Lee "Modern Reloading" 2cnd Edition

[ragnarock47 10]

I've been thinking of reloading. I've read a fair amount on Al Gore's internet, and I get the basics... very basics as far as what I'll need and what I need to do.

 

Since I over think things, I also have questions that I haven't been able to find answers to. My over thinking has me looking for some reading/learning materials... which of course will be a good thing to do in my opinion rather than getting the equipment, and just going about what the instructions tell me to do. Of course I will not deviate from what the instructions say to do, but I feel knowing more in depth info is usually a wise thing.

 

Anyhow, I came across "The ABC's Of Reloading" and the 7th edition is near impossible to find as it is out of print until they come out with the 8th edition, which the publisher told me it should be out in May. This book seems to be the bible of reloading from many sources I found on the net.

 

So what now, since I can't my my paws on the bible of reloading for a few months?

 

I found Lee Precision has their Modern Reloading 2cnd edition. For those of you that are familiar with this book, does it have a good variety of topics? I don't particularly need load recipes (or I should say that is not what I am looking for at this point), but am looking for more in depth info on what benefit certain pieces of equipment have over what I'll need to do the basics. Why does this do that. Why should you do this rather than that.... info like that.

 

Many of the reloading manufacturers web sites seem to provide info for those that know about reloading and the super basic info.

 

I suppose I am looking for a "Reloading For Dummies" type of book.

Edited March 16, 2008 by ragnarock47

[Gaddis 1,689]

The Lyman (47th version and up) reloading manuals are pretty good reads.

[turbo1889 1]

I have the Lee manual along with the Lyman manual along with a whole host of other manuals all both of them have a great deal of information in them. If, however, I had to choose only one manual I'd choose the Lee manual for rifle and pistol metallic reloading and if I was mainly doing shotshells I'd choose the Lyman shot-shell manual, not to be confused with the regular Lyman manual.

 

For metallic reloading the Lee manual is excellent --- highly recommended, especially for the alloy strength/pressure information in regard to cast bullet loading. Take it with a grain of salt though in some sections where Mr. Lee starts ranting about how good his products are. The basic information is among the best but well when it comes to Lee and his products it's like a proud father and the son he thinks can do no wrong. Now what the regular (not shotshell) Lyman manual has that the Lee doesn't where I switch over to the Lyman is the charts for what calibers are suitable for what game at what distance when loaded with what bullet --- very good info. Also use the mold number charts for the Lyman molds and the short write up on the quirks of each cartridge in the load data is also nice.

 

If you load shot-shells the Lyman shot-shell manual is a must have --- way more info in there then the Lee book even thought of mentioning about shot-shells.

 

Just my $0.02

Edited March 17, 2008 by turbo1889

[buckandaquarterquarterstaff 5]

If you are at the beginning stage then I would not hesitate to buy two manuals. The Lyman one is good, and the Lee one is as well. Sometimes having things explained by two different sources is all the better. Spending an extra $20 at the start of your reloading "career" is probably well worth it in equipment that you don't have to rebuy later because it wasn't exactly what you thought you needed. Also, you should verify your load recepies from more than one source if at all possible. Typo's happen, so it's best not to be a victim of one.

[ragnarock47 10]

Thanks everyone.

 

I got the Lee Modern Reloading 2cnd edit. manual. That helped out quite a bit as did this web page:

http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=33 .

 

Yeah Turbo, Mr. Lee gets a bit over exuberant in his "Lee is the greatest" multiple times in every section... but as you stated, the information provided was very helpful for me in understanding what and how to do this beyond; deprime, size, prime, add charge, seat and crimp.

 

Buck&a1/4-1/4staff and Gaddis, yep, I will get another manual for sure before I do my first run. It seems from the replies that the Lyman manual would be a great second choice of books along with the Lee manual.

 

I still am looking forward to reading the ABC's of Reloading. I have it on order at my library and #2 in the waiting line for it. So I hope to see it in April or so.

 

My game plan is to start with straight walled pistol, once I get the hang of that and the operation of the equipment, I will move on to rifle cartridges. From there, I very well move onto shotgun shells. Of course that seems simpler from my reading a little of this and that, but it's a whole new financial investment and learning endeavor.

 

Thanks for the advice above!!!

[Gaddis 1,689]

Heh, I almost like looking at the MidwayUSA fliers that come each month for new crap I probably don't need almost as much as Internet porn.

[ragnarock47 10]

Heh, I almost like looking at the MidwayUSA fliers that come each month for new crap I probably don't need almost as much as Internet porn.

 

Midway is definately cool Gaddis. Check out Natchez for killer deals also. Their e-mail specials are pretty good. Although I am not a big fan of the layout of their web site, I've had excellent service from them with a couple of scopes and few other misc. shit I've bought from them over the years:

 

https://www.natchezss.com/index.cfm

To order their printed catalog that comes about once a month: https://www.natchezss.com/customerService.c...D=orderCatalogs

The page to sign up for their e-mail specials: https://www.natchezss.com/customerService.c...D=subscriptions

 

 

So for a "Rags is gonna reload update" for those who care:

 

I ordered my equipment over the weekend and should see it by the end of the week. I got everything I'll need other than powder and primers to start. I also ordered the 48th edition Lyman book.

 

I finally figured out the load I am gonna start with. It took me forever as the bullets I bought, I could not find a load for. I had numerous "this should work type" info, but since I am just starting out, I wanted "this is the load data". I called the bullet manufacturer and they gave me the loads for the two types of powder I am looking at using.

 

I went to Gander Mountain to get powder and primers and was so very disappointed in their reloading stock in general. All they has was Ramshot powders, which I am not looking to use. I have tomorrow off from work so I very well may make the 130 mile trek up to Cabella's. I hope I can find a place locally to order powder from at some point.

 

So hopefully I'll have a few pallets of cartridges loaded by next Sunday

[buckandaquarterquarterstaff 5]

You're pretty safe using similar load data for other bullets of the same weight as long as they are the same general type of bullet. That is, a jacketed (hollowpoint, softpoint, or FMJ) bullet of the same weight from a different manufacturer will generally load the same (at least for starters). Just to be safe, start any "comparable" load with the starting charge and check for things like ripped case mouths, flattened primers, or bulges at the base of the case. Stick with midrange loads and you'll get longer brass life. The only time you need to worry is when the bullets get on the heavy side, then sometimes a boat tail will extend into the case (raising pressures) whereas a round nose will not seat as deep into the case and still be OK.

 

Don't mix loads for lead bullets with jacketed bullet loads. Also, if you're loading the really high velocity magnums be sure you're using quality (generally classified as big game) bullets such as a-frames, bear claws etc. Lesser bullets may disintigrate on game with the magnums.

 

Ramshot powder is good stuff IMO, but the load data is sort of sparse with some cartridges. Once you're up and running, I wouldn't shy away from Ramshot.