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noylj · December 9, 2010, 12:10 AM

Considering how broke I am right now, if I was to consider reloading, I would get the little Lee reloading press and the Lee book for about $35(?), a set of Lee carbide dies, a Lee Auto-Prime and the set of special shell holders, and the set of Lee scoops. Sort of going back to where I was in the early '70s, except then I had to place the individual primers in the seating cup and prime on the press.
Just need some accurate loads and don't need anything even close to max. Put most of my money into some powder (231/HP-38), primers, and bullets.
As I learn if I like reloading, I would save all my money for a decent scale and powder measure. I have seen some very nice $30 digital balances that take batteries (and several POS ones). Balance beams are to be found at flea markets, eBay, and your local drug dealer's house.
Speaking of "the old days," in the '70s an RCBS die set consisted of a steel sizing die, an expander and depriming die, and a seating and crimp die. The die sets today are the way they are because Hornady and Dillon brought progressive presses down in cost where most reloaders could afford and justify them. Dillon had a 4-station and Hornady had a 5-station. Dillon sold mail-order only (so you bought it sight unseen but they were really priced well) and the Hornady could be found at really good gun stores.
Heck, I remember when Sears was one of the better local gun stores and you could order directly from Shotgun News and have your gun delivered in the mail. Back in the early '60s (pre-Johnson administration), you would go to the local high school gym for the NRA shooter's training program and you could drop your rifle or shotgun off with the principal so you could go hunting after school.

December 9, 2010, 12:10 AM	#12
noylj Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2007 Location: Between CA and NM Posts: 860	SpaceCoast Considering how broke I am right now, if I was to consider reloading, I would get the little Lee reloading press and the Lee book for about $35(?), a set of Lee carbide dies, a Lee Auto-Prime and the set of special shell holders, and the set of Lee scoops. Sort of going back to where I was in the early '70s, except then I had to place the individual primers in the seating cup and prime on the press. Just need some accurate loads and don't need anything even close to max. Put most of my money into some powder (231/HP-38), primers, and bullets. As I learn if I like reloading, I would save all my money for a decent scale and powder measure. I have seen some very nice $30 digital balances that take batteries (and several POS ones). Balance beams are to be found at flea markets, eBay, and your local drug dealer's house. Speaking of "the old days," in the '70s an RCBS die set consisted of a steel sizing die, an expander and depriming die, and a seating and crimp die. The die sets today are the way they are because Hornady and Dillon brought progressive presses down in cost where most reloaders could afford and justify them. Dillon had a 4-station and Hornady had a 5-station. Dillon sold mail-order only (so you bought it sight unseen but they were really priced well) and the Hornady could be found at really good gun stores. Heck, I remember when Sears was one of the better local gun stores and you could order directly from Shotgun News and have your gun delivered in the mail. Back in the early '60s (pre-Johnson administration), you would go to the local high school gym for the NRA shooter's training program and you could drop your rifle or shotgun off with the principal so you could go hunting after school.