Looking to get into reloading

Ok, so it's time for me to get into reloading. I've done some research and was thinking about just getting the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press to learn on since it is relatively cheap ($100) and comes with most items I would need. I was also going to get a Frankford Arsenal - Quick-N-EZ Tumbler. I figured that I would use it to learn the basics and that it would last me for a couple years until I got more proficient and then maybe get a progressive press. Am I thinking right in this or is there another direction I should go? Any advice for a newb? Anybody in the Gluckstadt/Madison area that wants to mentor to a newb? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I have an RCBS press that I inherited, but that package seems like is should do just fine and appears to have all you need to get started. I don't live out that way, but I am sure someone on here that does will help you out.. If you can't find anyone holler at me.

You sound like you are on the correct path. LEE stuff is hard to beat for the $$$. Are you going to start with handgun or rifle ammo? Handgun ammo is much easier (& cheaper).

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I was planing on starting with handgun first, 9mm and .40S&W, then progressing to rifle. I had also heard that handgun is easier to start off with.

My Lee Challenger was not very good for precision reloading, at least for me. I have a RCBS Rockchucker and have loaded several thousand rounds on it. I have the Franklin tumbler and really like it.

do a lot of reading, and read somemore. if you can find someone you can learn from, that would be very good. reloading is fun, but can be dangerous also. buy a journal date and write down everything you do from start to finish. its best to do it with no distractions.

EagleinChains wrote:Ok, so it's time for me to get into reloading. I've done some research and was thinking about just getting the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press to learn on since it is relatively cheap ($100) and comes with most items I would need. I was also going to get a Frankford Arsenal - Quick-N-EZ Tumbler. I figured that I would use it to learn the basics and that it would last me for a couple years until I got more proficient and then maybe get a progressive press. Am I thinking right in this or is there another direction I should go? Any advice for a newb? Anybody in the Gluckstadt/Madison area that wants to mentor to a newb? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Started with the exact same setup four years ago. I now load for .38, 9mm, .40 S&W, 30/30 and .270. Press has held up just fine, no complaints from me. Yes pistol is easier than rifle to load. My only suggestion is get a reload manual or two and read them. Also remember if in doubt please ask those with experience. Be safe and have fun.

I bought that same setup and am still using it now. I've loaded several thousand pistol rounds and probably close to a thousand rifle rounds using my little Lee press. For the money, it is hard to beat. One day I'm sure I'll upgrade to a Dillon or something like that, but funds are not there for that right now (plus I have a couple of other "items" that I want to get ahead of that). Read up on reloading, then read more. Always double check your loads and stay safe. Surely there is someone in the Madison area that would be happy to show you the basics.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. One last question, what's your go to book for reloading? I've heard the Lyman Reloading Handbook is a good one and was leaning towards getting it. Any others I should consider?

I've been using the Hodgden (can with the Lee kit) plus asking others about loads plus looking up on the internet for hard to find loads.