

This is something we wouldn’t recommend. Load data can vary greatly between brands. This is due to the differences in bullet designs and tolerances.

What safety precautions should you never forget?

Safety is a matter of life and death. Safety precautions are essential when reloading ammunition. So, wear proper eye protection. Reloading without safety glasses is an unnecessary risk.

What is the best reloading manual for beginners shotgun?

The best reloading manual for beginners shotgun is Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual

What is best reloading manual to learn from

Hornady 11th Edition Handbook is the best reloading manual to learn from

Are All Reloading Manuals The Same?

No, they are different. Some write more about general things for beginners, others about more specific approaches. Some instructions are purely for equipment from one manufacturer, others are more general.

Why Are There So Many Editions?

Updated editions contain information about newer models of equipment.

Can a brand-specific reloading manual be used generally?

Yes, you can. The general rules for rebooting are not particularly different. However, if you are a beginner, it is best to start with the instructions of the developer of your equipment.

Best Budget Reloading Manual?

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Author - Hans Wimberly
Hans-Wimberly - the owner of Gearsadviser
When I`m not spending time with my beautiful wife and great 3 children, you will find me reloading ammo!
Doing sport shooting, or talking with my friends about (oh, yeah!) guns.

Read more about me here.

At Gearsadviser, I`m committed to ensuring that you have the best possible reloading experience. I conduct thorough research, testing, and evaluation of reloading gear, offering impartial and informative reviews to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions. My reviews are based on hands-on testing, research, and analysis of customer feedback. I regularly update my reviews to reflect changes in product availability and new information, so you can be confident that you're receiving the most current recommendations.

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5 thoughts on “Best Reloading Manual”

  1. It’s always full of good info. besides the updated reloading data.

  2. It’s always worth picking up. Sometimes the articles are fantastic! But the updated data is worth the $10. The articles are just a bonus! Three ring binder format is my favourite.

  3. I too enjoy picking one up every year for my sierra bullets I need to get the 19 so thanks for posting the video and God bless

  4. Always good stuff in that magazine. Thanks for the video. Handbook 10th edition is nice, but 11th is better)

  5. I buy it every year. Good reference material to have in reserve about three ring binder format etc.

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