Where to buy and how to get started?

[kg4kpg]

Okay, I've established that I would like to start reloading, so, where do I start? What equipment is enough to get me going and build on as my level of skill increases? Is used equipment acceptable? Have you upgraded and have a spare set to sell? Are all dies created equal or are there any to stay away from? I'm ready to get started, show me the light....please.

 

[Tigerstripe]

a reloading book with data for different cals, bullets and powders. most have a beginning section explaning reloading.
start with a single stage press.
a set of carbide pistol dies. no lube needed but they arent made for rifle cases.
a powder charger
a digital scale, cause its easier than the old beam balance type and cheaper now.

you will learn what you are doing. then you can deciede how to procede, how much you want to spend on a progressive press.

i have seen a Lee and RCBS "beginners set" recently. personally i think they are too expensive, over $300.

these are 1970s prices.
reloading book less than $10.
i started with a used single Lyman press(cast iron) $20.00?
beam type scale $20.00?
non carbide 357-38 and 30-06 dies. $20 per set. i bought one and a friend the other.

still use the press, dies, the book is outdated and the scales got squashed.
powder charger came along way later. we loaded each case with a dipper (came with old dies) or the scale.

AR-15.com equipment exchange
gun shows
dealers

 

[Dave29461]

These are Lee presses because I use Lee and have no complaints. I feel you get good value for your dollar. Add a set of dies for the handgun, reloading manual with instructions ( Lee Reloading) http://www.midwayusa.com/product/639649 ... ing-manual and start loading. Rifle takes some other equipment for length and lubing. Buy powder at gunshow or local gunshop. Order bullets for handgun from Berry Bullets (plated for plinking) Rifle bullets I've been getting at gunshow, Midway, Wideners, Sportsmans Warehouse in Columbia when I'm up that way. They had good prices on powder last time I was there. Talk to Jeff at Precision One Ammo and pick up primers and whatever else you can talk him out of. You should eventually get several different reloading manuals to cover different types of bullets different recipes for each caliber. This is Hodgdon's Reloading Data Site online http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.as Alliant Powders http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/default.aspx and you can look up bullet manufacturers load data Like Speer' Bullets http://www.speer-bullets.com/whatsnew/n ... _data.aspx. Here is an online reloading data site that has a small annual fee but lots of good data, ballistic calculator, reloading cost calculator etc. It is called Ammo Guide http://ammoguide.com/cgi-bin/ai.cgi?sn=VNZGUvfkEK
Of course this is just my opinion..I'm sure others have their own favorites.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/785993 ... deluxe-kit
or
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/622290 ... -value-kit
or
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744 ... -press-kit
or
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/423081 ... ersary-kit

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/650614 ... -press-kit

 

[biganimal]

try grafs.com

what calibers will you be loading?
I always have used dies for sale

 

[TheGriff]

It sounds like I am in the same boat as kg4kpg. Thanks everyone for the info, I definitely appreciate it.

 

[kg4kpg]

try grafs.com

what calibers will you be loading?
I always have used dies for sale

Cool site, bookmarked. For me, 5.56, 9mm, .30-30. May do .45 for son-in-law.

 

[eeh1]

try giving brian enos a call,just good advice and sells all dillon reloading eqpt..

Dillon is the choice for reloading--

 

[Andyrv6av8r]

Dillon is the choice for reloading--

Amen! Love that Koolaid...

Seriously, they are great machines.

I'm on my second one and wouldn't have anything else.

 

[HOLY DIVER]

+1 on lee reloading equipment