Wanting to start reloading

[kevin]

Ok, i would like to start reloading. I have never done so. For years ive been saving 7.62x54r, 7.5x55, .303 and 8mm brass as well as other calibers, but i really dont care to reload for the others.

What all would i need to start reloading? I would like to do this as well as possible with spending as few dollars as i need. I think this would be something i would enjoy. I wouldnt mind if it takes a long time. Currently all i have is once fired brass.

Are there kits i can buy somewhere?

[Norton]

If you like guns, more than likely you will like reloading. I like RCBS stuff myself.
They make heavy dudy made in USA stuff that looks as good as it works
You can get a good beginer set from Midway that will have a lowerer priced partner press , 505 scale, case trimmer, loading block, lube pad primer pocket cleaner and book. Which is nearly all you need except a set of calipers to measure the cases. I would start off with that and find a good used (Vintage) Rock Chucker press on Ebay. As for Dies I like LEE, the price is right and I like the factory crimp die. On the RCBS and Lyman Dies I have I still buy the LEE factory crimp die for rounds like 303, 8 mm and 30 06 and for rounds like 30 30 you will find it to work great. The only rounds I have problems with is 380 and 9 mm, they are hard to seat the bullet after you bell out the case mouth. But that is just a matter off skill and practice.

As for other brands I had a cheap LEE press and it broke . but that was in the early 90s and they have really improved. But If you do buy a Lee get their classic(heavy duty cast Iron)
Lyman makes good stuff I use it for casting and have some of their dies, molds and tools.
(I just dont like that Orange color press)
I use a Lee production pot for casting as well as their molds for most of my pistol rounds.
I will post a picture of my set up latter.
Good luck

[WildBillCody]

Go RCBS, you won't regret it, a little more up front, Iron clad warranty, and great customer service.
Lee dies are fine, but I hate thier retaining ring, there is no way to lock it, so you have to adjust it everytime.
Only neck size your .303 brass it will last longer, get a reloading manual.

My buddy uses these presses, he got one then found another under a table at a gun show for $10. He has both set up so he can size with one and seat the bullet with the other.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LYMAN-SPARTAN-RELOADING-PRESS_W0QQitemZ200111423925QQihZ010QQcategoryZ7112 0QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You can usually find a box of old reloading stuff under at least one table at any gunshow, the old presses are made of cast iron.

You can't beat the LEE Auto-Prime for priming your brass.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LEE-AUTO-PRIME-WITH-BOTH-LARGE-SMALL-PRIMER-TRAYS_W0QQitemZ200111433836QQihZ010QQcategoryZ7112 0QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Norton]

This is most of my set up.. It took me from Bush 1 last term, Bill Clinton's era to Bush #2 second term to get all this stuff. Now it looks like it will go thru the Clintons part 2. I included the bullet puller box because it is a great tool, you really will find it handy. No matter how good you get, you will seat one to deep or do something you are not happy with. Plus you can use brass from milsurp stuff you arn't sure of and make your own rounds you are sure of.

[GreenWolf]

+1 on the RCBS endorsement - great equipment that comes with a transferable warrantee just like a Craftsman screwdriver.

+1 on Midway - best prices, and they haven't raped me on shipping.

The two bits of advice I can give you are:

1) If you are not in a hurry, shop. Haunt gun shows, flea markets, garage sales, GunBroker, EBay, etc. You can find used RCBS gear for
1/2 the price. Remember the lifetime warranty....

2) While you are shopping, read. Obtain and read the ABC of Reloading. This is a picture-filled intro to reloading, and a sound start. Haunt gunboards with active reloading forums with several thousand posts. Read.