10-4 on what Cliff Fendly said about getting a RCBS type ammo reloading kit. Check out the prices of other brands also (Lyman, Hornady). Midsouth Shooters Supply usually has most prices beat. I've been doing business with them along time. When comparing prices, they can't be beat for price and service. I bought my RCBS Rockchucker back in Feb of '76 and nary a problem with it. I bought most of my reloading equipment seperatly over the years, but if I was just getting into reloading, the kits have the basic things you need, expierence will dictate what you need later on. Get carbide dies if you can if you are going to reload for pistol-saves having to roll brass on a lube pad and then having to clean the sticky lube off. If you are going to reload bottle neck rifle, ya have to suffer through the lubing, unless you get one of the new fangled lube dies. I like Lee's 'Factory Crimp" dies also for pistol. It's another step after you seat the bullet, but it really puts a nice crimp on the bullet. Lee's hand primer is also a valuable tool. Wore out my first one, on my second one now, but wish I had gotten one of the new square tray models vs the round tray. Lee makes some good assesories, but I've never been to impressed with their presses and scales. No offense to those who have them, but when compared to others, the quality difference can be seen.
Just received a Midsouth flyer yesterday, they have various manufacturer kits on sale, call for a catolog or check online. I've steered several new reloaders down the 'kit' road and they were satisfied with their decision. After reloading for a spell, they discovered what added tools they needed. I've reloaded 1000's of rds with the RCBS single stage press and can reload all the ammo I need. In fact, I enjoy reloading and casting bullets as much as shoooting. Don't consider it a chore. The only thing I detest is case trimming, but suffer through it when needed.
The comment about using or starting out with a single stage vs a progressive press has alot of merit. You can't just start cranking out quality ammo by pulling a handle. Takes alot of forethought, planning, research, and knowing how a cartridge is put together. I play guitar, self taught, but alot of guitar teachers have told me and I've heard a number of professional players say that if you want to learn to play, the best road is starting out on an acoustic, learning the basics. If you or one of your children want to advance and maybe play electric, the techniques for playing electric will come much eaiser. You can't just pick up a Fender Strat and sound like Clapton right out of the chute! If after reloading on a single stage for a spell and you really need a progressive, you will have the basic knowledge and expierence to go that route.
One item that doesn't come with most kits is a stand to mount the powder measure. A strap is furnished to mount it even with a table or bench, but the stand puts it up where it is easier to charge cases. Not needed to reload, but it makes the process alot easier. Time, talking with other reloaders, research (ie, gun magizines/books), and actual reloading will show you what you need and not need. Be glad to talk with any of ya about getting started or questions, just send me a PM and can exchange phone numbers. Yers, Crow Choker