Getting started handloading

At the moment, I own a few pistols, all .38Sp or .357, and a few 12ga shotguns. I expect I'll continue with .38 and .357, though I might like a .44 in the distant future. I have been looking at ammo prices, and I'd like to stand handloading.

I'm looking for the cheapest components. I don't mind taking time to handload if it saves me the crazy prices for ammo.

What would I need, and what would be the cheapest? I'd mainly be loading .38 (not +P) and maybe a few .357. I've heard this can be done for less than $150 for all the supplies, and when I was considering buying bulk .38 for $200 or so, this might make more sense than buying a bunch of .38 that I can only use once. I'd really appreciate your input. Thanks a lot, guys.

Friendly said:

I don't understand, do you already have all your reloading equipment? Do you have a grasp on just how it all works?

Click to expand...

No and no.

Thank you for the recommendation. I'll give it a read. I'm not looking to do anything outlandish, or even more than a caliber or two, just looking to save a little bit of cash. I'm not even generally picky about ammo, since most of it goes to practice or saving for later.