Customer Reviews

Speer Reloading Manual 13

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Still waiting for Amazon to update the listing for #14 which is now out - I wish the best of luck to the unrealistic and greedy sellers of used copies above as the new version is currently $26.99 at Midway.

This book is jammed packed with information on every aspect of reloading, and it is the book to have if you are a beginner. In fact, the only thing to warn you about is if you are going to buy an RCBS kit, the manual may be included. Speaking of RCBS their website can answer any questions this book doesn't. If you are a beginner I recommend getting my Learn Handgun & Rifle Reloading in Under 41 Minutes dvd (ASIN: B0006PT29Y) to go along with the manual--as this video shows in detail the more complicated mechanical aspects of reloading--that will take you awhile to figure out if you haven't seen it done first.

I have owned this book for years and I have used it a lot to reload. It lists the primers to use by name and number, it shows the case dementions, it tells a short history of each round and it has a wide veriety of loads.

My only complaint is it is gettin somewhat long in the tooth and doesn't list a lot of newer loads. For example in the 223 round section it only lists two loads for the heaver bullets used in target shooting - the 75 grain and the 80 grain bullets. Today there are several other weights of bullets available (69 grain, 77 grain etc)and this manual doesn't cover them.

If you are using newer rounds such as the short magnums this book will not list them and you will have to look elsewhere for information. Don't overlook the internet for basic reloading information. Hodgdon's site lists a lot of basic loads for use with their powders.

Another item I like about the book is the print. It is large enough to read easily and the type face is crisp and clear.

AD2

While this reloading manual is somewhat out of date, as a new issue has been published it provides one with a lot of really good information when combined with other sources of reloading data. There is also a wealth of good information on reloading procedures, hints and tips as well.

The Speer Reloading Manual #13 arrived within 2 days of my order, and was carefully wrapped in a protective plastic film.
This book, designated as "used", was quite plainly in "new" condition, although the flyleaf and edge of the pages contained the prior owner's stamp.
Review of the contents revealed no damage or evidence of mistreatment, and no marginal notes or other evidence of frequent use.
Review of the entries containing information relevant to my particular usage were comprehensive and precise.
In general, the most recent issue of this and other equivalent books are priced on the order of $40-$60, although the contents are exactly identical to this prior issue.

The newest edition of the Speer Manual remains one of the two best resources for beginning and experienced handloaders. The consolidation of so many of the historic component manufacturers and the loss of many of the traditional experts in this field makes this easy to read volume even more useful. It is a mix of readable, simple instructions and up-to-date ballistic science. It is a must for every handloader's library.