I want to start handloading and I was wondering what you pros would suggest to start with. I know I want to keep things simple to start with and I should go with a single stage press. Cost is a big factor I need too keep it reasonable, I have three boys and of course they all shoot so instead of a single purchase its always X 3. So my budget is on the small side. So if any of you could steer me down the right path maybe I could save wasted money and energy. Thanks in advance for any help.

I want to start handloading and I was wondering what you pros would suggest to start with. I know I want to keep things simple to start with and I should go with a single stage press. Cost is a big factor I need too keep it reasonable, I have three boys and of course they all shoot so instead of a single purchase its always X 3. So my budget is on the small side. So if any of you could steer me down the right path maybe I could save wasted money and energy. Thanks in advance for any help.
Howdy.

I suggest that you check the links at the bottom of this thread. There is a list of similar questions.

The simple answer is to buy the Lee Aniversary Kit here http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=149097 add Lee dies in the calibers you want to reload and go forward.

If your budget is a little more I would think about upgrading the press to the Lee Classic Cast press and buy the other items seperately and as I needed them. Some of the stuff in the kit you may not need. If you are only going to load for one or two calibers you don't need the whole shell holder kit, if you are loading for pistol you won't need the case lube or probably the case trimmer. I have the same chamfer tool that comes with the kit, it only costs a couple of bucks but I found it unsatisfactory and bought a better one.

If you list the cartridges you want to load for people could make some other recommendations.

Also as mentioned there have been a zillion threads about this already.

How old are your boys? I started helping my dad load when I was ten, get them involved! You could just buy a couple of Lee hand presses and a Lee priming tool, line them boys up on the sofa and you would have a good little production line going. :)

My boys are 15, 13, and 11, we currently are planning on loading .243, .270, .30-06, 7mm rem mag, .303 and in a few months a .224 Wby mag. Thanks KenK

With those youngsters to help, process goes quickly...probably will remeber the time spent with a smile in later years.

Get the Lee kit, put the young shooters to work, and enjoy the time spent "working" at reloading.

Buy the highest quality you can afford at this time.
Start with the Lyman book, this will get you started on how to reload. Shop prices and use Ebay to your advantage. Be careful on Ebay prices many dealers may save you on price but get it back on shipping. Once seen a item at a good price but shipping was $20.00 way out of line. Try and compare prices from Midway and Midsouth to whats up for auction. Buy with care and you will collect quality tools that will last a life time. I bought cheap once and threw the stuff away just like throwing money down a rat hole. Good Luck TF

Buy the highest quality you can afford at this time. I bought cheap once and threw the stuff away just like throwing money down a rat hole. Good Luck TF

jaguarxk120, as much as I agree with you, believe yamahammer89 should start off with the Lee Anniversary Kit given his situation.

I started off cheap too and the money spent went down the same rat hole! :p

It took me 35 years to get a RCBS A2 press and it set's next to a rock chucker w/piggy back unit. What I have will go to my son and he knows what it's worth. With the price of shooting (was at Gander Mt. yesterday(sale prices)) going no where but up it should pay to look very hard at equipment and put money,s into quality equipment that will last a very long time. Good used equipment can be found at reasonable prices if you look for it. TF

As suggested previously if you have not done so, scroll to the bottom of this page to the section titled "Similar Threads" and click on the past posts on this question - you'll get more advice that you can possibly digest!

There isn't anything wrong with the Lee stuff, I guess. I personally prefer the RCBS stuff, they have one of the best warranties around (along with dillon) Ebay is good, as long as you watch the prices and shipping, Midway is a good place to look too, but check the shipping there too. Cabela's is one of the best places to get stuff that is heavy or bulky becuase they base their shipping on dollar amount (with a few exceptions)

...So if any of you could steer me down the right path maybe I could save wasted money and energy. Thanks in advance for any help.

I put this web page together a couple of years ago and a number of forum members have used it as a shopping list for equipment purchases. The links need to be updated but it should still help you. With the amount of shooting your boys are going to want to do I would consider the 4-hole turret press...

Ranch Dog's Reloading (http://home.awesomenet.net/~ranch-dog/Reloading/Getting_Started/Index)

Boses Guns (http://www.boses.com)
Midway USA (http://www.midwayusa.com)