I want to start RELOADING!!

[Mr_Dunev]

I want to start Reloading, and i am sure there are 1000 different threads similar to mine, but i am a complete new in this field, well actually i am completely new to GUNS in general. I picked the worst summer to "take off" from work, and apart from selling things on ebay, i have no extra money to spend on ammo, and other "luxeries" haha.

I live in LA and i am planning on going to the Angeles Crest Reloading Store.
I don't have a bench setup, and i would like to buy the smallest simplest setup possible, to make ammo by hand, just to learn the ropes and get comfortable reloading.

Anyone know what setup to buy? or machine? Obviously i would like it to be as cheap as possible, without jeopardizing quality. I also heard about something to stop bullets from jamming, anyone know about this?

Oh an i am going to be reloading .45acp maybe 9mm down the road, but not for a few months

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Lucas

[CALI SHOT DOC]

probably the best thing would be lee presses if you want to stay cheap. I would look on the classifieds, ebay, craigslist and even local garage sales for presses.

[Bug Splat]

I always recommend a cheap single stage kit to new reloaders. Its enough to get your feet wet and learn without investing a huge amount. This Lee O-press will last you forever.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=423081

Add a set of carbide dies and you are good to go without needing any lube.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=242098

Every reloader needs a single stage press. Even if you buy a $1500 Dillion at some point you will need a single stage so you might as well start with one. I've known a handful of guys who drop $1K+ on their first setup and later find out they hate reloading. They get into it for the cost saving but hate all the time its takes. Reloading is a hobby in itself. You have to enjoy the work. If money is all you are concerned about then buying factory ammo in bulk will be best. Most reloaders find they don't end up saving any money but they shoot twice as much ammo for the same price. I enjoy reloading more than I do shooting, odd right? Well, actually you will find a lot of guys who feel the same way. Shooting is just a method of testing how well I reloaded .

[sengk]

I started out on a lee hand press and a hand priming tool. you can fit everything in a small box when not in use. You also dont need a deticated bench. I got a small folding TV dinner table for walmart for about 15 bucks to put everything on while reloading. When I am done I just fold it up and put it in the closet. It works well if you are doing low volume, 50-100 at a time. You would want to do the steps in batches. I stepped up to a Lee classic turret press because i started loading for more calibers and volume.

you should start by getting a good reloading manual. I got a lee reloading manual and it does a good job of talking about their line of presses and dies and the reloading process using their equipment. I don't mind the self promotion since I plan on sticking with Lee. They are cheaper than the others and good enough to do the job.

First Cartridge I ever reloaded was 45 ACP. 5gr of bullseye behind a 230gr hp.

[meaty-btz]

RCBS Rock Chucker! Not the cheapest but mine I think was new sometime in the early 80s? I was the second owner, not first. All my dies are from the same period, some are even a bit rusty after about 15 years in damp storage but are just fine and work well.

The only thing that did not survive storage was the powder and bullet scale. Now, I get to buy a digital one.

Seriously, start single stage, its cheap and is always useful. You can upgrade later.

Best way to reload, grab some tunes, and get "chuckin" It will be midnight before you know and ask, where did all the time go.

[Fyathyrio]

Buy The ABCs of Reloading, and buy at least one reloading manual from Hornady, Speer, Lyman, ect. Read up on the process and safety concerns while shopping for equipment, components, and supplies. Just a couple places to help you find what you're looking for are MidwayUSA.com, Wideners.com, manventureoutpost.com (but sometimes shipping costs suck from there), and many others.

[MaHoTex]

RCBS Rock Chucker! Not the cheapest

Must have missed his statement in the OP:
"i would like it to be as cheap as possible"

[Sub95]

ebay has rcbs rock chucker press all the time from $60-$150 and if you want to sell it ever you can get your money back out of it.

[meaty-btz]

I love all the RCBS hate that comes round from time to time. I just figured I could drop some RCBS name in a positive way for once. I wouldn't buy one new. I would buy one used. They should never wear out unless you do something crazy to them.

Actually if he wants it to be as cheap as possible buy all used. Most reloading equipment will outlast the reloader. My RCBS and 4 die sets and powder measure cost me..... $0. My father got it off someone who didn't need it any more for free, he then did nothing with it and gave it to me. So even better than used is find someone getting rid of "spare bits" to cut costs further. You really would be hard pressed to "wear out" the gear no matter the brand so 2nd hand or 3rd hand totally works for cost saving.

[MaHoTex]

Complete Lee new for under $100 delivered from Midway complete with scale, powder drop, all sorts of other goodies. Add $30 in dies and you are in business. Hard to beat that deal.

No hate Meatz... RCBS is great gear, but not the cheapest to get started with unless you find a smokin' deal used.

[Mr_Dunev]

so most people agree that lee is a good place to start? after reading the manuals of course

[meaty-btz]

Lee is defiantly a good place to start. But don't sell short used. A little patience might net you some solid gear for dirt cheap. Ebay it up, do your digging.

[Ukiahgunnut]

This is the old Ford - Chevy thing. Some people like brand X and some like brand Y and some don't like either. It is YOUR choice and decision. Do some reading and pick one. You can change if you find something you don't like.

Dave

[MaHoTex]

so most people agree that lee is a good place to start? after reading the manuals of course

You will find fan bois and haterz of all the gear. Lee is good stuff and the kit from Midwayusa is likely the best deal you are going to find.

[NotEnufGarage]

www.factorysales.com for best prices on Lee equipment, dies, etc.