[kirk0311]

I have zero knowledge of reloading but I was thinking of getting into it to make practice with my .40 xd sub (ccw weapon) alot more affordable, as well as a nice hobby to have. I don't need any to get into anything crazy to produce insane accuracy because I'll be shooting form less then 25 feet away. And I don't need anything super quick or convenient because I'm doing it, in part, to relax and kill time. I just need the cheapest, skin and bones equipment and the know-how. Any help is welcome. Thanks guys

[kutter]

My suggestion would be to read this thread:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214

In its entirety, once you have and you have questions, which are inevitable, then come on back and people will be more than happy to help you out.

[dmazur]

Well, read this first -

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214

I just need the cheapest, skin and bones equipment and the know-how.

I think Lee is acknowledged as making the least expensive equipment on the market. It may not be "best", but if you get their simpler gear there is little that can go wrong with it. Their progressives can require a bit of patience to keep running, as I understand things...

As far as know-how, the "sticky" lists several books that are a good starting point. I like the first 100 pages of the Speer manual myself, but others prefer "The ABC's of Reloading".

The general suggestion from experienced reloaders is to read first, decide how much you're going to reload, get some equipment with those goals in mind, try setting it up, read some more, contact the manufacturers when you're lost, read some more,...

It helps if you can find someone to coach you. This isn't essential, but it can cut the learning time in half (or more.)

The forums are a help, too. However, you will run into conflicting answers as often as not, and you need an experience base to sort out the useful stuff from the opinions...

Of course, this is just an opinion. :)

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, read that thread first and them ask any questions you're still not sure about.

Welcome to the forum...

[Memnok]

I am probably one of the few people who have purchased two starter kits. One was an RCBS Rockchucker kit, and the other was the Lee 50th Anniversary. I like the Lee Breech Lock Challenger press, and the Lee Safety Prime system is WAY better than the tube feed used by RCBS. The RCBS 505 scale is much, much easier to use than the Lee. As for the powder measures, both the Lee and RCBS will do the job, although the Lee seems to leak when I use flake powders.

If I had to do it over again, I'd probably purchase individual components instead of a kit. And for 40 S&W you wont need things like case length trimmers, powder tricklers, and lube pads (unless you want them).

I think this would be my list for 40 S&W reloading:

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=176078) $46
Lee Deluxe Carbide 4-Die Set 40 S&W (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=622255) $37
Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=548630) $21
RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=752260) $70
RCBS Model 505 Magnetic Powder Scale (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=758842) $75
Lyman Turbo 1200 Case Tumbler (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=450403) $78
Lyman "Reloading Handbook: 49th Edition" (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=217655) $18

So for about $350 you can get a good setup that includes dies and a tumbler if you go with separate components. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press Master Kit (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=646599) is just over $300, but you still need to get dies.

[Walkalong]

A Lee single stage press starter kit is about as inexpensive as it gets, but will do all you outlined. The Turret press kit will speed things up a notch, but you said speed isn't important.

Welcome to THR.

[oneounceload]

AFTER reading the sticky suggested, and your basic questions have been answered and you're ready to buy equipment, buy USED equipment. It is really hard to wear out dies and presses, and used ones can be found for less than half what the new stuff sells for. Put up WTB notices at local gun ranges and clubs, Craig's List, look on E-bay, etc.

[qajaq59]

I think this would be my list for 40 S&W reloading:

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press $46
Lee Deluxe Carbide 4-Die Set 40 S&W $37
Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder $21
RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure $70
RCBS Model 505 Magnetic Powder Scale $75
Lyman Turbo 1200 Case Tumbler $78
Lyman "Reloading Handbook: 49th Edition" $18 After you read everything you can I'd take Momnok's list and see if you can find any of it used. I'm also glad to see you are looking to do it for relaxation. It's a great hobby if you go into it with that goal in mind.

[kirk0311]

Thanks ya'll that helps alot

[Hondo 60]

Before buying any equipment, you need to read & then re-read at least 2 reloading manuals. Not trying to scare you away, but this can be a dangerous hobby if you allow it.

Lyman's 49th is my favorite manual. It has a very easy to read format. Not only does it tell you "how to" reload, it also has hundreds upon hundreds of recipes.

As far as equipment goes, a Lee 4-hole Classic Turret would be my suggestion. You can use it as a single stage until you get the hang of it, then just insert the indexing rod & you get the speed of a turret press.

Welcome to the addiction! I hope you enjoy a long & SAFE reloading passion.

[BigBob3006]

Kirk,

One of the big lies we tell ourselves is that we'll save money. Every one I've ever talked to say the same thing. If I have $20 to spend on shooting, I'll spend $20. I'll just shoot a lot more. But it is one of the best hobbies I know of. It kept me home nights and I didn't chase wild woman, so it definitely has its good points. Does it become important to us? My first wife didn't it. My second wife, Kathy, enjoys it and joins in with me. Before you start spending money, Buy a good loading manual. The current Lyman Reloading Handbook is the one I'd suggest. Lyman doesn't make bullets or powder so it covers the spectrum of all powders and bullets. Good luck and have fun.

[ngaither]

I would say the RCBS Rock Chucker Kit is perfect to start with.

I loving reloading because it gives me that warm fuzzy feel to know that if I need ammo all I have to do is go to my garage. And the fact that it gets me away from the TV