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

I bet my friends wish I bought this first.I was very frustrated with the handbook that came with my press. That was 90% data tables and 10% instructions. This book fills in all the missing gaps of what's needed to reload. Use this book for the instructions and the data tables from the reloading handbook.I'd debated between Kindle & paperback and finally decided on paperbook. I was a little surprised that all pictures are black & white not color. I'm still somewhat glad I ordered the paperback version as its useful to be able to look at the diagrams while reading the descriptive text, something that would difficult on a small screen Kindle.Others have complained about the old hand drawings but while I admit a photograph would be nice in some instances I frequently prefered the simple hand drawings as they included only the details needed rather than an overly detailed photograph where I wouldn't be sure what to look at.The paper is very cheap, like a cross between regular paper and newsprint, but it is also very large and easy to see the details of the illustrations. I guess that helps keep the costs down. The book is also large enough to lay down and have it stay open so I can reference the book while working with my hands. I think they made a smart decision to go with the cheap and large format.I liked that its not manufacturer specific like the handbook that came with my reloading press so it doesn't try to sell you a prticular brand of equipment but it occasionally calls out specific manufacturers of products while I like so I can actually find the stuff.

I rarely give a book 5 stars but this James' guide to reloading was just what I needed. It is not a reloading manual with complete sets of bullet weights and powder charges - it describes how the reloading process works, what kind of things you need to think about, the dangers (big and small) and what kind of tooling is used. The book gives just enough detail without being overwhelming. With this book, a reloading manual and the right equipment you can start reloading. Most of the gun books I have bought would have been no bargain at half the price, this one is worth every penny.The author covers rifle, shotshell and pistol reloading each in about equal detail. There is a step by step guide with photos on each of these processes as well as discussion of the different issues that arise for each kind of round. In addition the book has a chapter on bullet casting, one on ballistics and chapters with other useful looking information that I haven't read yet :).The basic ideas of reloading are quite simple - Shape the case, insert the primer, add powder, seat and crimp the bullet but the details are critical and utterly overwhelming to a novice. I am learning to shoot handguns and the only way I can afford serious practice is by reloading my own ammo. This book showed me the path through the forest and I am now ready to buy the kit I need and get started.If you decide to go with a progessive press, I highly recommend you go to Brian Enos' site. He sells Dillon and is very helpful.

The ABCs of Reloading was my first introduction to books about reloading. A few years back, when I again started shoot regularly and needed to reload to save money I ordered the kindle version. The first kindle version was not the greatest but the new update fixes those issues.Main critic of this book is that it is geared to the beginner, slightly dated and does not contain load data. I got several reloading books now that focus specific bullet manufacturers and specific areas such as handguns but this is a great reference. On dated, the basics of reloading does not change. Powders will change slightly over time so I prefer getting load data from the powder manufacturer. An example is that I looked up load data for 10mm Auto for 180 GR jacketed bullets in two bullet manufacturer reloading manual as well as the load data from the manufacturer of the powder I was going to use. All three had different Starting and Max loads and this books gives the great advice that powder formulas can change over time. Checking with the powder manufacturer for the latest loading data makes sense to me especially with calibers such as 357 Sig, 10mm auto and 45 GAP.I have loaded thousands rounds of accurate pistol and rifle ammo without damage to myself or my weapons which I credit at least partially to the advice in this book. My conclusion is that this is a great book to learn the basics of safe reloading.

Was looking for a Data book to give me more that one set of loading info for Shot guns. This will be a good read.It seems to cover a lot of information about reloading but no numbers.well I have had the book for about a week and have been reading it.. The best miss order ever. I have been loading for over 50 years and I am learning for this book in somethings it the small details that being explained now make scene. History and the way of what is done is a great Help. If you reload you my what this book .excellent Read and great Reference. I have started tabbing it to make is easier to check back latter.

The book is fine. But people make it out to be some mystical tome that reloaders need to begin the hobby\practice. It's not. It has loads of information that is charitably historical and, less charitably, obsolete. Much of it is not useful for any practical purpose. No, you do not need to know the history of black powder so you can figure out how to save money on modern 9mm. No, you do not need to know that William Lyman purchased Winchester and Stevens scope lines in 1928. Much of the book seems to consist of this sort of information which may be interesting (or may not...) but is simply not relevant to the person who wants to know how to do basic ammunition reloading.I think the problem is not so much the work itself but with the way people recommend it as being 'the book' to get before starting reloading. I get the feeling that recommending it is either just an habit passed down or perhaps an elaborate prank.

If you are new to reloading you need to read and understand the contents of a book like this. Even for experienced reloaders there's still plenty of useful information. Read and understand the manuals like this and don't take dubious advice from 'experts' on the range.

As novice to reloading I bought this book along with another guide and information on the internet.I found this book to be interesting and theoretical to the rifle and its history.Photos are black and white and the edge of the writing is missing. Obviously american, so topics of using range ammo, military surplus, pistols and vintage ammo don't apply to me.The section of powders i've skipped through, but maybe once i start reloading it will become usefull.

if you just started is ok, gives you an overview and a very high level of details, but if you are already at reloading stage 2 (so, you know a bit of physics related to ballistic).... just don't bother, there are far better books than this one!

Great book, full off wonderful information regarding reloading. Arrived on time as stated - NO COMPLAINTS - Full of admiration for this SPECIAL BOOK COMPANY! 10/10 will certinally use them again!!

I am finding the the book very informative it backs up the things i already know about reloading, plus a lot of info and history i didn't.