kyblev,
This is a common question we all see posted by the Newbie's in Reloading. And expect to see a gazillion responses as to what equipment to buy. But might I suggest you take your time and do a little research before buying so as to save yourself alot of money. For starters, consider that what you want to be loading is some of the heaftier calibers and will require a "stout" press. What you might find is some presses are better acclimated to smaller calibers even though people will say the "average" press can handle them just fine. Well to each his own because once you get up into the .308, 7mm and 30-06, you'll find it much easier with something like a Redding (Big Boss) with the 1 " shaft that makes life mucho easier when resizing those calibers. When I reload, I much prefer finess and not the muscle approach. As you might have guessed, I have that press alongside my RCBS Rockchucker that has the standard 3/4" shaft that I use for the smaller caliber resizing. And that my friend is something you might not know if you hadn't gone through the trial and errors that I did when I first started. In fact, when I started, I was all excited like you and spent all sorts on "recommended items." Guess what, didn't have a single piece of the original stuff after the first year because it wasn't right for me. And the Press was just a start. BTW, I've also given most of it away. SO take you time and do some reading.
Which brings me to my next suggestion. Go buy a copy of the book, "The ABC's of Reloading" by Bill Chevalier (heard recently theres a 9th Edition out). Excellent book with pictures and instruction on how to reload that is geared for beginners and experts alike. This book is on my reloading bench and has been for years and one I refer to when I'm unsure of something. Not expensive, but worth tons when you need help. In it, it also shows different equipment that is used for certain things. Again, when you post open ended questions, you'll get all sorts all sorts of response simply because people are trying to be helpful. The facts is, each of us in reloading have different preferances in terms of equipment yet we all seek a common goal....FUN reloading and shooting our own brew. Also remember, this stuff can be a BLAST - literally if you aren't careful. You won't see it posted often, but there are mishaps because of screw-ups in reloading. So if you aren't sure, ASK or look it up. Saw a fellow at our local Gun Club BLOW-UP his brand new Savage .223 because he got cute and got his load too low - YES THATS TOO LOW - of a powder load and when the casing was turned on it's side in the chamber, the top half of the casing left sufficient room for the primer to ignite one helluva blast that blew the rifle into three pieces. No injuries, just one surprised and unhappy EXPERIENCED reloader (about 40 years worth). So be careful and pay attention in what you are doing.
Good luck and have fun. Take your time and learn how to do this stuff safely. I'm retired now and go to the range weekly and have fun target shooting. Gotten too old to the long trecks anymore, but after 50+ years of shooting, it's just gotten into my DNA. Enjoy my friend! You hit the nail on the head.Another good little book is a sinclair book on precision reloading in easy understandable language.
