Due to the skyrocketing price of ammo more and more shooters are hand loading pistol and rifle ammunition. Many novice reloaders say that the process can be overwhelming at first. Even learning the technical terms can be overwhelming. It is difficult to learn all the technical terms (e.g. It can be difficult to select the right gear and tools.
Finding a mentor who is experienced in reloading is the first thing that a new reloader needs to do. You can learn the basics faster if you are guided by an experienced hand-loader. We also recommend that beginners purchase a basic reloading manual. This is not a list of recipes, but rather a book that explains how to reload.
The ABCs of Reloading (10th edition, 2021), by Philip Massaro, is one of the best available handbooks. This reference, released in March 2021 contains 288 pages and hundreds of BW photographs. Gun Digest Store offers the latest 10th edition for $24.99 or $22.99 if you prefer a PDF Digital Book. You can also buy from Amazon.com at just $17.54.
Since the first edition of ABCs of Reloading was published in 1970, it has taught thousands of firearms owners how to create their own ammunition using safe and reliable methods. ABCs of Reloading gives beginners the information they need to get started with reloading. This book is a great introduction to handloading. It covers topics as basic as “How does the cartridge work?” or “What components do i need?” up to more advanced topics like cartridge pressure, headspace and chrono testing.
The new edition is also valuable for handloaders who are experienced. It includes sections on advanced reloading, new powders and more. Long-range shooters can benefit from the sections about making ultra-consistent ammunition and fine-tuning accuracy for precision. Massaro’s coverage on new reloading equipment and components (shown below, the new RCBS MatchMaster Powder Dispenser) is another bonus.
Review by a purchaser of the 8th edition of “The ABCs of Reloading”:
“When I first felt the urge to load my ammunition, I was overwhelmed with the amount of terminology and information that I had to learn about this fascinating hobby/field. It was difficult to combine all the information I had into a process that made sense. I was buried under a blizzard data that I was piecing through chat rooms and websites. In a blizzard, phrases like ‘roll-crimp’ and “headspace” were hurled at me. I could look each phrase up, understand each piece as a whole, but the overall picture was still fuzzy. This book will help you to make it all coherent and linear. The writing is clear and concise, the illustrations are helpful and well-done, and the information provided is complete. After reading this book, I understood the entire process and, more importantly, was warned about the dos-and-don’ts in the world of reloading. The coverage is comprehensive. All the necessary tools and accessories, including primers, powders, cartridges, etc., are discussed. This is a wonderful book. It won’t make an expert out of you, but it will set you on the right path if you want to be one.” — Mykal BANTA
