In addition to the excellent advice already given by others I'd offer the following:
Since you are reloading straight-walled pistol cases you can probably do without a lot of gear on the market to keep the start-up costs down:
As already stated, a good reloading manual is a must. The Speer and Hornady books both have great tutorials on reloading. Go on eBay ( yeah, I know... ) and look for manuals that are one edition "behind" the current version. These will usually be a lot cheaper and still have valid information in them.
I'd suggest starting out with a single stage press to learn each step of the reloading process as outlined in your manual. A progessive machine with 5 different things going on simultaneously is no way to learn anything and can be a recipe for disaster. Since you are not loading belted magnums you don't have to buy a Rockchucker either. A small press like the RCBS Partner will get you into the game for low $$'s and will always be used in the future as your skills and equipment advance. ( I keep one on my bench to assist with problem de-caps my Dillon 550 encounters.)
Buy good carbide dies. I suggest Dillon for pistol calibers, because they will work great in a single stage press and as your skills develop and you want to upgrade to a progressive machine you won't have to re-invest in dies that will work in a multi-stage press. ( Yes, other dies will work in a progressive, but the gaping maws on the Dillon dies really allow you to work at the press' full potential. )
Digital scale and check weights - don't skimp on this one either. This thing keeps you, your guns, and everyone around you safe as you build your ammo.
Cartridge block. 50 holes in a block of wood/plastic. Must have. Keeps the rounds right-side up and provides a way of organizing the process. I suggest two, one on each side of the press. The case is removed from one block, passed though the press, and then moved to the other block so no case is un-done or re-done.
Powder measure? Nice, but not an absolute "have-to" to get started. In a pinch you can tea-spoon powder into the scale. Priming system? The priming arm on the press will get you started. There is equipment to do both much better, but as familiarity develops you will be able to choose what works best for you.
Case prep - the brass really should be clean. Vibratory cleaners are not expensive, but used rock tumblers if you can find them, are cheaper.
Since you are loading for auto's you will need to keep an eye on case lenght and have a way to trim if needed and then clean up the edge of the brass after. The manual will show this too.
Dang, this turned into a novel - sorry so long. I have been reloading for almost 30 years, started out helping my dad when I was a kid. I've shown several guys how to get started so I have some experience with the suggestions listed above. Hope it helps. Tom
