Reloading Equipment List

Hello and welcome to the reloading world.
I have seen many threads concerning what equipment is needed to start reloading. So I put this list together so the beginner has a idea what equipment is needed. These are generic suggestions, but each item has a needed process for reloading metallic rounds.

This list is not a suggested kit since each person prefers different styles, manufactures, and personal preference.

Also all these links are from Midway USA only, you might be able to find them cheaper elsewhere. I just wanted to keep it easy for me and searched one site. Most of the links are RCBS just to keep it uniform, I am not saying RCBS is the best. What I am saying is do your research and figure out what works best for you and fits your budget.

But please ask questions about a specific item you are looking to get since there is a wealth of knowledge on this forum. Most members don't like to answer wide questions like "what equipment do I need to get started?". I don't feel like doing the research multiple times, but I will be more than happy to give my suggestions on a specific item or component, as would most members here would do the same.

I did not list any pre-assembled kits because each kit has it's pro's and con's. So assembling your own kit ensures the best bang for your buck and still retain ease of use, durability, and accuracy. So do your research for each component of the custom kit and ask questions in the form of another thread about specific components.

For the experienced members who have suggestions about this list please add your comments and I will add them, but please include links.

1) Presses (Choose One Type)
Single Stage
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/403...le-stage-press
Turret
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/264...s-turret-press
Progressive
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/390...gressive-press

2) Powder Scales (Choose One Type Electronic or Mechanical)
Use to verify scale accuracy or as we call "sanity check"
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/493...hts-605-grains
Electronic
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/869...scale-110-volt
Beam Type AKA Mechanical
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/605...grain-capacity

3) Powder Dispensers / Stand
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/752...ndard-cylinder
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/125...-measure-stand
or super cheap alternative
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/943...er-measure-kit
too fine tune charge
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/169...der-trickler-2

4) Case Trimmer
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/315...se-trimmer-kit

5) Case Tumbler / Media (there are many types and styles, this is just a generic selection)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/103...mbler-110-volt
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/413...-corn-cob-4-lb

6) Books
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/217...nual-softcover
http://www.amazon.com/The-ABCs-Of-Re.../dp/1440213968

7) Dies / Shell holders (6.8 only listed, if multiple calibers more dies and shell holders needed)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/718...-remington-spc
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/168...-remington-spc
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/369..._vc=S014167065
Optional but cheap insurance (broken decapping pin in sizing die)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/540...-decapping-die

8) Case Lube Items
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/672...-case-lube-kit
or
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/204...lube-8-oz-pump

9) Measuring
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/630...tainless-steel
Headspace Measuring (choose one, a must for shouldered cases)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/479...ith-comparator
or
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/940...-remington-spc (6.8 SPC Specific)

10) Primer seating (Choose One Style)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/329...d-priming-tool
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/416...m-priming-unit If choosing this style you will also need http://www.midwayusa.com/product/466...r-turning-tray

11) Bullet Pullers (Two styles choose one)
Press Mounted (Different collets needed for different calibers)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/680...-bullet-puller
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/436...r-270-diameter (6.8 SPC Specific)
Hand Held
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/685...let-puller-kit

12) Misc. Accessories
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/857...-plastic-green
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/328...-to-45-caliber
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/244...et-brush-combo
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/465...-to-60-caliber
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/212...-round-plastic


13) Finally you will need Brass, Powder, Primers, and Bullets to finish it off.

Remember Reloading is a hobby and if you get into it you will never stop buying upgraded equipment. There is alot of cool stuff out there it just depends how deep your wallet is.

Good Luck with Your Custom Kit and above all BE SAFE

I took this from
http://68forums.com/forums/showthread.php?28584-Reloading-Equipment-List-(For-the-Beginner)
Since I was the original author I would like to have it here too.

Good addition... deserving of stickage too.

Nice write up Wassman. This is good info for someone wanting to get into reloading.

Thanks Wassman for your efforts on behalf of those that want to get into handloading.

I will add some favorites of mine:
Imperial case wax - not so messy and have not had stuck case since I started using it. Hate the goop
Lyman Case Prep Center. This is a powered case prep machine and only cost about $100 and is a lot easier than doing it by hand.
RBCS collet bullet puller. Not that I would ever make a mistake and need to pull bullets on my handloads.

Last of all I use a cheap Frankfurt digital scale.
I tested it against two that were much more expensive and they did not out perform the Frankfurt that I paid 20 bucks for. I asked an engineer friend why that would be an he said the probably all use the same computer chip from one maker. Don't know I just know I was concerned that I was not doing my loads justice so I went and got a scale that cost $150. It was worse and need to be tarried often. I took it back and got one that cost $200 and found it was no more accurate than my little$20 model.

thanks so much for this