Thread: Reloading newb

Originally Posted by Cigar

You are unlikely to save money reloading. If you are like me it will mean you end up buying more rifles, and more and more reloading gear. You start of with the basics, then buy another rifle, which means more dies, brass and projectiles, then you buy a tumbler, a chronograph, shooting rests, another rifle...
A good O frame press is a good investment, I have a Hornady but have never tried any others so can't comment on them, but any decent brand should be good. I have found Lyman gear quite good for all the bits and pieces (scales, case prep tools etc).
You can make good quality ammo with not a lot of gear, much of the extra stuff makes it easier or faster but you don't need it. Probably the most useful of the "don't need" extras is a powder trickler, it definitely makes things faster and easier, and doesn't cost much.
My thoughts on the minimum to get started:
A good reloading manual (or two!)
Press
Dies
Case lube
Case length gauge or calipers (Lyman E-zee case length gauge is quick and easy to use)
Camfer and deburr tool
Beam scales
Reloading block

Lots of other stuff can be added later.
Once cases start getting overlength they can be put aside but will need trimming before being used again, though this is the sort of thing you can do in batches as needed using a mates gear, it doesn't need to be done at every reloading.

I'll add a powder funnel to my list, be a nightmare without one though could make do with a homemade paper one.