ABC's of reloading manual - don't buy it!

K

kellyj00

New member
I just got a check from cash4books. here's a link:
http://cash4books.net/index.php?ref=42194

a check for $11.67 for my ABC's of reloading manual. I found the book totally useless and read it cover to cover because it cost me $35!, it was full of historical information that wasn't worth two cents. I'm really happy that I got a little money back for my old book. I'm going to sell a bunch more old (non-firearm related) books now and hopefully buy myself the newest Lyman shotshell reloading manual.

Just thought I'd give the editorial.
 
It's not totally useless, but there is a lot of info there that can be obtained from any reloading manual. I personally don't see it as a must have book, but I have one anyway.
 
I thumbed through a copy at the bookstore the other day. Glad I didn't waste the $$ on buying it sight-unseen.

I did get my Speer #13 manual in the mail ($20) and have enjoyed it so far. That was $$ better spent.


Lexter
 
I certainly understand your dislike of the historical information. Historical information in a technical book, or a reloading article or in many other situations is the hallmark of a writer without enough information and knowlege to convey. It is the intro of the dilettante. This stuff is, in the vast majority of situations, filler, to make the article or book look like more than it really is. This weakness is exceptionally maddening in medical texts and journals. If we want or need historical information, we can buy history books. I quit Handloader Magazine over this ploy to make their articles and magazine thicker.

twb
 
This is the first I have ever heard of folks who find the ABCs of Reloading worthless. I know a few folks who have been reloading a lot longer than I have that still keep a copy. I have been at it about 10 years now and keep a copy handy. There is good information in there. Also nothing wrong with knowing a little history hence reference manual.
 
A few years ago when I wanted to start reloading I asked which book to start with and the overwhelming response was the ABC's. I ordered and received my copy and dug in with great anticipation. I'm sure there are several releases and maybe I got one of the early ones, but from a newbie's perspective it was seriously crappy. I considered putting it up for sale but then realized I would be passing on crappiness to some other new reloader and prompltly discarded it.

Posting this reply only to save others from wasting time and money.
 
"I can learn from anybody.

I sincerely pity anyone who needs perfection in either a teacher or materials."

Joey Five Cents!

To the aspiring reloader: You will learn something from ABC's but it's way far from perfect. It is just not the detailed step by step starting point you will need. What book is I don't know, but I agree that not buying the ABC's is money well saved.
 
Lets clear up some confusion over the ABC'S of reloading. I have every copy that was done by Dean Grennell. They are still my referance books that I keep on my shelves and review from time to time. Deans work was the best you would ever find as was refered to as the "Dean of reloading" After his passing the publishers had other people write the ABC"S of reloading and the book was not worth getting. Its sad to see a great set of works having been so diminished by the current hacks. If you could get the earlier versions by Grennel then you would have a worthwhile addition to your library.
 
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ABC's

Travis Two: Sir; total agreement
My encouragement to any and all is the ABC's; Information abounds; wasn't intended to be a reloading manual.
Historically; 'Dean Grinnell' saw a need;
within this need to assist; New to Reloading; getting over the insecurities, learning the language, learning the workings of a Bullet, why/what/how come

personally I search for all the works and will continue. Enjoying reading, with historical thinkings and conceptual viewing;
Before only subliminally did 'advertisement' play a part. Do I have the newest addition? yes Will I get the next addition? probably
 
I had Grennell's early copy before losing it in a move. I bought the most recent edition and I do admit it's not the same. However, it's still an informative book. On the same token, I also have other books that I refer to, also. Speer's, Lyman's, etc. The most bang for the buck for me was being mentored. I learned the quickest this way. However, since the subject is about the ABC's, I stand by my assertion. $15 for any positive informative book is money well spent....
 
There are 5 editions done by Grennell and each one had something new and different in them. They were all good. He also did some other books that were dedicated to 9mm and .45 handguns which was also a wealth of information as well as his column in Gun World which was also very informative.
 
I don't know what edition mine is. It says copyright 1974 and I bought mine in 1980.

While I have read it a lot, mine is outdated.

I consider the Lyman 48th edition Reloading Manual all that someone needs for reloading.

Still, I love the pictures of the old equipment in my ABC's. The back has spilt and I have at least three sections loose.
 
slamfire: though your copy may be older, it's probably the same stuff as was in mine.

I'm happy I got a little $$$ back from that cash4books place, they don't know what that book is really worth. I imagine they'll resell it for $10 or soemthing and get a profit. I figure each used copy that gets put back in circulation will keep someone from buying it new and lining the author's pockets for writing a history book and putting a reloader spin on it to gather more readers.

Funny how I've seen a few posts here from folks who say they use it as a reference book, but never what they reference. Maybe because there's no reference material in there, maybe you use it to prove a point every now and again with fact like "the blah blah was the biggest rimfire cartridge ever"

I'm sorry to lose my temper, but it was seriously stifling to my reloading activities as I spent a few hours reading it while I could have been making cartridges or something...anything else. I'd have been better of reading better homes and gardens.
 
As a beginner, I don't need to know the past of reloading, just how to do it and what not to do. If this book is a history book, then I will not buy it. Is there a more practical (step 1, step 2) book out there that I need to look into ?
 
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