Book Review: The Practical Guide to Reloading

by
posted on January 15, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg

The Challenge
There are plenty of books, articles, web posts and nasty rumors regarding the "best" reloading methods. Much of that information has simply been rehashed again and again, with little actual scientific method being applied to it. How does the new or even experienced handloader tell good advice from birdcage lining?

The Author
Nathan Foster is a New Zealander who may be the most data-driven hunter and shooter on the planet. He is a prolific author and blogger whose research on terminal ballistics is staggering. Foster has taken over 7,500 head of game animals in the steep New Zealand landscape and painstakingly records the results of every shot and subsequent necropsy. Apart from his exhaustive wound research, Nathan performs accurizing and load development services for customer rifles—a task that has given him a tremendous knowledge base of which handloading methods work, and which ones don't.

The Book
"The Practical Guide to Reloading" is the fourth book in Foster's Long Range Hunting Series—all of which are worth adding to your collection. Available in a 328-page paperback or as an eBook, I consider this one of the best books on the market for learning how to assemble extremely consistent and accurate handloads with minimal effort. How-to books can be very dry and painful to read—but this one flows well and is easy to read; Foster's writing style is such that you feel like he's explaining it to you standing at your bench rather than in some professorial tone. The book features valuable information for the beginner as well as the experienced loader; I've been handloading for 20+ years and I learned plenty.

The Price
The paperback ($34.95) and the eBook ($29.95) are both available from Foster's site.

The books don't ship from New Zealand so you won't wait more than a week for them to land in your mailbox.

The Call
This is a great book on handloading and I don't think you'll be disappointed if you add it to your library. The money you'll save in wasted powder, primers, and projectiles will pay for this tome in no time.

Latest

W H2026 03 Eastturkey IMG 7028
W H2026 03 Eastturkey IMG 7028

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

First Look: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Green Dot

Purpose-built for turkey hunting and wingshooting, the Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot line now adds a green reticle option for those who prefer it in certain lighting and shooting conditions.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series

Blocker Outdoors' Finisher Series is a one stop shop for turkey hunters looking to streamline their clothing and gear in the field. Read on for some of the top pieces in this lineup, designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable, while maintaining easy access to essentials.

Know How: Shed Hunting Hellholes

Mark Kayser's fascination with shed antler hellholes kicked off and continues today in whitetail country. Not satisfied with the occasional shed antler found in stubble fields, hay grounds and open pastures, he turned his attention to the thickest, steepest and nastiest geography in the whitetail woods. Here’s why you should consider putting on your big boy pants for a deep dive into the extremes for shed antler rewards.

New for 2026: Federal X Henry Birthday Boy Collector's Edition Ammo

For 2026, Federal Ammunition has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to produce a collector's series ammunition. This limited-edition load was developed for Henry's commemorative .45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle, touted as the Birthday Boy.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.