What are all the little things i need to start reloading?

[blikseme300]

RandyP wrote:

Just started the hobby myself this year. Your question will be answered a lot by you reading the stickies and all the posts on this and other reloading forums. Yes there is homework -lol

I have to break this gently to everybody - reloading is NOT a hobby, it is an obsession! However, it is one of the best mental therapies I know of.

It starts with the little bitty cheap press. Eventually you have a whole room, presses, tumblers, smelters, molds, etc.

 

[SP Shop Foreman]

Maybe a little redundant, but, the least you need is:



A press, RCBS Rock Chucker, Master Kit or Dillon 550B
(If its RCBS get the Primer Option)
Dies for your caliber (RCBS)
Spray lubricant and case neck brush
Wooden or plastic case block to hold 50 cases
Powder Dispenser (RCBS)
Powder scale
Case mouth Funnel
Powder Trickler
Manual Case Trimmer with collet for your caliber. RCBS
Reamer/Champfer for case mouths
Calipers to measure case lengths
Powder and Primers.
Sierra Reloading Manual or equivalent.

If you shoot very much you really do need a Case Tumbler.
Dillon or Lyman seem to be the most dependable.
Case tumbler medium and optional polisher additive.

Latigo

 

[rfwobbly]

....it also helps to have an understanding spouse !!

 

[SciFiJim]

To add to the list....

A log book to track you reloading. Can be as simple as a cheap spiral bound composition book from Walmart. Info to put down...date of reload, caliber (even if you only reload in one caliber now, you will expand), number of rounds reloaded, components used. Also nice, something to hold you load manual open in front of you so that you can refer to it constantly, NEVER trust your memory, always refer to the printed recipe. If, after you get more experienced & knowledgeable, you start working up new loads, write down what you are going to do before you do it. It forces you to think about what you are doing beforehand and gives you a reference it look at in the future.

 

[Yo2slick]

Maybe a little redundant, but, the least you need is:



A press, RCBS Rock Chucker, Master Kit or Dillon 550B
(If its RCBS get the Primer Option)
Dies for your caliber (RCBS)
Spray lubricant and case neck brush
Wooden or plastic case block to hold 50 cases
Powder Dispenser (RCBS)
Powder scale
Case mouth Funnel
Powder Trickler
Manual Case Trimmer with collet for your caliber. RCBS
Reamer/Champfer for case mouths
Calipers to measure case lengths
Powder and Primers.
Sierra Reloading Manual or equivalent.

Not everything needs to be RCBS, Dillon, Lyman...ect.


First off, I would suggest if you new to reloading that you start on a single stage press or at least one with single stage capabilities. You can buy the Lee Anniversary kit for around 100 dollars which has the press, scale, powder dispenser, funnel, cutter and lock stud, chamfering tool, and case lube. I have this kit and it works like a charm. You dont have to spend 300+ dollars on your first press. I bought Lee carbide dies for my 9mm and love them. Easy to adjust and use. I plan on buying Lee dies for the other calibers I will reload. You need atleast a couple of good reloading manuals, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS double and triple check your work. You can never be too careful when playing with dynamite.