Thread: Wannabe reloader - gear advice please

After the great ammo shortage of 2013, I decided, wisely as it turned out, to become self sufficient with ammo and decided to start reloading. Here is how I did it:

1. Started watching Youtube videos on reloading to learn the process and different ways of doing things.
2. Bought a few reloading manuals to learn from. Most of the major reloading manuals like Speer or Hornady have a "how to" section at the front which is worth reading.
3. Bought a Lee Hand Press because I was short on money and space at the time and also wanted to see if I was going to like reloading.
4. Bought a set of dies, Lee powder measure, a Hornady scale, measuring calipers and a few other basics.
5. Got busy reloading one step at a time.

Now years later I have three presses set up, a Hornady Progressive, a RCBS single stage and a Lee APP and I load over 10k rounds a year.

I wouldn't get too caught up on brand names, just do your research and pick the best tool at the best price for the job. I have just about every brand name on my bench, Frankford Arsenal, Lee, RCBS, Redding, Forster, Hornady, Lyman, etc.

The Lee stuff is built to a price but overall most of it works. Some of the stuff they make is really good and some of it there are better tools out there. Hornady I would say is middle of the road on price versus quality. Redding is my favorite and the quality is high but so is the price.

My recommendation is start with a single stage press and a powder measure. Focus on learning one step at a time. You will make mistakes, ask questions on the forums.

The cartridge specific Lee Loaders are fine if you have little money or space and you shoot a bolt action rifle where you will neck size your cases only. Also good if you just want to dip your toes in without big investments they can work but ideally you will want a bench mounted press.