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Comprehensive treatise on Handloading; Review

Casey Simpson

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 2, 2008
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Louisiana
October 13, 2009

Book Review: Handloading For Competition By Glen Zediker
Filed under: Reloading, ▫Articles — Tags: Case Prep, Load testing, Reloading, Tools, Zediker — Editor @ 7 am
Forum member Danny Reever and this Editor recently discussed how novice reloaders can struggle with the fine points of reloading, making errors in seating depth, bushing choice, or sizing their cases. We agreed that a good resource covering more than “Reloading Basics” is sorely needed.

Danny reminded me that Glen Zediker’s excellent Handloading for Competition book has been available since 2001 and this may still be the best guide in print for those getting started in precision reloading.

Danny observed: “I consider this the absolute best book out there on the subject. I’ve bought a lot of other books only to be sorely disappointed after spending $30-$40 of my hard-earned cash. This book is not one of those! I’ve read and re-read Zediker’s treatise at least four times and refer to it often for advice while reloading. My number one suggestion for those who buy the book is to sit down with a highlighter and read it cover to cover. It’s well-written with a bit of humor and it is not boring in the least.”

Extremely comprehensive, Zediker’s book covers nearly all of the key factors involved in accurate reloading: case sorting, brass prep, load development, neck-sizing, full-length sizing, bushing selection/use, tool selection, priming, powder measurement, and bullet seating. The book also explains how to test and evaluate your ammo, and how to monitor and interpret pressure signs.

There are many “must-read” sections in Zediker’s book, according to Danny: “The section beginning on page 161 dealing with concentricity (and how to achieve it) is excellent. Likewise the Load Limits section discussing pressures offers very valuable advice and info. You should also read Zediker’s commentaries about load testing, powders (how they are made, burn characterics etc.), and the effects of temperature.”

Zediker has conveniently provided a detailed summary of his book on the web, complete with table of contents, sample pages (PDF format), and dozens of illustrations. Shown below is just one small section that covers ejectors.



CLICK HERE to view book contents and sample pages.

Overall, we highly recommend Glen Zediker’s Handloading for Competition. As Danny says: “Plunk down the $34.95 and buy this book, you won’t be sorry.” Zediker’s book is available from Sinclair Int’l, and Zediker Publishing.
-6mmbr.com

*note: note and otherwise notice the review was by 6mmbr.com, not me. I just pasted it.
 
Re: Comprehensive treatise on Handloading; Review

You're very generous in overlooking Zediker's self-indulgent writing style. This burden that he has put on his reader is a major detriment to communicating the information that is the purpose of the book. It's not an issue for Monte, though.
 
Re: Comprehensive treatise on Handloading; Review

I have been reading about this book and ordered a copy a couple days ago. The BBT is supposed to drop it off tomorrow. I am looking forward to reading it. I have read a lot of reviews complaining about the writing style. Hopefully, I can over look that and learn something new.

Joe
 
Re: Comprehensive treatise on Handloading; Review

His writing style can be a bit unusual in certain circumstances and areas as he is trying to be unique and entertaining. But, when all is said and done his book is extremely useful and informative in my opinion. I highly recommend it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
Re: Comprehensive treatise on Handloading; Review

Zediker is an English Professor. I suspect he's trying to have some fun. If nothing else, look at the pictures.
He toned it down a bit in THE COMPETITIVE AR15. I recommend that one too.
 
Re: Comprehensive treatise on Handloading; Review

I enjoyed the writing style, but that may say more about me than about the writing style.

I bought and read that book from cover to cover before buying anything for precision rifle handloading. (I was already reloading pistol rounds.)

The book saved me a ton of money, because I never had to buy a replacement piece of gear for something I bought that wasn't suitable.

That's worth a bit of trouble reading.

The verbosity comes because Zediker explains not just what he uses, but <span style="font-weight: bold">why</span>, and his thinking process is as important as what his choices are. I made different choices in some cases, because my needs are different, but still made good choices, because I understood his decisions.

It's a good book.