I have only been at reloading for ~1.5 years.
Personally i prefer the tutorial section in the Lyman manuals to the other manuals I own. However, they all provide similar info. Each manual I read, will get you where you want to go.
As others have stated, just start out by getting a manual and doing some reading. People can all tell you what we think you need so you can reload, however w/o the manual you MAY NOT know why you need the item.
The reloading manuals will provide all the information, safety and suggestions for supplies that you will need/want. After reading and understanding the process, you'll be able to decide if reloading is for you. IMO, reloading isn't necesarrily a "means to an end". It is its own hobby.
If after reading, you decide it isn't for you, then you're only out the cost of the manual. better that than being out of pocket the cost of all the supplies and equipment.
So many folks look at reloading as a cost saver (myself included, initially). Reloading WILL increase start up costs. each time you buy a new firearm in a new cartridge, you'll have to find brass, bullets, maybe powder & primers, dies, shell holders, etc............ So that can be a reasonable investment. It's quite easy to have $1K (or a couple thousand) worth of bullets, primer, brass, and powder just sitting on a shelf. (i try not to think about it. :shock
and usually when I place orders, i try to get everything at once to save on shipping......or at least that's the excuse I use........so supply orders CAN BE a bit pricey.
The earlier we are in our reloading "careers" the more expense we incur. However as we move along and the more reloads we get under our belts, it is then that we we MIGHT realize a cost savings.
Initially i was a bit leery of reloading on my own. However after reading the manuals and then finally getting my hands dirty, there's nothing to it.
it can be as complicated or expensive as you want to make it.
~c.r.
