I'd like to start reloading....

[Vitamin G]

And i have no idea where to being... I think a know a little of the basic theory, and I have a local (Tom Splasky, if anyone frequent GT) that would teach me.

I'd like to reload :
10mm (Just picked up a Colt Delta Elite, and it was a STEAL!)
45acp
.223 (Or not, if I can get significant savings by sticking with pistol rounds.)

I care little about rate of reloading. I have alot of time to kill (graduate student), but on the other hand, if im going to invest money, i'd like to see a nice return on my investment (which shouldn't be too hard with 10mm)

Any suggestions?
What exactly do I need?
I'd like to keep it as simple as possible.

 

[ojibweindian]

Get yourself a Lee Classic Cast press, dies for your chosen cartridges, a good scale (I like my Lyman Pro 1000), some calipers in order to ensure your reloaded cartridges are neither too long or short, a bullet puller (for when you can't be absolutely sure you measured correct charge of powder), a case trimmer (I mostly use mine to trim my .30-06 brass to the correct length), a primer seater, and shell holders appropriate to the cartridges you desire.

That should pretty much get you into the game; if I've forgotten something, others more knowledgeable and experienced than myself will chime in.

Also,there are all sorts of nice-to-have gadgets out there. Don't bother getting them until you have some experience under your belt.

 

[SASS#23149]

The press will be about the only thing that you might want to 'upgrade' on later on.You can turn out good ammo,slowly,on a single-stage press,but it's a bit on the slow side.
to load 500 rounds of pistol ammo on a single stage reuires upwards of 1500 to 2000 hand operations depending on whether u use 3 or four dies...fourth die for crimping seperately.Only 500 plus a few on a progressive.JUst food for thought.
IMHO,you wil save enough on home rolled pistol ammo to buy your .223 ammo,and rifle ammo is a bit trickier than straight walled pistol ammo(as opposed to bottle necked cases.
Great that you have a teacher to get you started,it'll really help.

 

[Car Knocker]

Have you researched the archives of this forum? This is a frequently asked question and there is a wealth of information available on every aspect of reloading. I would suggest that you start with the relatively low-pressure .45ACP until you thoroughly understand the process.

 

[Cazach]

Another good idea is to procure as much load data as possible to start creating your load "recipes". Do not simply pick one set of values for a particular load and then go out blasting. Look at the ranges for various bullet weights/types, powder types, etc. and know the mins. and maxs. for each.

Download reloading data from the big ammo mfrs. and use lower to middle value loads to begin your testing. Then over time tweak the parameters to best suit your needs.

There are lots of good reloading books out their that will help with your basic skills. I would pick up at least two to get a balanced view.

I also would recommend a "go/ no go" chamber gauge. These items test several parameters at once (diameter, bullet depth, OAL, etc.) and are really handy.

I spent many years on a single stage press and I now look at it as time lost. I have since switched to a progressive and I am extremely happy with the results. Although pricey, I don't think you can go wrong with a Dillon rig.

The biggest issues is safety. You need a stable, well lit and well ventilated work area for this task. Also you need to be able to commit 100% attention to the task. External interruptions should be eliminated, as all it takes is a split second for a squib or double to appear and possibly have extreme consequences.

Welcome to your new addiction.

 

[petrel800]

I started loading about a year and a half ago with the Lee Aniversary Kit plus a set of .45 acp dies. I made a very minimal investment because I was unsure if I would enjoy reloading. Over that period of time I have begun reloading for .38 spec, .357 mag, 9mmMakarov, .40 s&w, 7.62X25, and .223, all on my Lee press. I just bought a Chronograph and have found that most of my reloads are very consistant comming off of a single stage press. For the price, I think this is a great starting set. I would definatly recomend it to any new reloader.

 

[MAUSER88]

I'd buy the RCBS Master Reloading kit. You will have it for a lifetime and get everything needed to start.

 

[Swamprabbit]

My first recommendation is to purchase yourself a good reloading manual (Sierra, Lyman, etc.) then find (or make) a friend who reloads. Spend time with that friend learning what to do and NOT to do.

I've been reloading for 20+ years and still use the same RCBS Rockchucker press I started with. Yeah, I know that the progressive presses are faster but I find reloading to be good therapy.

 

[Austin Charles]

I find it's much like golf.

When it's going good it' going great. Everything is just as smooth as can be.

But as soon as you start having a hard time finding that right combination for a certain gun, it can really get to yea

 

[Smokey Joe]

First things first

Agree with Cazach: Welcome to the club! It can be just a handy way to make cheap ammo, or a magnificent obsession, depending.

But as a graduate student you know the first thing to do before experimenting: Study the literature! You don't have to re-invent the wheel.

The best book for reloading newbies is The ABC's of Reloading, published by Krause Publications. The NRA guide to reloading is also a good primer I understand.

Next you will need a reloading manual. If you get only one, make it Lyman's 48th ed. Lyman doesn't make loading supplies, so they are even-handed, unlike the bullet and powder makers. More than one loading manual is a good thing because you can compare recipies, and because one manual never covers all the options; there are too many possible combinations of bullet, powder, and casing out there. Again, as a graduate student, you can appreciated the value of having as many references to consult as possible.

AFTER you have studied up you will be in a better position to evaluate what you need as opposed to what you can get by w/o, or will want later.

Happy reloading!