How to use a reloading manual?

You just purchased your first reloading manual. It has been set on the table, and you’re gazing at the book. It is about 5 inches deep, a thousand pages long, and is heavier than brick. The thought goes through your head, “Oh no, now what?”

A similar situation happened to me the first time I bought a reloading manual. This tutorial will guide you on how to use a reloading manual (in hopes of keeping your blood pressure under control).

What is a reloading manual?

A reloading manual is a book filled with load/component data to help get you off on the right foot instead of accidentally blowing that appendage off.

The manuals include lab-tested data directly from the manufacturer. They are also jam-packed with reloading procedures, Q&A, and other helpful information.

Every chef needs a cookbook. Your manual is like this: it is the basis for everything you do in handloading/reloading. You cannot be a successful/safe reloader without having a manual within arm’s reach.

How to use a reloading manual

Step one

You must purchase a manual on the same brand of the components you use.

Example

Suppose I was looking for information on a specific type of Berger bullet. I would not use a Sierra bullet manual or vice versa. For this reason, most reloaders have a bookshelf filled with books concerning each brand.

Step two

Open your reloading manual and locate the table of contents.

Step three

Next, you need to find your rifle caliber in the table of contents. When you see your caliber type, it will give you a page number to turn to.

For example, I will be shooting my projectile in 284 Winchester.

Step four

Now you will find the projectiles used for your caliber. They always start from the lightest and work up to the heaviest bullet weights. Each type of projectile has an entire page dedicated to it.

I will keep paging until I find the Berger 180-grain hybrid target bullet.

This page is filled with information, including a load data chart. This chart will have various powders, weights, and velocities. At this point, I choose what load to start with, and I’m off to the races.

Conclusion

There are a few things you should be aware of.

The specs of the test rifle may not be the same as yours. It would be best to start at their minimum charge weight. Pay particular attention to any pressure signs in your rifle. If you observe any, stop!

A lab radar or a Magneto speed would come in handy at this point. It may tell you you’re getting into unsafe territory before your rifle shows obvious pressure signs.

I hope this down-and-dirty tutorial on how to use a reloading manual has helped you on your journey. It’s one more tool in your chest to make everything more enjoyable and safe.

Remember, shoot better than me. – Mac R

Disclaimer: Reloading/handloading can be hazardous to your health like many things in life. You take full responsibility when performing these procedures. 5 Gun Nation is not liable for your decisions. Don’t be an idiot, and if you are, it is not our problem.

5 Gun Nation How-To Series