Help me with a reloading setup

[dexter9659]

Here is a list of what I would recommend for reloading 45ACP:

Brass
Case Tumbler (I had a Frankford for 5 years before it burned out)
Media (for 45, use the big 50lb bag of Cob used for birds from Petco)
Media Polish
Scale (I used an analog RCBS scale back in the day. Later I got a digi scale)
Carbide Full Length Die Set (RCBS, dont forget the crimp die)
Bullets (up to you)
Primers (I use Winchester, but there are many good primers)
Powder (I started with Unique due to its forgiveness factor and predictable burn rate)
Micrometer (Helpful for measuring Over All Length, but remember each gun is different)
Reloading Manuals (yes more than one)
Someone who reloads (If possible, have them help you set it up and make you first few load sets)

You may also need a primer tool depending on what you get (I have a 550B)

For your first batches, I suggest making a few different powder charges and case lengths to find what works best for your gun as each gun is different. Keep a journal of your load performances and indicate on the boxes what loads they hold and the date.

I am sure I am missing something or another.... PM me if you have any Qs. For everyone else feel free to comment, add to or take away from my list as I have lots of stuff in my loading area and cant remember much of it.

[EBR Works]

Buy and read The ABCs of Reloading before you purchase anything or reload a single round.

http://www.amazon.com/Abcs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/0896896099/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233731266&sr=8-1

[mattman]

Forget the Lee Pro 1000 its a complete headache. Just remember you get what you pay for.

[pepsi2451]

Forget the Lee Pro 1000 its a complete headache. Just remember you get what you pay for.

What is wrong with it? I know its not a dillon but I don't really have the cash for that right now. I will be reloading cast bullets for quantity rather then quality so I really want a progressive press. As long as it will get me by for a while I'll be happy.

[rayra]

If you want a bare bones setup for straight-walled pistol ammo, you will need:

Press
Dies
Shell holder/shell plate
scale
dial caliper

A tumbler would be a nice addition to the list but you could simply wash or wipe down the used brass.

Concur about this basic list.
And agree fully that every reloader ought to have at least one reloading manual from Lyman, Speer etc. Skip the groupthink about 'buy two'. The basic manual will have a variety of loads and powders for a huge range of calibers. Save your book money for buying speciality info for the oddities in your collection (if any).

And if it's your very first excursion into reloading you'd be well served to start with an inexpensive single-stage system, until you've mastered the basics and feel you are being held back by the press. You can always use that single-stage device for the precision loading of rifle rounds, later. Or sell it off to some other beginner.
Do more research on the progressive presses available on the market and pay attention to trouble and customer support issues. I'd skip turret press designs altogether, they aren't anywhere near as efficient as a progressive design.
In this way you get started with relaoding faster and much more inexpensively. Then you can see if it's something you really are interested in continuing, BEFORE you sink several hundred dollars into it.

I started with a Lee single stage, Lee carbide pistol dies for 9mm, .45acp, .357 and some RCBS dies for .223 and .30-06.
I very quickly got interested in going fater / producing more in less time and after some research in the groundbreaking that Dillon was doing, went with their product. I've had and happily used a Dillon 550B for nearly 20yrs now. Very happy with the product and their customer support / 'No BS' guarantee. Free repair parts have been prompt, even for problems that were chiefly my fault. Their additional spares kits have been well worth their minor price for the convenience / trouble they've saved me.

[evollep3]

I guess you need a manual if you reload for accuracy, but you don't really need one if you're just making plinking rounds.

punch primer
clean brass
trim brass (if needed)
lube it
full length size it
put a primer in
put powder in
seat bullet

when you get a lee die set, it comes with a manual of the min/max lengths and powder loads and the suggested loads for that caliber. there's really nothing else you need (in terms of books).

i was always told to lube before the cleaning but than again everyone is different

[draconianruler]

So if I get:

Frankford Arsenal Micro Reloading Scale - $34

http://cgi.ebay.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Micro-Reloading-Scale_W0QQitemZ390022617980QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

?

Don't jsut rely on that micro scale. It drifts after a few minutes. I only use it to spot check my amounts after I already measured it on a non digital scale. They work great and don't drift. I will get a nice electronic scale down the road.