Answered a similar question recently, thought I'd just copy it:
As far as reloading, I'll tell you what I've done, I'm sure others may have other thoughts, and you can certainly look at posts in the reloading section of which I think there are a bunch of posts from people considering reloading now.
I happenned to buy a kit, as you mentioned. I picked up a RCBS rock chucker kit ( Press, manual scale, loading tray, powder drop, etc... Maybe @ $ 350-400) This press is a single stage, which means you attach 1 (of 2-4) die at a time, and the press performs one operation at a time. It is slower, but many believe "more focused" so you can really concentrate on what is happening in the process. I think I get better ( more accurate, safer ) cartidges, with the single stage. Single stage presses are more suited, due to speed, for small quality batches. If a guy wants to load 1000 rds of blastin .45 acp or 9mm, a "progressive" press would be a better fit for simply churning out quantity.
Since that time I've also aquired a digital scale/powder dispenser (chargemaster1500) The scale is frankly a "luxury" item ($300). It replaces the manual scale, powder drop, powder trickler that came with my original kit, but in my opinion is faster, and easier. I believe RCBS, through Cabelas, now offers the kit I started with, except now with the digital scale/disp as part of the kit. I think it is about $600-700.
In addition to the kit, you will need caliber specific dies ($50), a good bench / work area, and components ( Brass, Bullets, primers, and powder)
I think if you look at some of the posts in Reloading, and post your own questions, you can save some time by identifying things that work well for members here already, instead of testing the waters alone. Also good planning in advance of purchasing equipt and components as to what calibers you want to load, can save some $, by finding powders / components that work in multiple calibers then buying in bulk.
I have had really good luck with RCBS, including after the sale when experiencing difficulties. There are however many co's making this stuff. ( LEE, Lyman, Forester , Dillon, Hornady...) Personally,(Just my opinion) except the LEE factory crimp die, I would avoid LEE products. Others use LEE with no issues, but I've had issues, and not so much with RCBS.
As far as education:
1) I started by reading the Speer manual that came with my kit.
2) I then took a class, as you mentioned.
3) I then bought more manuals (You can't have too many) and read the "how to" sections in those.
4) As you reload, you will no doubt come up with new questions. I usually search the forum(s), if I don't find my answer, I post a question. I have had more help and guidance from members here, than I could possibly get elsewhere. There are members here who have been reloading for a Long time, and have experiences you will not find at a class or in a book. I have been lucky enough to know them and get thier advice here or by email.
Click here for videos on reloading from RCBS GM Allan Jernigan. These will give you an idea about what it's all about and the time & equiptment involved.
Regards,
JD 500
