Avoid any "kits", and if you can, buy the best equipment you can afford right out of the gate.
Here is what you need to start:
- Good single stage press (I use a Forster Co-ax)
- Good powder thrower & trickler (I use a V2 Autotrickler w/A&D 120i with V3 board and IP trickler upgrade)
- Good set of sizing dies (I like Whidden click adjustable FL sizing dies)
- Good seating dies (I like Whidden here too)
- Good set of calipers (I use digital Mitutoyo's)
- Shoulder bump gauges (if you buy Whidden dies, these will be included)
- Bullet comparator (I use Hornady Lock-n-load)
- Sizing lube/wax (I use Imperial)
- Reloading tray for your cartridges (many available, you don't need anything fancy)
- Powder funnel (I use A419, but again, you don't need anything fancy here)
- Primer seater (I use a Primal Rights CPS, but a good quality hand primer works too)
- ETA: tumbler - I use a Lyman and tumble with rice
Things to eventually get if you can't afford right away (not necessary to start):
- Good trimmer (I use a Giraud, but Henderson looks great too)
- Annealer (I use AMP)
General tips:
The key to reloading is to develop a repeatable process, keep things simple, especially at the start. Use good quality components - like Berger bullets and Lapua brass. Do some research to understand what powders work best with what cartridges. When developing loads, start low and work up - a lot of the loads posted on SH are very high pressure. Understand what pressure signs are. If you get stuck at any part of the process or have any general questions on your reloading journey, feel free to come back to SH to ask - we are here to help each other out.
