Lee Reloading Manual

[BravoMike]

I recently bought a bunch of supplies to get into reloading and decided to start off with the Lee Classic Turret. I decided to get the Lee Reloading Manual since it was my understanding that each manufacturer has information specific to their products in their manual. The problem I am having with the Lee manual is that it seems poorly written. I find it hard to follow because the author assumes that I already have some knowledge of reloading or terminology. I am an absolute beginner and when the author uses terms like "headspace" or "bullet run-out" without first explaining what it is, I am lost. Also, there is no glossary to explain these terms. Everytime there is a term like this thrown out I have to put my book down and go do some reading on the Internet to figure out what the heck he is talking about.

Are other reloading manuals this poorly written?

 

[Dr.Midnight]

When I first started, I remember thinking the same thing about the manuals. I had to do a lot of research and ask a ton of questions before I got rolling. The best advice I can give you is pick up a copy of 'The ABC's of Reloading'. That book will explain the reloading process more from a beginners standpoint.

For what it's worth, the Lee manual is one of my least favorite ones to use. My recommendation is to pick up Lyman's most recent edition. That's the one I use 90% of the time. Good luck!

 

[red_zr24x4]

I don't have the Lee book, I use- Accurate, Speer, Lyman, Hornady and have a copy of the ABC's of reloading.
I think it's best to have multiple references. Each of these books has a little bit different information in them.
Like Dr. Midnight said the ABC's will explain a lot. You're doing the right thing though, if you don't understand something look it up become familiar / understand it before you proceed.

 

[djones]

+1 on the ABCs of reloading. After reading that I have been able to jump into reloading without any personnal help.

 

[Broom_jm]

I think you will find many of the older manuals were written at a time when things like "headspace" and "run-out" were commonly understood concepts. I will say, however, that of the major reloading manuals, Richard Lee's is probably the most technical, which also tends to make it a more difficult read. The ABC's reads more like a "Reloading for Dummies" book, but that makes it excellent for guys just getting into the hobby. I cut my teeth on the Sierra and Speer books, but now find myself reaching mostly for either Lyman's 49th, my Nosler manual, or else the good ol' Intertoobs.

 

[mac45]

I didn't care much for Lee's book either.
I'll add another vote for Lyman, especially if you want to shoot cast.

 

[Mephitical]

I recently bought a bunch of supplies to get into reloading and decided to start off with the Lee Classic Turret. I decided to get the Lee Reloading Manual since it was my understanding that each manufacturer has information specific to their products in their manual. The problem I am having with the Lee manual is that it seems poorly written. I find it hard to follow because the author assumes that I already have some knowledge of reloading or terminology. I am an absolute beginner and when the author uses terms like "headspace" or "bullet run-out" without first explaining what it is, I am lost. Also, there is no glossary to explain these terms. Everytime there is a term like this thrown out I have to put my book down and go do some reading on the Internet to figure out what the heck he is talking about.

Are other reloading manuals this poorly written?

If you don't know what he's talking about, spend more time finding out and less time posting that you don't know.

 

[KevinJ]

I started with the Hornady manual back in the mid 80s and an RCBS single stage press (Rock Crusher). Got back into reloading just 2 or 3 years ago and purchased the ABCs of Reloading as well as 4 or 5 different manuals. Each has items I learned from.

 

[BravoMike]

If you don't know what he's talking about, spend more time finding out and less time posting that you don't know.

Gee thanks. Maybe you can recommend another book like others have?

 

[BravoMike]

Thanks for the responses. I'll be checking out the 'ABS's of Reloading' book on my way home from work tomorrow.

 

[spencer rifle]

When I started, the Lee reloading manual was all I had. Before I got equipment or even loaded my first round, I read the whole thing. If you just go to the tables first, it's easy to get confused. Reading the whole manual helped turn a raw noob into someone ready to make safe, accurate loads. 8,000 rounds later, the Lee is still the first place I go.

 

[BravoMike]

When I started, the Lee reloading manual was all I had. Before I got equipment or even loaded my first round, I read the whole thing. If you just go to the tables first, it's easy to get confused. Reading the whole manual helped turn a raw noob into someone ready to make safe, accurate loads. 8,000 rounds later, the Lee is still the first place I go.

The tables seem easy to understand. I did start with page 1 and I am talking about the front matter of the book I am reading through it before reloading my first round. Thanks.