I have to start somewhere

Book numbers are basically editions - updated every year or two. The Lee Loading Manual (still ed #2 IIRC) is useful and also Lyman #48 - I think latest. Speer #13 I think is current still. Some older books are OK but it pays to compare between manuals - and always start loads at lower end for safety.

Not sure re starting kits - but, best thing IMO if t'were possible is find a reloader and ask questions and watch!! Do also try and browse thru this forum - your question is of course a popular and common one and many good answers have been given over time.

To ''get the feel'' you could IMO do worse than go to http://www.leeprecision.com and get a basic single station press and bits to go with it - in fact they may do a starter kit too - I forget. Thing is this would start you at low budget - get the feel - on one caliber. Once you get into it then Dillon progressives etc might be appealing. Lots of options.

Good answer P95carry...couldn't have done better myself...

Call John at,
Gunstop 11410 Excelsior Blvd.
952 474-4570
John has forgotten more about reloading,than most of use will ever know about reloading.
Flash Hole

P95carry gave a good answer.

It would be a good idea to buy a loading manual before you get anything else. You can never have too many. Lyman (#48 is the latest) is one of the better ones for explaining the basics. The ABC's of Reloading would be another good choice. Check out gun shops and bookstores near you.

If you are starting from scratch, the starter kits are a good way to go. A single stage press is best to learn with as it forces you to take each step of the reloading process seperately.

I was in your shoes (and I still am really) I got the Lee Aniversary kit from midway, with the Lee manual, I think it was a whopping 72.00, Then I added a set of dies for .223 and .45acp, grand total shipped came to I think 140.00, my kit came, I built a bench in my basement, headed to the store for supplies and been cranking out great ammo since. My first batch of .223 shot better groups than the factory ammo I was using, so I guess the purpose was served. I don't think you can go wrong with the lee kit, very economical, since I have no other experience to compare it to, couldn't tell you, but I know allot of people like Lee. Thier customer service tech line is great, I know I talked Bruces ear off a time or two when I started. The manual walks you through the entire set-up and what parts do what and why. The kit came with everything I needed, then I added on some things that were nice to have, like a case prep center, tumbler, and so on, don't need em, but they save allot of time and are nice to have. Another kit that looked nice was the RCBS rock-chucker supremem kit, but they were closer to 275.00.
I know what you mean though about all the info, tons out there, just get into it and start learning, the more you do the more you'll learn along the way. Thats how it is for me anyways. Just my .02, good luck!

Snagglepuss said:

I would like to get into reloading. I love researching on forums and the net but with such a wealth of information it appears to me to be overwhelming. Are these kits that they sell at Cabelas a good place to start. Is it better to hand pick the tools of the trade. Can anyone suggest a better place to buy a starter kit that can be the basis of growth. I think from my questions you get the idea. I am sure these are regularly asked questions but I would appreciate help. Also can someone explain all these different reloading books and why many are numbered and from the same company.

Thanks in advance.:banghead:

Click to expand...

My opinion is you get (pay for) things that you don't use when you buy a kit. If you plan to "upgrade", which you always do, buy piece parts from different manufacturers. That way you get what you want/like from the beginning. Buy the best you can afford.

You didn't say what you will be reloading for, pistol, rifle ....? It makes a difference in your initial set up. I only handload rifle ammo and I like single stage presses. Redding is my favorite all-around equipment manufacturer but I own something from all of them. More importantly, I use everything I own and I like it. It's a great hobby/past time. You won't be dissappointed you jumped in the pool with the rest of us.

btw, I'm the original flashhole

"...things that you don't use..." You're doing something wrong.
The RCBS Beginner's kits give you everything you'll need less the dies and shellholder. You'll need a good solid bench and a distraction free place to load too.
I'm a big fan of the Lyman manuals as they give you more loads for more different bullets than a manufacturer's manual. Not that the bullet and powder maker's manuals are bad. Just less versatile. Read and follow the manual religiously.
Don't forget that we're here for you as well.

no....not doing anything wrong....just like lots of different things. For example, the primer trays that come with the kit are round. Primers come in square packages and using a square tray keeps me from picking them up off the floor. I much prefer my RCBS model 108 balance scale than the type that comes with a kit. Same with cartridge holders, don't like the type that comes in the kit, I use cartridge specific holders. Don't care for brush type primer pocket cleaners that you find in a kit, I prefer the Baby Crockogator.

You get the idea. I think some of the kit elemets are not as good as other things on the market.

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/49

Try this link. This is something I did on another forum. You will see lots of handloading tools that don't come in a kit.

Flashhole,
I dont think so.
Flash Hole (Former TFL Member)

If you're on the Northern side of the Metro, Sportsmans Warehouse (Round Lake Blvd, Coon Rapids) is a pretty good place to buy supplies too. I've been reloading a long time, so I haven't asked then any questions, but they always have what I need.

Check this page for more reloading info. http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

Ryan

flashhole said:

My opinion is you get (pay for) things that you don't use when you buy a kit. If you plan to "upgrade", which you always do, buy piece parts from different manufacturers. That way you get what you want/like from the beginning. Buy the best you can afford.

You didn't say what you will be reloading for, pistol, rifle ....? It makes a difference in your initial set up. I only handload rifle ammo and I like single stage presses. Redding is my favorite all-around equipment manufacturer but I own something from all of them. More importantly, I use everything I own and I like it. It's a great hobby/past time. You won't be dissappointed you jumped in the pool with the rest of us.

btw, I'm the original flashhole

Click to expand...

I agree with the second part of your statement, but I use everything that came with my classic kit and wound up buying more. Even the Lee Funnel that doesn't fit .300WSM shells (universal my butt). I use it to put the W760 powder back.

The biggest piece of information required when deciding on your kit/set up is most defintely what you will be reloading. I used a sinlge stage Lee for a while until I became comfortable reloading (and bored reloading thousands of pistol rounds) before buying a progessive. Now, I load my rifle rounds on the single state, most of my handgun on the progressive, but I still use the single stage for .44Mag and .357Mag.