Before I joined sigforum, all I had to do to get to the range was buy a box (or a dozen) of 9mm, go to the range and have fun. Now I read about different gram weights, +P, -P etc!! Seems to me I know nothing about what is good for my personal safety or for my toys. Are there any books I could read to get an education? I don't want to waste everyone's time and keep on asking questions that have probably been asked a million times. :-)

Also need to learn how to spell.....

Try this page of links. Any internet based discussion on ammo with likely degenerate into a caliber war any way. But seriously Federal has a PDF with some basics, of course using their loads. Here is a link to their Hunters Education webpage. I hope this gives you a starting point.

PS. If you look to the bottom right cornor of your post you should see three icons, the middle on that looks like an file folder with a pink eraser over it allows you to edit your post, including the Post title. Believe me I have posted while impaired, sleeply, stupid, or just plain too fast and it has saved me from looking too foolish, well maybe not, but at least I can correct typos, misspellings and grammar mistakes.

Welcome to the forum!

BTW, bullets and powder are usually measured in grains, not grams. There are 7000 grains to a pound.

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/vaquero760/ammo/amain.htm

i found this paper to be a good primer. it is an overview of ammunition, including the historical evolution of it's development, the elements of the modern cartridge and it's different types, an explanation of caliber, and an explanation of common nomenclature and it's inconsistencies.

it is not a discourse on specific loads, or their application. but it is an excellent point of reference on the basics of ammunition.