re: to original ? From what I've done..... I got into reloading because of the demand and avaliblity of ammo in califorina, plus the cost factor. As everyone knows all the law abiding citizens of california get hit with a bunch of B.S. gun&ammo laws "thanks" to the state politicans. Any ways it may cost a few bucks to get going with a good progressive press, it's well worth it in the long run. I figured out after reloading a few thousand rounds you have broke even for the money spent on the press and etc. All rounds made after that are money saved. I also get my brass of the ground @ the range...a big money saver.I can talk about reloading all day But the main thing it comes down to is how much shooting you'll do. Obvicously I put alot of rounds down range

 

What are you planning on reloading for?

I would suggest a low end kit. You will end up customizing it as you get more involved in reloading.

I noticed that my rifle accuracy improved with the reloads compared to factory ammo. You can also calculate how much you spend per 20 (rifle) or 50 (pistol) compared to factory ammo costs.

Stay away from hot loads.

 

Id be reloading .375 winchester and .307 Winchester for now. I'll be reloading .22-250 Remington once I pony up for a new gun.

The .375 is like 68$ +13% tax here a box of 20. Very very expensive gun go shoot, but also the best bush gun I own for moose and deer.

 

Check out Dillon Precision reloading equipment. Best investment personally (the first is of course your Jeep). Check em out! http://www.dillonprecision.com/. Read about your warranty, this is why I live by them.
-Chuck

 

You might look at picking up a few reloading manuals, I've got the Nosler (for hunting loads), Speer (typically for plinking loads),and Sierra (use this for working up loads for 5.56mm NATO and 7.62mm NATO competition) manuals. Not sure what bullets you intend to use but at the very least get the manual for those bullets.

My loading suggestions:
1. Always start with the mildest loads listed and check for pressure signs.
2. The hottest load in my experience is very rarely going to be the most accurate. Look up "laddering" to help develop the most consistent loads.
3. Never ever load charges lighter than what is listed as a safe minimum load. Under charged cartridges can detonate a rifle and are more likely to happen than an over charge since an over charge typically spills over.
4. Take your time and work systematically.
5. Only have the powder out that you are currently working with.

I believe RCBS and Midway USA both have some reloading tutorials available online.
Good Luck
Rob

 

All the post seem to have good advice, about the only thing I can add is look at craigslist for someone selling there equipment. The deeper you get into it the more accurate you will be but the more money you will have spent.

 

Here is another great link to handloading.

Sniper's Hide Reloading

 

I reload clays loads duck loads and upland game loads for my shotgun it's by no means cheap for shotgun ammo it takes alot of trial and error but I know i have good shells to shoot with exactly what I want

 

I have a hornandy progressive reloader which I can reload and entire box in under 5 mins

 

I look at it like this, reloading doesn't really save me any money. It just allows me to shoot more. After you're up and running it also allows you to control your cash flow by buying components here and there. I currently have ~300 duty/HD/hunting loads on hand and about 5-700 rounds of finished cartridges. But 4-5,000 rounds worth of components (all 5.56).

OP - I'd start with picking up the Lyman 49th manual and read the general sections and also dive in to your calibers of interest.

If you have some local buddies, go in on a press together. This will enable you to get a decent press (I use a Dillon 550) that you can grow into and one day be pushing 5-600 rounds/hr on. We all get together to reload every Tuesday night (we obviously each reload our own rounds on the press).

If you're reloading pistol, start collecting brass. Also buy a tumbler/separator and get the brass tumbled and ready to go.

If you're reloading rifle, get ready to spend a few hundred just getting a brass prep setup going. You'll need the tumbler/separator plus a single stage with decap/resisze die, case trimmer, digital calipers, and a reaming tool to remove crimped primers. This is an arduous process that'll take you a while. So I'd start now!