I'm looking for some reading materials before I get started reloading. I keep hearing people recommend getting a book but not many people say which book to get. Can anyone recommend a title or two?

don't wana hijack, but how do you even come to the decision to reload or not to?  I mean, I haven't done much research, but from what I have read, it seems like if you shoot the less-expensive ammo already, you won't be saving any money?  Only if you start using expensive ammo, or wanna tune the loads to your gun? 
 
I also hear a lot of reloading people recommending to start with a single-stage press.  I watched the diff on youtube between single and progressive presses and the single takes TOO long.  I'd rather buy if it took that long.  Dunno, i do have a lot to learn though!

808, yep you have a lot to learn.
 
Almost All of the shooters started off on a single stage press.  Most likely a RCBS Jr or Rock Chucker.
Actually, you can reload several hundred rounds on a single stage without any problems.  Great for rifles.
 
If you're shooting an AR or similar, cheaper to buy by the case and after you have a 5 gal bucket full, get a Dillon progressive
Can do the entire bucket in a long evening.  500 an hour is the norm.  At least it was for me.
 
What slowed me down was that I am waaay to fussy about the quality of bullets that I casted.  Had to be almost perfect.
 
Took me almost all night to get 500 bullets good enough  for me to shoot. 
 
I taught several of my friends to reload and now they're running out of room for their reloading stuff.....

sorry sorry seems like this is the bestselling reloading book on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0896896099/?tag=2ahawaii-20

wonder if the library has any current books that could be borrowed?

I've purchased ABC's of reloading a while ago. It's a pretty good book and I bought it as a recommendation from a group of others.

just curious what youll be reloading?

I'll probably be reloading .223, 9mm, and .40 to start and some more rifle calibers later.

I load .45 acp, .30-06, and will be loading 6mmbr when my project is complete. 
I am currently using a Lee single stage kit.  I didn't bother with the balance beam scale that came with the kit. It is a pain and I could never be sure it ways giving me the right reading.  I got a cheap electronic scale, but after the battery started getting low it starts to wander.  I then picked up a RCBS Charge master Combo.  It dispenses and wieghs charges in one operation.  I use it for mostly rifle rounds and load for peak accuracy.  Loading for .45 acp with a single stage does take a looong time. I usually use the powder throw to dispense charges and weigh at random to be sure charges are close.
 
Turrets and progressives are great for mass production of rounds, but I feel they are more for the advanced home reloader.   You got to be sure everything is setup correctly and timed right or you may end up with no charge or overcharged cases, resulting in a Dangerous condition, and a not so great day at the range.

I know people say this is a no-no, but I do not own a reloading manual.  I just use the good old internet.  Most powder manufacturer's web sites give load data and I do a lot of research on loads and recommended powders. I double and triple check for max loads and cross reference information gathered. I then start 10% below charge of  my target velocity.  Work slowly up for there and look for the slightest signs of pressure. For my auto loader I don't go anywhere near max load for safety.  There are many variables that need to be accounted for and I always go for safety first, accuracy second, and speed last. I try to be overly anal about my reloaded rounds. (inspect, check, measure, wiegh, did I do it right? check again!)

I have wanted to buy a manual, but the thing of it is, many books are written by bullet manufacturers or powder companies. This make sthe books biased for their components.  When you want to try different components They want you to pick up that book.  I feel if you stick to the basic safety precautions for reloading, do a lot of research on the net, and stick to common sense safety tecniques(such as not trying to push the pressure too mouch) you shouldn't have a problem.

Starting with a single-stage press is a good thing for several reasons.

First, single-stage presses are CHEAP.  You can get set up for your favorite caliber without breaking the bank.  Plus, the dies that you buy can be transferred to a progressive press if you later decide to upgrade.

Second, it allows you to learn what the f*** you are doing.  You know every story you've ever heard about a gun exploding?  The guy shooting it was using reloads.  Really.  No, this isn't HARD.  Neither is it easy.  It takes time, and it takes focus, and it is REALLY EASY to make a life-threatening mistake. 

Third, one press really is never enough.  If reloading "takes" with you, you'll forever be swapping back and forth between calibers.  Eventually you'll realize that it's easier to have a couple of presses.  One will stay set up for your most-used caliber, the other will handle lesser-used loads.  Again, exchanging dies isn't hard, but it does take time and testing. 

Fourth, after a reloader has bought their second or third progressive press, they realize that there isn't room for the old single-stage, and they sell it cheap.  You can nearly always find used presses for sale without much searching.  I'm a bit stunned that after 7 replies, someone here hasn't already offered to sell you their old Lee. 

I'm a bit stunned that after 7 replies, someone here hasn't already offered to sell you their old Lee. 

Haha. don't look at me to sell mine. I love it.
 
Speaking on die setup. The Lee press I have has the 'Breech Lock' system, or something like that.  It has a bushing with a interupted screw, so once you setup the die, you can remove the die with 1/4 turn, and it keeps it's setting.
 
On sale now at Midway.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=423081
or just the press
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=176078
 
The powder throw in the kit is ok, but a better more accurate one would give more consistant results.  For handgun I can't shoot good enough to tell the difference.
 
For priming I would get a handheld cause the one that comes in the kit isn't that great.
I've heard that these are ok. also there are more expensive types
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=807875
 
Lee case trimmers are what I use. they are caliber specific and inexpensive.  For unusual or wildcat calibers i'd invest in the lathe type.
you'll probly loose your straight walled pistol brass before you'll ever need to trim them, at least that's how .45acp is.  However, for any rifle brass, correct trim length is VERY important.
 
A good scale is another important device that is needed.
My brother uses this, fairly fast and accurate.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=658771
 
I have this
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=772151
 
It can be a little finiky, but Once you make peace with it, it is the BOMB.
 
 
 
Reloading, especially improving accuracy in your rifle, is a hobbie in itself.  So much fun
 
oops, forgot to mention calipers. to measure OAL
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=604242
 
 
 

very good info guys.  Probably the best advice I got out of that was SAFETY 1st, accuracy 2nd and speed 3rd.  That Lee press kit is really inexpensive!

So obviously some of you seasoned guys reload a lot.  Is it cheaper?  What are the advantages other than tuning the loads to your rifle?  How much would you say it costs per round with current local prices on components for say: .223 / 9mm / .40 etc? 

How many times can you reload brass?   

Cheaper?  That's a "depends" question.  No way you can reload cheaper than you can buy military surplus ammo, but hella cheaper than name-brand defensive or match ammo. 

Many people who reload do so because they can turn out a more consistent product than a commercial loader, and thus get better accuracy.  Plus, you can experiment with combination of bullets, powders, and power to get a load that, for your rifle, reaches its full potential.

Also, if you shoot older calibers, reloading may be the only way to get ammo.  Many of the cowboy shooters reload because they don't have a choice.

That's the boat I'm in, actually.  I don't like reloading.  I resent the time it takes.  I would MUCH rather just hand money over for decent ammo.  But, for nearly 2 years now, I have not been able to find what I want.  I've b*tched about that elsewhere on the forum, I think.  So, with the help of a friend who has the tools, I will now be making my own .357 ammo.  I'm seriously not happy about it, but there doesn't seem to be another choice.

Brass life varies depending on the quality of the brass to start with and the abuse it takes.  Straight-walled brass lives longer than necked-down brass.  The more fire you put inside it, the fewer times it will survive.  Just remember to inspect it each time!  Split cases can be mighty difficult to extract.

Good info Tom G thanks!

When shooting competitively, it's waay cheaper to shoot reloads.  Match grade ammo can be expensive, depending on caliber.
 
Once you find a load that you're happy with, stick with it.  I have friends that will load a 5 gallon bucket full.
 
Depending on the caliber, some cases that I have have gone well over 50 target reloads.  If ii'm shooting Magnum loads, not even 10X.
All depends on the quality of the brass and the power factor of the load.  All my normal target loads are just over IPSC power factor minimums.
 
If you cast,  have a source of quality components (lead, alloys) and develop mix to your satisfaction of "hardness".  I like bullets on the
hard cast side so If I want, I can zing them at over 1,000 fps with out leading.  I alos have molds that will make bullets for gas checks.
 
If you don't cast, find a source of good quality hard cast bullets.  For me almost any brand of cast bullets sold locally(so far) will do for the kinds of shooting I do now.  Which is mostly handgun.
 
For high power rifle, hunting or target, there are some hunting bullets that will give you target accuracy out of a hunting rifle(or close to it).  All
depends on the range that you're planning on shooting at.  Looong ranges most likely will require a heavy target grade bullet.  Usually....