Recommendations for first reloading manual?

All will cover the basics, so get the one that has the cartridge you want to begin with, then buy as many as you can over time.
 
If I could only have one, Lyman 49th/50th

The more reference the better though. I even check data on some of the on-line sources since they are updated more regularly than the manuals.
 
Haven't looked at the new ones, but assuming they both still do, I like the speer and hornady because they tell you a little bit about each cartridge. The Lee has the most recipes and probably the most information about reloading but no history or specifics on the cartridges
 
I started with the ABCs of reloading, and Lyman's manual.
I have a dozen or so that I use but the Lyman's 49th is my go to manual for most of my reloading.

I would recommend that you cross reference every new load - check it in a recently printed edition of a good manual or two, and double check on the powder manufacturer's website data.
 
Lyman and Hornady would be the first two choices. I have 2 versions of Lyman, a fairly current Hornady, and older Speer Reloading as my bookshelf series. Speer is a little different and it identifies some nuances that I have not seen in other publications.

I will look at the mfg web recommended data if I am working up a new bullet, but most of my recipes have been around a while. There is no such thing as too much reference material.
 
Lyman because they have a variety of bullet manufactures products and powder manufacturers offerings. That's the plus in my opinion and their introduction is very informative for the new reloader.
 
I like the how-to part of Lyman best.

The Lee manual hasn't been mentioned yet. It actually has more load recipes, at least for the handgun calibers that I load, than the Lyman. I know it isn't original data, but it is there inside the covers for the buyer. The text part has a chatty feel, like shooting the bull with a fellow who knows and enjoys his subject, but at times devolves into more product plugs than it should, IMO. I still think one can develop a decent understanding of the process from it.
 
The Lee manual has data taken from other people's tests. Usually the powder maker's data. They test nothing themselves.
The Lyman manual is the most versatile. It has more loads using more bullet weights and powders than any bullet or powder maker's book. Those are fine, but you only get data for their products. If Speer, for example, doesn't make a particular bullet weight, there will be no data in their manual.
Data that's a few grains(roughly 5) plus or minus will do. Doesn't matter who made it or its construction either.
 
I'm probably in the minority but I'm glad my first manual was the Lee manual. I like his practical, common sense approach (somewhat reminds me of the old Herter's catalog in style). I probably would never have started reloading if I'd read some of the others first.

That said, I don't use any of the load data from the manual. I primarily load for pistols using target/plinking grade bullets and I always use the powder manufacturer's data (and I'm usually mid-range). If I was pushing the envelop with rifle reloading, I'd go with the bullet manufacturer's data. YMMV
 
Do yourself a favor an download a free one from the Internet.

That saves you Money and if you have an question look up powder data at the gun powder manufacturers Webpage for actuality.

The free Lyman 44th Edition is nice as well as the Lyman Cast boolit Manual as well the Lyman 48th Edition. All Internet free downloadable.
 
Let's see.... Powder companies like hodgdon, alliance etc have their own free manual so download them for sure.

Then each bullet maker has a manual. So when you decide on a bullet maker you could buy their manual.

Then Lyman and Lee make a generic manual

And there are also caliber specific manuals you can pick up.

If you are on a budget, get the 49th edition, and download the powder data for free from your powder of choice.

If you are not on a budget, get the powder data, the Lyman 49th and the one for the bullet maker you like.
 
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