"By the way, the list I've put together thus far to start on rifle cartridges is as follows:"
"1. Loading manual(s)" - Speer, Hornady, Lyman, Lee all sell good reloading manuals. I'd start with the Speer. Sounds like you already have a couple good ones and are ready to go.
"2. Turret press" - The Lee Classic Turret is a good choice.
"3. Die set(s) & 4. Shellholder(s)"
The Lee die sets, except for the RGB's, come with shellholders. I suggested the ones I did because of the excellent value they represent, including most everything you need to get going.
"5. Lubricant and pad" - I would not reload with a lubricant and pad. This is the slowest way to lubricate. Get yourselfs some Hornady one-shot lube, Dillon's version of the same thing or some Imperial sizing wax. These are the speedy ways to go. Additionally, you won't need that nasty, messy pad. (blech)
"6. Powder measure"- Yep, Lee perfect powder measure (You'll need the rifle powder dump die, I don't know the number.) for stick powdes and the Pro auto disk for pistol powders. Pricier alternatives that are top notch are the Hornady Lock N Load Case activated powder measure, the RCBS Uniflow case activated powder measure and the Dillon all offer "on the press automated" powder dispsense, as does the LEE measures. You'll want this feature to speed up your loading. You'll need to check to see if the higher priced measures will clear the safety prime on the Lee Classic Turret press though, something I'm researching myself.
"7. Powder scale and check weights" Absolutely, I wouldn't scrimp here, because you use the powder scale every time you set your measure up and to check to see if your measure is holding it's setting every 100 rounds or so when you add another 100 primers. (At least, this is what I do.
"8. Powder trickler" I have one of these. I haven't used it in 2 or 3 years. It seems ok for single stage, but before I spent money on this, I'd buy an electronic scale with a powder trickler and not have to bother with this gadjet.
"9. Powder funnel" This item is mostly for single stage reloading, but can be useful if you're going to weigh out your powder electronically as you're loading and dump it through your powder die on your turret press. You push the button, it starts to dispense powder, you start the process of sizing your first shell, by the time you get to the point you want to add powder, the electrnic powder dispense is ready and you can dump your powder through the powder funnel. Make sure you get one that words with LEE dies, assuming you buy those.
"10. Loading block(s)" - My suggestion is to buy one. The MTM universal reloading tray. Holds a 100 rounds. But again this is mostly for single stage reloading.
"11. Primer pocket cleaner" - A good useful item.
"12. Primer tray" - This can be a useful item, but is mostly for single stage reloading. There are better choices for turning over your primers. I'm reasonably certain the safety prime will handle this task for you. If not, get one, they're only a couple bucks.
"13. Priming tool (or unit for press)" For the Lee classic turret, the safety prime, which the classic turret is designed for, appears to be the bomb. Every one who has bought one and posted about it on most internet forums is very happy with it. For off the press priming, the Lee auto prime is a good tool and very affordable.
"14. Case trimmer" - A good necessary tool for when you're reloading brass. RCBS dies minimize trimming brass, but are more expensive and do not eliminate trimming. X-dies are more for higher competition reloading, where brass trimming because a chore. I would suggest however, you buy a trimmer that can be automated or buy one already automated, such as the RCBS trim pro. The arm you use to crank the brass will thank you, if you get into high volume reloading.
:15. Deburring / chamfering tool" - Yes, you'll need these. Lee makes good starter ones for cheap. RCBS trim mate is tough to be to automate this process and speed it up.
"16. Calipers" - Yep, you'll need these. See my previous post about the Harbor Freight ones if you want to save money.
"17. Record book(s)" - Rather than buy a book specifically printed as a reloading record book, I suggest you do one of two things. One, use Microsoft Excell or Microsoft Word to make a printable sheet you prefer or two, buy a better quality collegiate style ringbound note book or engineer's notebook and use that. Much cheaper.
"Nice to have" stuff to come later:"
"1. Case cleaning stuff (tumbler, media, etc.)" - I'd go ahead and get this, you'll likely be glad you did, because it takes away so much hassle in cleaning brass. The inexpensive ones word as good as the expensive ones.
"2. Case neck turning tool" - You'll likely not use these for a good while, until you get into advanced reloading. I'd look to automate my setup for convenience and speed safe before I looked at this item. It's more for single stage reloading. Before I bought this, I'd buy a Lee Classic Cast single stage press.
"3. Chronograph" - These can be real handy, but can be pricey for a good one. Borrow your buddies if you can.
"4. Other??" Akro bins, get with a buddy and order a couple dozen at a buck or so apiece rather than paying five or six bucks for a "Reloading company" brand one. You'll find all kinds of uses for them. Also, go to the dollar store and find some plastic bins with lids to sprt hold your brass. You can label them as well. All these things come in real handy when you're in the process of loading. The akro bins will hold your brass, bullets and finished cartridges as you go along, make things nice and organized too.
"Anything I'm missing?"
1. Thing about building a good sturdy bench. Doesn't have to be fancy, just sturdy. Perhaps a second bench for sorting, cleaning and storing brass and bullets. (I also use the second bench for any processing done off the press.)
2. A shelving unit of some sort to hold the reloading dies, tools, etc., you're not using during your present reloading operation.
Hope this helps,
Dave
