Best Ammo Reloading Book By Experts-Reviewed(Apr 2024 Guide)

If you have finally decided that you have to reload your ammo by yourself then the one that you have to add to your bucket list is a good reloading manual. As you have to deal with ammo which can cause accidents such as explosions, therefore, you need to know the proper process of reloading. A manual will also provide major information on safety therefore it’s always better to keep a manual handy. It is very important to choose the correct reputed manual because a wrong manual can make your reloading journey tough. Therefore, in this, we have featured the best ammo reloading book which is published by well-reputed industry experts. These manuals are perfect for beginners as well as advanced people. These manuals cover every aspect such as the process of reloading, the safety aspect, equipment buying guide, load data, and many more.

best ammo reloading book

Best Ammo Reloading Book-Top Picks

Categories

Overall Best reloading manual

Best beginners manual

Best Budget reloading

Manual

Item

Lyman Reloading manual

Sierra Reloading Manual

Hornady reloading handbook

Page count

464 pages

1152 pages

1000 pages

Edition

50th edition

5th edition

10th edition

Price

CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Best Ammo Reloading Book-Detailed Guide

Overall Best reloading manual for beginners 

1.Lyman 50th Edition ammo reloading book

best ammo reloading book
Key Features
  • Features The Latest Load Data
  • A Largest Selection Of Bullets In Any Reloading Manual
  • Wide Range Of Powders
  • How-To-Reload Tutorial
  • Featured Articles By Industry Experts
  • Most Accurate Loading Recommendations
  • All Load Data Is Generated And Tested By Lyman

Lyman loading manual is one of the most trusted and widely used reloading manual available in the market. This manual has 130 years of reloading experience and that’s why this manual holds people’s trust.

You will get the largest library of bullets, powders, and cast bullets from various kinds of manufacturers inside this book. This manual is loaded with information on reloading, advanced case preparation techniques, how to use ballistic coefficient, and many more.

This manual will make an all-rounder in the field of reloading. Even if you are a complete beginner you can easily understand this manual. If you are an advanced player then also you will get loads of knowledge from this book.

  This book is the only book that features loading pressures. This book covers each and every bullet style. Also covers information to the core. This is no doubt one of the best ammo reloading book.

Pros
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Variety of bullet brands
  • Features The Latest Load Data
  • All Load Data Is Generated And Tested By Lyman
Cons
  • 50th edition is not well updated than the previous edition
  • Doesn't cover some new powers

Overall Best reloading manual for beginners 

2.Sierra 5th Edition Rifle Handgun ammo reloading book

best ammo reloading book
Key Features
  • 1152 page manual
  •  Popular three-ring binder format
  • Modernized with new cartridge information
  • Provide reloading recommendations
  • Features new bullets, new cartridges 
  • Features reloading and firearms terminology
  • Section of firearms cleaning

Sierra 5th Edition Rifle & Handgun Reloading Manual is a very good option if you just entered the field of reloading. This book explains the process of reloading with step-by-step procedures in a very simple language. Therefore any beginner can easily understand it.

The manual is updated with new cartridge information, histories, and reloading recommendations. This manual comes in a three-ring binder format which makes notes making the process very easy.

This manual features well-reputed and latest cartridges, bullets, and powders. Bullet dynamics are so well explained in the book. The manual will also provide knowledge on firearms cleaning. The manual also provides detailed insights into ballistics.

.There is also a glossary section where you will learn all the terminologies. You will also be provided with knowledge on reloading tools and equipments. It is one of the best ammo reloading book. This book also features an FAQ section that will solve all your reloading queries.

Pros
  • Deep knowledge on bullet dynamics
  • Three-ring binder format
  • Topics on firearm cleaning
  • Terminology section
Cons
  • Tearable pages
  • Skipped some new cartridges

Best budget reloading manual 

3.Hornady 10th Edition ammo reloading book

best ammo reloading bookbest ammo reloading book
Key Features
  • Over 1,000 pages of reloading data, techniques and bullet information.
  • 200+ different calibers featuring a variety of loads using Hornady bullets.
  • Well over 1,300 load combinations were shot to update and expand the reloading pages
  • 10th Edition
  • Explanations Of Internal, External And Terminal Ballistics

This is a beginner-friendly book and this book consists of 1,000 pages of load data for over 200 different calibers. With the help of a reference guide, you can get into reloading after knowledge the proper set of procedures.

 The understanding of internal, external, and terminal ballistic is in easy to understand form inside the book. The book is divided into sections which can be named as the theory of reloading and a compilation of load data.

 This manual also features a beginners how-to section which makes it beginner-friendly. The book also provides a deep understanding of all the safety procedures while loading process.

This book is the complete manual for beginners as well as advanced knowledge as it features the theory of reloading. You will get information on every Hornady bullet in the market. This is the 10th updated edition with more additional updated information than previous editions.

Pros
  • Data on reloading techniques and bullet information
  • Features 200+ calibers
  • Provide safety instructions
  • Provides data on new bullets
Cons
  • Focus on one brand only

4.The ABCs of Reloading: The Ammo Reloading Guide for Novice to Expert

best ammo reloading book
Key Features
  • James, C. Rodney (Author)
  • covers the components and equipments 
  •  each and every data on loading 
  •  The manual is 840 pages long 
  • Available in hardcover or ebook
  • Novice to expert guide
  • Covers safety aspect

This book will provide you detailed insights on the complete methodology and process of loading. This manual also covers the components and equipments of the reloading process.

 Although this book doesn’t have many calculations and mathematical parts you can anytime pair it with books like  Lyman and Hornady to get good holistic knowledge. You will get each and every data on loading and technical aspects in this book.

 The information provided in this book is straight to the point which will leave no chance of confusion. This manual will give you information on which equipments are actually needed rather than storing useless things.

The manual is 840 pages long and is filled with tons of information on cartridges and its every aspect. This manual will also teach you each aspect of safety while reloading which is a good thing again if you are a complete newbie.

Pros
  • Covers safety aspects
  • A complete novice to expert guide
  • Topics on equipments
Cons
  • Not updated completely

5.Shooter's Bible Guide to Handloading: A Comprehensive Reference for Responsible and Reliable Reloading

best ammo reloading book
Key Features
  • Author: Wayne van Zwoll
  • Great for historical data 
  • Consists of 240 pages
  • Guide on selection of tools
  • A simple explanation of hand reloading
  • Thousand photographs
  • Topics on the economics of home reloading

If you want to learn the history of reloading then this guide is the best choice for you. This book has very little knowledge on practical reloading and mostly focus on theoretical history knowledge of reloading. 

 It is a bit difficult to extract practical knowledge on reloading.The manual will teach you the factors that affect reloading and it will teach you the economics required for different components. This book is basically for theoretical knowledge. This manual provides detailed insights on the background of handloading and various innovations in the field.

This guide provides easy step-by-step instructions for hand reloading. The book will also guide you in selecting the tools, cases, dies, primers and powders. The book will provide simple instructions for firearm cartridges reloading. You will also learn the testing part of loading at the range.

 This manual also features an FAQ section where all the engineering questions need by an handloader are featured. The FAQ section contains topics like copper bullets, energy versus killing power, and bullet integrity. This manual also features topics such as how to cast own bullets, the economics of hand reloading, handloading the old-fashioned way, the influence of barrel length.

Pros
  • Topics on tool selection
  • Features thousands of photographs
  • Topics on economic house loading
Cons
  • More theory-based

Best shotgun reloading manual 

6.The Beginner's Guide to Reloading Ammunition

best ammo reloading book
Key Features
  • Author: Gregersen, Steven
  • Good starter book
  • Provide space and money-saving tips
  • Good for budget reloading
  • Length:154 pages
  • Guide on buying equipments
  • Chapters about primers, cartridge cases, gun powder
  • Detailed photos and explanations

This book is an amazing book if you are just entering into the field of shooting. It is a great starter book with all the needed information at the beginner level. You will get in-depth knowledge of components and methods used in reloading.

You will also be able to see many small tips and tricks which will help you in saving time. This book also has a section where it tells you how to fit all the gears in a small space. This is a must-read section if you live in an apartment.

The manual provides detailed knowledge on topics like primers, cartridge cases, gun powder, and bullets, and that too in simple language. This book also covers the type of gunpowder and which type is best for bulk measurements. The best thing is that this manual features photos which make learning even easier.

You will also get chapters on reloading shotgun. This book will teach you how to reload ammunition on a budget. The book will also tell you the procedures of how to choose the most productive equipments. This manual will make your reloading journey very smooth.

Pros
  • Detailed photo and explanation
  • Provide space and money-saving tips
  • 100% legit information
  • Written by well-experienced author
Cons
  • Length is a bit short

7.The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition: Learn the easy way to reload your own rifle and pistol cartridges (Practical Guides)

best ammo reloading book
Key Features
  • Author:Tom McHale
  • Length:170 pages
  • Include gear buying guide
  • Explain loading process step by step
  • • Pistol caliber reloading.
    • Rifle caliber reloading.
  • Introduction to advanced topics
  • “How to”easy to understand guide

The Practical Guide to Reloading Ammunition will tell you in which gear to invest and which one you have to skip. This book will give you complete knowledge from brass cleaning to final inspection.

 Learning is very easy with this manual as it has proper pictorial representation. After following this book you can easily reload your ammunition in a cost-effective way.

Due to its “how-to” way of explaining things, the book is beginner-friendly. The manual has 170 pages with straight-to-the-point in-depth knowledge on every aspect of reloading. This book is one of the best ammo reloading book for beginners.

Pros
  • Will guide on equipments purchasing
  • Explained everything in very simple language
  • Explains in "how-to" format
Cons
  • Paper quality is not up to the mark

8.Handbook of Ammo Reloading Basics

best ammo reloading book
Key Features
  • Length:152 pages
  • Available in kindle and paperback
  • Topics on characteristics of gunpowder
  • Step-by-step instructions for reloading
  • Press selection guide
  • Component breakdown
  • Dozens of illustrative photos

You can get this book in 2 formats, one is paperback and the other is ebook format. This book features a press setup for metallic cartridges and shotshells. The book provides complete detailed information that is needed for a newbie.

The book also teaches you proper procedures in such a way that you dont have to look it back again. This manual also all the safety procedures needed while the process of reloading. This book is made by industry experts Robin Sharpless and Rick Sapp therefore it is loading with legit and improved information.

The book will provide knowledge on different types of presses such as single-stage, turrets, and progressives. This manual provides information about components in a breakdown format. Information is backed by ultra-clear photographs and illustrations that provide further clarity.

 Due to these reasons, it is a very beginner-friendly manual. This manual also features knowledge of modern shotshells. Before you start your reloading journey make sure you get this manual with you. This is one of the best ammo reloading book.

Pros
  • Step-by-step instructions for reloading
  • Provides knowledge on press selection
  • Contains illustrations
Cons
  • Need updates

What is the best reloading manual?

If you will ask me which one is the most trusted and the best reloading manual then it will be “Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual“.This manual is perfect for a beginner and as well as for an experienced person. This book is written by industry experts therefore this manual features 100% legit knowledge. The manual has the largest collection of bullets in any reloading manual.

If you are a beginner then the perfect guide for you will be “sierra reloading manual book“.This book covers almost every topic such as firearms cleaning, safety aspects, reloading step-by-step guide. The manual is 1152 pages long which covers each and every aspect of gun handloading. This manual also features an FAQ section that will clear each and every doubt of a beginner.

If you are looking for a budget reloading manual then the best choice will be “Hornady 99240 handbook 10th edition“.This manual is 1000 pages long and provides each and every detail on reloading. This manual is packed with data of varieties of calibers and reloading. This manual also provides data on safety precautions which is very important.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose the best ammo reloading book?

Brand

Most of the manuals that are present in the market are mostly published by industry specialist manufacturers. The manuals that are featured in this article are all published by well-reputed and specialist authors.  

If you have the same brand press and ammo then it will definitely a plus point. You can easily find the publishers on google and you can read their back history to know their credibility. 

Different brands have different protocols to present load data that’s why some manuals are brand specific. One such example of the manual is Hornady reloading handbook.

 Velocity and pressure can vary among different styles of bullets. Due to such differences, some manuals prefer to stick to one brand only.

If you use a specific brand for reloading equipment then you can go for a specific brand manual.

Info about caliber

The manual you buy should contain information regarding all the calibers. If not all then it should at least contain the information about the caliber that you are looking for.

The advantage of having a bulti-caliber manual is that you can easily look for any caliber that you are concerned about and there is no need to buy a separate dedicated caliber manual.

Additional content

It will definitely a plus point if the manual covers additional topics that are related to the main reloading topic. Many manuals provide load data. Also, many manuals provide equipment buying guide. These topics will guide you on what are useful equipments you need to invest in and what are the useless investments. Another useful topic that the manual should provide is safety. Manuals should guide the users on how to follow perfect safety protocols during the reloading process. Some manual also features a section where it teaches how to set up reloading equipments in a small space. This section is very useful for someone who is living in a small apartment.

Your current level

 You should not feel bored while reading the book.If you have just decided that you have to try your hand in reloading then a novice guide will work best for you. Even you are an experienced person then also you should never leave the habit of reading just make sure the book includes those topics that are still not familiar with.

If you are a beginner I will highly recommend you to get a manual with lots of pictures and illustrations that will make understanding much easy. The manuals we have featured contain each and every topic that is needed newbie as well as an advanced player. Also make sure that beginner manual also provide complete information on safety. If you are a beginner make sure your manual include much more stuffs apart from load data.

Type of format

You may find reloading manual is 2 formats. One is hardcover and the other is ebook form. Both of the formats have their own benefits and flaws.

Some people prefer ebooks because it’s more convenient and you can read them anywhere, you just need a smartphone or a tablet. You can keep thousands of books on just your smartphone and can read according to your will without carrying those bulky manuals.

Some people prefer hardcover books at they just like to read directly from books. I personally like the handover format as it is easy to track your progress with it and also it’s more convenient to make notes and put side notes with hardcover. Also, hardcore books can help in avoiding the extra exposure to screen lights.

Why Do I Need A Reloading Manual?

By this question I mean that there is already lots of information available on the internet then why do you need a manual. In this section, we will discuss it.

Give knowledge on reloading

The manual will provide detailed in-depth knowledge on every aspect of reloading. For once you can doubt the information available on the internet but you can never challenge the knowledge of a book. Layman manual is an amazing book if you want to take that very 1st piece of knowledge about reloading. This reloading manual will guide you every time you will reload. The manual will provide step-by-step knowledge for reloading. It’s very important to take proper knowledge as everything revolves around ammo and if you do things without proper knowledge serious accidents might happen such as explosions. Even if you are an experienced person you should keep a manual handy so that you can refer anytime.

Knowledge on load data

For one time you can watch youtube tutorials for reloading but it’s very difficult to find correct load data on the internet. One of the main topic of this manual is the section on load data. Load data is the key thing that you need to master to be good at reloading.

More organized

Information on the internet is in very shattered form and you have to spend some time to find the correct format of learning which is obviously time-consuming. Whereas in the manual, there is a proper content table and information is in the organized section which makes learning very easy. You can easily track your progress.

Legit Information

Information on the internet is not verified and anyone can provide wrong information which will is enough to make you confused. The advantage of manuals or books is that information is 100% legit and trusted and published after multiple crosschecks.

Which is the best manual for beginners?

If you are a beginner then Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual is a perfect book for you due to its easy language. This manual contains information on various new cartridges such as  17 Hornet, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor. The book has the largest collection of bullets. This manual also provides the largest load data. Since each load data is verified by Lyaman this manual is 100% legit and provides valuable knowledge. You will get knowledge on various powders such as IMR, Ramshot, Alliant, Hodgdon, and Winchester. As this book covers a large number of topics from different sections featuring different brand equipment, this book is perfect for beginners. 

Is reloading ammo dangerous?

It is safe to reload ammo. It will not get burst into flames spontaneously. Make sure you start with load and slowly increase the load. It is a much safer option rather than directly choosing maximum load.

Conclusion

Here we have reached the end of our article with the title “best ammo reloading book”.You should refer to multiple manuals in order to gain complete knowledge. Books are an excellent way to gain legit information. Reading books will increase your concentration levels. Try to make a collection of books so that you have information on every topic loading. Take your time and choose a perfect manual from the above list. If you have any suggestions make sure you drop them in the comment section. Also, make sure you read our other articles too. Thanks for visiting leanoutdoor.com.

1 thought on “Best Ammo Reloading Book By Experts-Reviewed(Apr 2024 Guide)”

Leave a Comment