new to reloading what do i need?

[awall919]

I have recently started doing a lot more shooting than i use to and believe that it is time to start reloading my own handgun and rifle ammunition thought i have no idea what i need to start, nor how much a proper system would cost in its entirety. I was hoping that someone could give me a list of everything i need to begin reloading. Thank you for your help and i apologizes in advance for my ignorance on the subject.

[Cowboy T]

In its entirety, a good basic single-stage system would cost $250 or maybe just under. That includes a tumbler, calipers, and other accessories.

I suggest you start with the "Reloading 101" link at the top of the Ammo and Reloading section. Lots of good info in there to get started.

[IntoForever]

1) A good reloading book or 4. Read them.
2) A quiet place to work. Distractions increase the chance for bad loads.
3) Patience.
4) A good scale, not a cheap one.
5) Tumbler. Dirty brass just looks bad.
6) Bullet puller.

I'll leave the technical/specific equipment brands to those who have more experience than I.

[Uriah02]

Read one (or more) of the Sticky's by Randall for whatever you want to reload.

[Chief-7700]

Read one (or more) of the Sticky's by Randall for whatever you want to reload.

The above is good information. There are different levels of reloading equipment
some take longer to reach the desired result and some do it faster.

[awall919]

Thank you cheif, uriah, intoforever, and cowboyT for the info. I will defiantly check out the above info as i research the subject further. My post was intended to help myself as well as others who may have found this thread get pointed in the right direction, which i believe was accomplished.

[Chief-7700]

Your welcome! We are here to help and learn form each other.

[zfields]

start slow, pull lots of bullets to check for consistency, and be carefull.

My second round fired was a squib. Ive yet to have another since I learned the hard way that squibs are no fun.

[Divernhunter]

I am real close to you. If you would like some help let me know. You can come by and see what I have and learn to load. I will also help you set up your stuff if you want. I load for a bunch of cartridges and have for many years.

Step one is buy Lymans manual and read it. Then you will have fewer questions.

[killshot44]

Definitely buy the Lymans 49th book. Read it before you buy anything.
I copied the below from Randall The Banned and I pretty much stuck to it when buying my gear with the exception of the press - I think the Lee Classic Cast four-hole Turret press is great.

From AR15barrels (note that this was for .308 but works for any rifle):

It's quite common to see match grade ammo selling for $1.50 a round.
It's also quite common to be able to reload your own for less than $0.50 a round.
That's $1 a round savings.
It's quite easy to pay off the reloading equipment when you are saving $1 a round.

All of this is from Midway, but better pricing is probably available on some items if you shop around.
Even better deals can be had by purchasing good used equipment or watching ebay.

Lyman "49th Edition Reloading Handbook" Reloading Manual Softcover 19.99
Product #: 217655

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press 122.99
Product #: 513567

Redding Competition Shellholder Set #1 (308 Winchester) 42.99
Product #: 525874

Redding Type S Match Bushing 2-Die Set 308 Winchester 129.99
Product #: 271533

RCBS Precision Mic 308 Winchester $39.99
Product #: 574297

Imperial Case Sizing Wax 2 oz 6.49
Product #: 519525

Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit 73.99
Product #: 414369

Possum Hollow Kwick Case Trimmer 308 Winchester 20.49
Product #: 155172

Smith & Wesson Dial Caliper 4" Stainless Steel $19.99
Product #: 119190

Possum Hollow Chamfer and Deburring Tool Power Adapter 9.99
Product #: 295771

L.E. Wilson Chamfer and Deburring Tool 13.49
Product #: 789334

RCBS Hand Priming Tool $36.49
Product #: 329291

RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo 110 Volt 319.99
Product #: 772151

Lyman Electronic Scale Powder Funnel Pan 6.09
Product #: 118739

Grand total of about $860 plus shipping.