Thinking of getting into reloading

[johnnyk]

newguru,
If the ChargeMaster is on sale, jump on it. Best reloading investment I ever made. Takes minutes/hours out of the process.
Single stage press would probably be the best and cheapest route to start with. Like you said you can always go the progressive avenue later. I have three single stages and a Hornady L-N-L Auto Progressive. I probably haven't used the AP in almost 3 yrs!
Dies; I like your selection. I now buy/use Hornady CGND dies exclusively. They are great dies. There may be better dies out there, but as long as I can keep turning out sub .5" ammo for all my stock rifles, I'll stick with them.
Brass Prep; I like/use the RCBS Primer Pocket Brushes for cleaning out the primer pockets. Also, look at getting one of the Flash Hole Deburring tools. Any will do, I use the Lyman. One time operation.
Priming; I use the Lee Auto Prime Hand Tool and the Auto Prime Shellholder Set. I have two of the AP hand tools, one for large rifle/pistol and one for small R/P (saves time). I also bought the Lee Universal Shell Holder Set for my presses. Keeps everything right there together and you don't have to dig or scramble when you want to change calibers.
Over-all-length guage; Must have for tailored loads. Seating depth is a critical part of the reloading equation. I have the original Stoney Point guage (now Hornady) and use it for all my rifles.
Calipers; I started out with one digital but now have two. One set up for use with Stoney Point/Hornady bullet comparator (measures seating depth of loaded round from ogive to base), and the other for general/basic measuring. Saves time not having to take comparator on/off.
Reloading Manuals; money well spent and good reading in and out of the bathroom. Get as many as you can afford. I have Barnes, Hodgdon, Lee, Lyman, Nosler and Speer, plus I have a folder in "my favorites" called none other than "reloading". In it I have; reloadersnest.com, accuratereloading.com, handloads.com and some of the major powder/bullet companies websites (i.e., barnesbullet.com, accuratepowder.com, hodgdonpowder.com, lapua.com, nosler.com, ramshot.com). Tons of information but be cautious about using other's reloading data. Every rifle is a law unto itself.
I have been reloading for 25 yrs. It's a constant learning process/hobby and I still thoroughly enjoy it. The more you reload the more you shoot, or is it the more you shoot the more you reload! Either way I can almost guarantee you'll become a better shot through the process.
Good luck and have fun! JohnnyK.

[newguru]

Well I went ahead and bit the bullet on the ChargeMaster combo. Natchez has the combo on sale for $259! That was by far the best I could find on the net.

I will do more research before buying any of the other components. I'm not in a rush but didn't want to miss out on a good deal on a part of the process that has garnered such good reviews.

Also, what books dealing with Precision Loading should I check out?

[britz]

The other piece of equipment that I purchased a couple years ago and like is the RCBS Prep center ($100). I use a primer pocket uniformer ($15), vld champher tool ($20), outside champher tool, inside brush. Your selection of books is more than enough to get started with. I get most of my loads off of the internet published sites like nosler or hodgdon.

I've used a Lyman 600 Turbo tumber for years to clean my brass too.

[stxhunter]

i got my redding boss single stage reloading kit new in the box off ebay paid 125 plus shipping came out to a little over a 150 bucks you can find alot of reloading equipment new and used being auctioned on ebay

[BountyHunter]

you will need a case trimmer and a beam scale too. Wilson trimmer or someone else just came out with a micrometer version too.

watch Ebay for a used RCBS 10-10 beam (retail $140, used for $25-40). Electronic scales are good, but a beam is needed for other things and as backup and to check the electronic.

BH

[johnnyk]

...not!

[Winchester 69]

Originally Posted by newguru

Also, what books dealing with Precision Loading should I check out?

Glen Zediker's "Handloading for Competition" is very comprehensive, but his writing style can be challenging. His equipment evaluations are good, except that he can be misleading in his discussion of the Harrell equipment; the Harrell stuff is special purpose. A search on this forum will get you straight word regarding the powder measure. The press is strictly for BR portability.

Since someone mentioned Hornady's Match Grade (bushing) dies, you will still want either a Forster or Redding Competition seater; they have an alignment sleeve that other dies don't. The Hornady bushing dies have gotten favorable reception.

Congratulations! You are well on your way.
.