Reloading starter kits

[Mainer2009]

Hey all, I'm still pretty new to the forum &it's been fun reading over all the threads. I'd like to start reloading, a friend of mine, who reloads, suggested I get a starter kit, by rcbs, or Hornady, I checked in my midway book &they seem reasonably priced, and there are different options...single stage...progressive, etc, and I really don't know very much about the subject, could someone reccomend me a good kit for a beginner, and possibly a some good literature to pick up to learn about the subject? I've been very interested in reloading for some time, and with the spike in ammo prices, and the shortage...it seems like a great time to invest in some equipment. I'd be reloading mostly for hand guns. (38 special, 357 mag, 41 mag &44 mag). Thanks a lot!
-Mainer

 

[SASS#23149]

Lyman's manual is my go-to book of the 4 that I have,It will explain a lot of the process,and has tons of bullet/powder combinations.
what I did was start with a Lee Challenger singe stage to learn the process,then bought a Dillon 550b.
boy was that a good move ! even at slow speed it puts out a ton of ammo in an eveneing,and the dies will fit both presses.
An intermediate step would be to go with the Lee Classic cast turret press,rather than a 'progressive.' Not quite the output of a progressive,but better than just a single-stage like the challenger.
Build your bench high enough to make loading comfortable...some stand,some sit while reloading.
There is a 'sticky' at the top of this forum that is a 'must-read' for those starting out.

 

[soldier147]

I too am in your position. One book recommended above others is the ABC's of Reloading. The Lyman and others have been recommended as well. If your friend does handloading, have him show you how he does it and use the manuals for reference.

 

[Mainer2009]

Thanks a lot! seems to be a pretty interesting subject, and the more I look, the more information I find on it!

 

[jdh]

Lee aniversary kit is a little over $100 and has every thing you need to get started except the caliber specific stuff like dies and shell holder.
http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/anivers.html
It is basic, low cost, good quality, functional equipment to get you started and you won't have invested too much if you decide reloading is not for you.

Richard Lee's book is a good beginners reference. It takes you through case prep and loading step by step.
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1238683227.3764=/html/catalog/bookpg.html

 

[Eb1]

no matter what kit you buy you are going to need calipers to measure all sorts of measurements.

you will also need a case trimmer. the lee comes with cutter, but not the length gauge.

you will need coffee cans, and eventually a tumbler to clean you cases.

 

[pmeisel]

Mainer, I second the recommendations on both the Lyman and Lee manuals. Reference material is very helpful when starting out and still handy later, when changing calibers or components.

I like the Lyman turret kit myself, but I find no fault with the Lee and RCBS kits.