Smokeyj,
I think you're wise to look for a mentor, i.e. someone to guide you through the basics step by step. Yes reloading is not rocket science, but there are many ways to make mistakes, or overlook things, and the results can be very serious indeed.
I think it's actually best to start with a pistol round, and the .45 acp in particular. It's a relatively low-pressure round. The case mouths are large, so it's easier to see inside. Bullets are big and easy to handle, and it's a straight-wall cartridge, making it easier to understand what's going on in the process. There are some good powders that will nearly fill the case with a single charge, so it's obvious if you double-charge.
Check around in your area to find if there are any shooting clubs. Attend a meeting if possible and mention to the club leaders that you're looking for a help getting started.
In the meantime purchase a couple hundred primers and some .45acp brass,Winchester, Starline, or Lapua). I recommend the 200-grain Precision moly-polymer coated bullets for .45acp. http://www.precisionbullets.com/
Don't buy a bunch of tools just yet... hopefully your mentor will let you load on his/her press for starters. Do buy a Sinclair loading block,.308 uses same size hole as .45acp), and a plastic ammo box to carry home your product. Accurate No. 7 is a easy-metering, case-filling powder for the .45acp.
I would also purchase a set of calipers if you don't own one already.
Later you can decide what press, dies, scale, powder measure you want. It's not uncommon to load your first few hundred rounds at your mentor's bench. Once you get the hang of it, you can decide what tools you want.
... And if you don't shoot .45acp, well everyone needs a good .45. It is a very satisfying caliber, capable of really excellent accuracy, and the brass lasts forever.
