Thinking about reloading

I am seriously thinking about getting into reloading. I will be loading .45 and some 308. I am thinking I need to start with a single stage press just to see if I am going to like reloading. What I need is an itemized list of components to get started. I also need suggestions on where to buy bullets, brass, primers and powder. Do I need a tumbler for cleaning the brass? Do I need a case trimmer and so on? Thanks

This plus dies for the .45 and .308 + powder, casings, primers, and bullets for each

Lee Anniversary Kit

That's what I started with. I've since replace several pieces with other brands but this stuff got me going

Also need calipers and a I'd get a set of inexpensive Lee Powder scoops.


If you want to spend some money you can do all that or you can get a Lee Loader for .308 for around $30 and just load with that. Buy a 100 rounds of new brass and start loading. They make a case trimmer that works with this setup as well. With a little practice you can put together some really nice cartridges with one. They work. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit with dies for both calibers and shell holder. Calipers and case trimmer. Reloading blocks(1 or 2). Shootersproshop.com has great deals on Nosler bullets and sometimes brass. Pick up brass wherever it's on sale. Deburring tool, funnel, neck brush, and primer pocket brush. I like my Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler. Hand priming tool. Any measuring spoon is all you need to dip powder. Buy primers and powder at your local store to save shipping cost.

You don't need a reloading manual, most powder/bullet companies have their load data for free on the internet. Just get with someone that you know that reloads and ask questions when they come up.

Good luck and have fun.

Dillon RL550B.Single stage presses are overrated even though i have 2.

It's a good hobby and a great skill to have in your preps/SHTF toolbox. Just like anything else, you get what you pay for. Don't buy any cheap junk. Dillon is the best and the resale value is the highest. Get a manual and work your loads up by the book. Outside of the cartridge components, you will need some case prep tools, tumbler, fine tools (caliper, concentricity, etc), and a chronograph. Best of luck.


Booom

Find an RCBS chargemaster on sale and buy it. Measuring powder is for the birds.

They are always on sale with that $75 rebate.

^^what he said^^

powdervalleyinc.com for most of your components. I use precisiondelta.com for 45 bullets.

I vote for a RCBS rock chucker kit. It has everything you need to get started with the exception of a case trimmer (unnecessary for 45 ACP). There is a ton of other little gadgets you will but when you get more experienced. I always recommend a single stage for beginners. And unless you are shooting 1k .45 rounds a month I don't think you really need a progressive.

As for components, I try to find a local source to buy powder and primers so I don't have to incur a hazmat charge. Powder valley is a good source too that you can combine multiple items under one hazmat. The Zero brand bullets made in cullman are perfect for practice.

Something nobody mentioned but you'll want is a bullet puller.

I really like my Rock Chucker kit so far. I bought it and a bench for it from a gent on here first. He also included a set of dial calipers which is a must. After adding the following things, I was ready to load/tailor me some shells for my various rifles in new brass:

Hornady OAL gauge
Modified cases for each caliber
RCBS dies for each caliber
Though not required, I am using Redding Type S Bushing dies for neck sizing
Hornady comparator set
Satern aluminum/brass funnels for each caliber. Again, not required (could get away with a do it all funnel) but I despised static and/or spilled powder when reloading shotgun shells so I didn't skimp on that step.
Impact bullet puller

I am also upgrading stuff a little bit at a time. Here are the things on my list I will be adding:

chronograph
some type of tumbler that uses stainless steel pins/solution
brass prep tools or system (trimming, primer pockets, case opening chamfering, etc.)
RCBS Chargemaster

I prefer the Grip-N-Pull bullet puller over the impact puller hands down.

It has to be better. No way it can be worse.

I started with the Lee anniversary kit. It’s been fine for me but I’ll admit, if I had the money when I started I would have gone with the RCBS Rock Chucker. Aside from the stuff you’ll get in the kit, you’ll need/want these things to get started:

Have to haves:
Reloading manual(s) – load data can be found online, the manual has other valuable information.
Dies for each caliber

REALLY helpful:
Reloading blocks
Powder trickler
Calipers

In my opinion, the rest other things are good to have but not really necessary when you’re just getting started. If you find you like reloading and it’s something you want to continue with, I’d look into getting the stuff you need to fine tune your loads and the pricy convenience items like the chargemaster.

For powder and primers, I like Midsouthshooterssupply.com; they’re located in Clarksville, TN and are super helpful people. I’ve got a buddy that goes to Shooters Warehouse in Cullman and has good things to say about them.

For brass, if you don’t mind once fired, check out castboolits.gunloads.com. It’s a forum for bullet casters but it has a “Swappin & Sellin” section where people are always selling brass. There are some really good deals on there. You can also find some pretty good deals on cast bullets for your .45 on there. For jacketed bullets, I usually wait for sales at midway, Cabela’s, BPS, etc.