Before you get into reloading, realize that the investment required for the equipment will negate any savings over purchasing factory ammunition; at least in the short term. If you are getting into reloading to save money, reconsider your decision.

For equipment - first off, you need a couple of Reloading Manuals from reputable sources (I use 6 different manuals). Start off with a general manual such as Lymans. This can tell you the in’s & out’s of reloading. The second manual should be from the manufacturer of the propellent you intend to use. They’ve already done the work to determine the minimum and maximum powder loads you should use. NEVER go below or above the min and max loads listed unless you really know what you are doing. I personally NEVER go outside of these limits.

Per the Lyman 47th Edition Reloading Handbook, there are two lists of items. The first list is the essential items. The second list is the useful and effective additional items. Many who have been reloading for some time will tell you that a few of the items on the essential list are optional and that some of the items on the useful list are essential. I use all of the items from both lists. There are many manufacturers of reloading equipment/dies such as RCBS, Lee, Dillon, Redding. Everyne has a favorite. I like RCBS.

Here are the lists from Lymans 47th Edit.:
Essential Items
  • Primary data and instructional source (reloading manual)
  • Secondary data referenc (often from propellant manufacturer)
  • Reloading press
  • Shell holder (specific to your caliber)
  • Reloading die set (for handgun loads, use carbide dies)
  • Case neck brush
  • Case lubricant (not required when using a carbide die)
  • Case lubricant pad
  • Priming unit
  • Priming tray
  • Powder scale (graduated in grains avoirdupois)
  • Powder trickler
  • Powder funnel (aluminum funnels don’t have issues with static)
  • Two loading blocks
  • Dial indicating caliper (graduated in 0.001” increments..I prefer digital)
  • Case trimmer with pilot
  • Deburring tool
  • Cartridge headspace and length guage
  • Chamber headspace guage
Useful and Effective Items
  • Powder measure and stand
  • Primer pocket cleaner
  • Case cleaning equipment
  • Primer catcher
  • Scale weight check set (should come with your scale)
  • Bullet puller
  • Remote priming
  • Turret press
  • Progressive press
  • Stuck case remover (if you didn’t lube the case well enough, you WILL need this)
  • Case neck turning equipment
  • Flash hole uniformer
  • Primer pocket reamer/uniformer