5 Best Reloading Manuals of 2023: [Updated!]

You need to consider investing in a reloading manual when purchasing reloading equipment. If you want to make high-quality ammo, it starts with choosing the best reloading manual (for your needs) to learn the safest and most effective way to reload.

However, not all reloading manuals are the same. As you’re about to see, there are actually a couple that I think are worth it, and others that aren't so much.

It's for this reason, that after going through most of the most well-known reloading manuals that I created this list of my recommended top 5.

But before we get into that, I wanted to cover a couple of things – reloading, and whether a manual is necessary.

A newly manufactured round should have the correct bullet weight and dimensions. This can easily affect the ballistic coefficient of your ammo.

For this reason, purchasing the best reloading manual that contains the most detailed information on what you’re looking for is crucial. That will keep you safe when shooting with your friends/family.

Also! If you are entirely new to guns and need a place to start, Gun University has a helpful introduction to get you started.

Yes, you need a reloading manual if you are new to reloading or want to improve your reloading skills. No matter your reloading experience, both beginner and advanced reloaders should own a reloading manual.

The specifications of mass-produced ammo will vary with different brands and the standards they use, so many choose to reload instead.

Before attempting such a detailed procedure, a beginner should study the steps and adjustments. Experts can continually improve their craft, particularly if they’re reloading for competition or long-range shooting.

Okay, so now that we covered that, let's jump right in to the top reloading manuals in order from best to worst.

Okay, now that we’ve gone over this list, in the below section, I’m going to cover why I placed them in that order, and give some details on each. That way, if you’re on the fence or not sure why one is listed over another, you can check this out.

The first Lyman reloading handbook to be printed in full color. It also contains info from other brands.

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Considered a "must-own for every reloader," Lyman has a long-standing tradition of providing comprehensive information about the reloading process. The Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Manual continues that tradition.

What is the best reloading manual? There's no better option than the Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook. Due to the extensive coverage of reloading data on its pages, Lyman's most updated manual is widely considered the best reloading manual.

Lyman's manual contains the largest selection of bullets, powders, and cast bullets out of any competing reloading book. This is thanks to the data given from brands like Hodgdon, Nosler, Speer, and Creedmoor.

It doesn't matter if you’re just getting started, or if you’re a well-seasoned reloader. Everyone can find something to offer in Lyman's 50th Edition Reloading Manual.

This manual comes as a 3-ring binder so you can add notes.

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Sierra's extremely popular 5th Edition Reloading Manual just got an upgrade. This brand-specific how-to covers many topics, like cartridges, terminology, and comprehensive instructions on performing the reloading process.

Although you might ignore this option if you don't use Sierra ammo, it still contains a lot of unique information about bullet dynamics, firearm cleaning, and much more.

Sierra makes exceptional bullets. If you use their ammo, this reloading handbook will make a valuable addition to your bookshelf.

This tome of knowledge isn't really a manual. It's more of a guide, and it's the most affordable book of its type on Amazon.

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This is an excellent addition to your collection if you’re just getting started in the reloading practice or if you are wary of spending too much money. The Beginner's Guide to Reloading Ammunition is more of a self-help book than a reloading manual.

In this guide, you’ll find information on cartridges, primers, bullets, gunpowder, and the entire reloading process.

Although this is the only reloading book on this list without load data, it is a helpful tool for beginners and the dollar-conscious.

Good for beginners and veteran reloaders alike, this manual has over 1,500 load combinations.

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Lee Precision's 2nd Edition Modern Reloading manual is written in an easy-to-read format with many helpful drawings and diagrams. It's primarily written for handgun owners who are just starting to reload.

Lee's manual includes an in-depth analysis of load data given by the powder companies themselves. Although it may not be the best option for rifle owners, Lee is still one of the best options for those looking for an in-depth introduction to all things reloading.

Covers more than 200 different calibers with multiple load combinations and works well with the Hornady Reloading App.

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The second book on our list to acquire a recent upgrade from their popular 10th edition (already a significant update from their 9th edition), Hornady released their 11th Edition manual filled with over 1,000 pages. 1,500+ load combinations were shot and tested to guarantee reliability.

This manual is made primarily for Hornady bullets and equipment. If you intend on purchasing their well-acclaimed presses or reloading kits, this would be a wise addition to your library.

Although there are many books on this list for novices, this reloading handbook is helpful to veterans and beginners alike.

A reloading guide offers must-have advantages, like step-by-step instruction on modern reloading, increased safety knowledge, and confidence that you’re the best reloader you can be.

The reloading process requires lots of components and tedious adjustments, some that are easily forgotten. A quality handloading manual teaches you every facet of the process that you need to know, and it's structured in a way that allows you to easily digest information.

I recommend that beginners choose a handbook that covers a wide variety of load data, as well as the step-by-step safety precautions for just starting out.

On the other hand, experienced reloaders should purchase a reloading book that focuses on the reloading information they want to become more familiar with. For example, an expert may need specific load data on rifle calibers or details on a section of a shotshell.

How accurate is reloading ammo? Reloading ammo is very accurate, especially if you use a single-stage reloading press, which is slower but more precise. Other ways to increase reloading accuracy are precise powder scales, powder tricklers, and an in-depth reloading manual.

If you’re less worried about long-range precision, and more worried about swift, high-volume reloading, spring for a progressive reloading press.

Is reloading cheaper than buying ammo? Yes, reloading is cheaper than buying ammo, particularly if you’re on the range a lot. Reloading allows you to catch deals on components along the way, and remember, ammo prices don't seem to be going down.

It's crucial for new reloaders to understand that reloading ammo takes time and practice to master. If performed improperly, reloading may prove to be unsafe. I recommend you purchase a reloading manual before attempting to craft your own ammo to maximize safety and efficiency.

One of the most important aspects to look for when choosing the right reloading manual is an extensive section on load data. Load data varies in each manual, due to the specifications of bullet brands, such as powder manufacturers’ recommended measurements and new cartridges.

What are some of the most popular powders to reload with? Some of the most popular powder brands to reload with include:

While you may use general information within the text universally, most manuals are exclusive to their own products when it comes to the specific recipes and procedures of making different types of ammo.

Planning on purchasing a reloading press? A reloading manual is a must-have.

If you are interested in checking out some more basic or out-of-date reloading manuals, Lyman 44th Edition and PBC's Basic Reloading Manual are available as free online downloads.

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