So didn't look like there was a sticky thread on this, probably about time it got put up.
A couple of things. I'm not, by far, the most experienced reloader on here. I'm a hack at best, but with patience, reading, and time, I've managed to figure this stuff out over the last year. I have probably reloaded 3000 or so rounds of mixed calibers, and got started at the height of the 2013 panic. This info is worth what you've paid for it.
Anyway, on to the stuff. There's usually questions on what do I need to put together to get started. Here's the starter.
1) Reloading manual: Or two. I use the Lyman's 49th, along with http://loaddata.com to pull additional load data from. Read the entire 49th or whatever book you pick up, a couple of times before plunging in. (not the info on every single load, just the front part)
2) Press: Lee is fine. Other brands can be better (Not making better ammunition, just higher quality that will last longer)
3) Scales: Some folks like analog, some like digital. They both work
4) Powder measure: The Lee dippers work fine. So do the actual powder measures like the Lee Perfect Powder Measure. Like the press, there is higher quality than Lee, but it'll make the same ammo
5) Priming system: Basic press mounted works, Lee hand priming system works better. Progressive presses have their own priming systems. They all do the same thing
6) Funnel: Cheap. Comes with some stuff, but not always. I like the scale powder funnel pan
7) Dies: I've used Lee, RCBS, and Redding. They all perform well. They are interchangeable no matter what press you buy (Almost. There is an oddball or two out there, but they are clearly marked as such)
8) Case trimmer: MUST have for rifle reloading. Lee again makes a functional setup, order each caliber separately. All in one stations are nicer from what I've seen. I use the Little Crow Ultimate Case Trimmer- but it's spendy. I also hate trimming cases so it was worth it to me.
9) Tumbler: Not a requirement. A nice to have if you like shiney brass. Cheap works well. Expensive ones probably work well too.
10) Micrometer/Calipers: I use electric, others like analog
11) Bullet Puller: Kinetic is cheap, and it works. Press mounted is nicer to have. You'll need one or the other I have both.
12) Reloading Tray/Lube: Spray on is easy, lots different choices. Careful with the One shot lube, I've had a stuck case with it
So what does a shopping list look like? Here's an example. I'll use Midway as the example vendor. Going cheapest first
Manual:
Lymans http://www.midwayusa.com/product/217655 ... -softcover $23
Press:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/807734 ... tage-press $29
Scale:
Frankford Arsenalhttp://www.midwayusa.com/product/175512 ... n-capacity $29
Powder dispenser
Lee Dippers http://www.midwayusa.com/product/943305 ... easure-kit $11
Priming system:
Lee Ram Prime http://www.midwayusa.com/product/728999 ... tage-press $12
Powder Funnel:
Lee http://www.midwayusa.com/product/974498 ... 45-caliber $4
Dies:
Lee 9mm (for example) http://www.midwayusa.com/product/140349 ... -9mm-luger $32
Case Trimmer (Rifle calibers only, can use an electric drill to make the task less tedious):
Lee (need both) http://www.midwayusa.com/product/476992 ... -lock-stud $6.49
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/107333 ... -remington $4.39
Tumbler (NOT Required, just a nice to have):
Frankford Arsenal http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587176 ... r-110-volt $38
Calipers:
Hornadyhttp://www.midwayusa.com/product/822768 ... less-steel $33
Bullet Puller:
Frankford Arsenal http://www.midwayusa.com/product/215517 ... let-puller $15.50
Reloading Tray/Lube:
Trayhttp://www.midwayusa.com/product/110254 ... lastic-red $7
Lube http://www.midwayusa.com/product/482023 ... -2-oz-tube $4
Total setup- $248
That being said, without the tumbler, you're at $210
You can just get a kit. $129 for the Lee Challenger setup- BUT you will still need the dies and trimmer, (I'd still get the Lymans as well) so it's not going to save you money.
I'll add onto this later or someone else can on the next step up.
Mods, can we sticky this?
EDIT: Whoops. Thanks SG. Missed a couple of things
Getting started in reloading
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Last edited by shinzen on Tue Jan 14, 2014 8:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.