What all is really necessary?

coltpax

Okay, Im looking into reloading, and was wondering what was really necessary. I'm on a budget, and was just wondering what all tools I needed to start out with, and how much everything will cost. I know I'll need a powder measure, something to punch out primers, and something to seat the primers and the bullets in the cases. Also, where can I buy this stuff instead of ordering over the internet?

Tailgunner1954

Well, a rock, nail, and a homemade powder scoop would be the cheapest setup, but unless your living in a pure survival situation, not very practical.
The next step up is the old "LEE Loader", and it's a fairly short step and not much more practical (provide your own rock).

A basic single stage press "kit" (I'm partial to RCBS brand, but a lot of people like the LEE brand) plus dies (they're interchangeable between brands BTW) and components (powder, primers & bullets), 6" caliper and a extra manual or 2 (hint, buy a manual FIRST, and study it before buying anything else).

Your basic single stage will do everything you want, but is somewhat slow at around 40-60 rounds / hour. The full progressive presses (is there any progressive besides Dillon that's worth considering?) will turn out lots of ammo (80-250 rounds/hour), but can turn out lots of mistakes in a short time also. In the middle are the "turret" presses, and personally I don't see any reason for them anymore (in the 60's/70's, yes, but not today).

Hard parts, you can find in your local classifieds, C-List, better gunstores, garage sales, pawnshops, mail order, auction sites and of course the internet. Consumables (powder primers mainly) you are better off purchasing from a local gunshop, to avoid paying HAZMAT shipping charges

shooterone

You do NOT need a powder measure. I have been reloading for many moons now and still using the old Lee dippers. Scratch powder measure off your list and get the dippers for now. Reload for a while, like a year or two, then if you must have a powder measure you will make a wiser choice. Just trying to save you a few bucks to start. Lots of luck.

shooterone

One more thing. You said you are on a budget, OK. I dont know about your area, but here we have some gun shows going on often. Check out your local gun shows. Sometimes you can pick up a used press and always dies at a fraction of new cost. RCBS Rockchucker or the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme or two great presses among others.

ChetStafford

coltpax,

Here are a few options that will help you get an Idea of what is out there

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602007-cat20847&id=0053986216575a&navCount=2&podId=0053986&parentId=cat20847&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=XJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20847

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602007-cat20847&id=0028426215501a&navCount=4&podId=0028426&parentId=cat20847&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=2UG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20847

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602007-cat20847-cat20847_TGP&id=0018937214924a&navCount=5&podId=0018937&parentId=cat20847&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=XJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20847

I will echo what Tailgunner said and say that RCBS is the only way that I would go but there sre other options.

Rocky Raab

First, go read my article called "Reloading 101" there's a link to it on the opening page of my website www.reloadingroom.com

Now buy a copy of the Lyman reloading manual. The 49th edition is just out, but a slightly older one will be fine and can be bought online for less. Read the entire first half of the book (the How and Why to Reload) before you think about anything else.

Then and only then should you buy equipment. Lee makes good but inexpensive equipment in several "kits" that contain most of what you'll need. Do all that and then post here again for the next steps. You may PM or email me at any time with questions.

coltpax

Thanks guys. They just had a gunshow down here on Saturday, and I didnt really see any reloading stuff. There really werent any deals there anyways, and some fellers were selling things for triple the value(saw a lorcin l380 chrome for $150). I'm going to go check out this one guys reloading set up in a day or so. But yea, all I'm really going to be doing is .357 mag, .380 auto, 7.62x39, 7.62x54r, 12 ga., and 20 ga. reloads, so I figure the dies would be easier to find. But yea, my uncle also told me about a guy who at one time offered him some free reloading presses, and as I know very little about reloading, do you need a different press for each round. I would also like a description of what each thing does. Also, how many grains do the powder scoops dispense? I think now I'll go order a manual. Also, one last note to Rocky Raab, I went to your page, and then clicked on reloading 101, and it said page could not be found. What do I need to do to view this page? I'm on Internet Explorer.

Rocky Raab

Odd, it worked perfectly for me. Try this direct link: http://www.reloadingroom.com/index_files/Reloading 101.htm

Rocky Raab

Oh, and you REALLY ought to download and use Mozilla Firefox instead of IE. Much more stable, fewer problems and friendlier.

coltpax

thanks rocky, that link worked for me. Usually the internet explorer works fine, but I think somebody downloaded a bug cause its been a bit odd the last couple days.