What equipment is needed to start reloading?

Question

I want to start reloading 38 special and 357 magnum and don't want to go the Lee Loader & hammer route. The Lee Anniversary kit looks good. I can get that system and a set of dies for ~$100 USD. Is that a good option? Any others? This is for a lever action rifle chambered for 38/357. All serious answers are appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

First off, from personal experience, I would not consider the purchase of any Lee reloading equipment. I have found it to be made of poor quality metals and far from being precise.

Since you are loading a single caliber, this can actually be very simple, but a little expensive. First, I would purchase a reloading manual (select the manual for the company whose bullets you plan on using). Second, purchase a balance beam scale which you will use to verify the powder charge. Third, Dillon Precision makes a caliber specific press called the Square Deal B. Fourth, you will need to purchase a vibrating tumbler with media to clean your cartridge cases before reloading.

The Square Deal B (SDB) is a complete progressive reloader. It has a depriming/priming station, a sizing station, a charging station and a seating station. When I had one of these I was able to load about 150-200 shells in an hour and I was taking my time. If you purchase this press all you have to do is adjust the powder bar (this regulates the amount of gun powder flowing into the case) and adjust the seating depth of the bullet seater. This press arrives in the box fully assembled. Down the road you can purchase conversion kits for virtually any other pistol caliber cartridge.

This would be the simplest and most cost efficient route to reloading a single caliber or cartridge.

Good luck.

Answer 2

"Bound hubby" makes a good suggestion. I've been reloading on a Dillon 550 progressive press for years. I have "tool heads" for most handgun cartridges. The tool head holds all the reloading dies for a particular caliber. I simply change the tool head when I want to reload for a different caliber. Fast and convienent. You will need a powder measure to weigh out the right load for your round. A tumbler to clean your brass, the press, and the dies. The reloading dies for your .357 will also load for the .38.
Good luck.

Answer 3

The Lee Anniversary kit is a great way to get started. Get also a reloading manual from a powder or bullet manufacturer-preferably from the mfg, of the bullets you will be using.Be cautious,have fun!

Answer 4

Both Lee Precision and RCBS sell kits to get you started in reloading. Basically you will need a press, dies, a powder scale and a powder dispenser and a way to seat new primers. Other necessary supplies will be the correct primers, powder and bullets.
Check www.midwayusa.com for kits and prices.