For beginners, I concurr that a single stage not only reduces complexity, but helps train the brain whilst keeping things simple.
Whilst I personally prefer RCBS and good cast iron, if one were starting from zero this Lee kit from Cabelas for $105 on sale is complete except for dies, and will do nicely for many years for pistol calibers:
http://tinyurl.com/lee-on-saleIf budget were not a major concern you could do far worse than the Lyman Crusher Kit for $329.99:
http://tinyurl.com/lyman-complet-kitwhich has a proper case trimmer AND includes the Lyman Loading book!
you will also want a case tumbler and media, here's one on sale at cabelas for another $50:
http://tinyurl.com/Lyman-TumblerSince you Plan to load 38 spcl. 44 Colt & spcl and 45 Colt, you need dies at here you'll find Lee Carbide on sale for $26 each:
http://tinyurl.com/Lee-Dies-on-Saleand last you will need
consumables -
- powder (I like Unique)
- primers, large and small pistol
- case lube
And if you choose to cast your own, you'll need bullet molds
These from track of the wolf look "fairly" traditional"
http://tinyurl.com/TOTW-Molds.38 ==>LEE-90303 Lee .38 caliber, .358" diameter, 158 grain, flat nose solid base BPCR mold, double cavity . . . $19.25
.44 ==> LEE-90285 Lee 44 caliber, .429" diameter, 200 grain, flat nose, solid base BPCR mold, double cavity . . . $19.25
.45 ==> LEE-90358 Lee 45 Long Colt, .452" diameter, 255 grain, flat nose, solid base BPCR mold, double cavity . . . $19.25
- a lead pot
http://tinyurl.com/Lee-Production-Pot $50
- bullet lube (alox, whatever)
For Bullet lube, for starters you can get by with the old lee "cookie cutter" lube system or get a Lee sizing die
http://www.gunaccessories.com/lee/molds&melters/Lube&SizeKit.aspor just tumble them in liquid alox.
I leave the arithmetic as an exercise for the accounting student ;-)
did we scare you off yet ? ...
It's a pretty penny to start, but at $50 a box for cartridges the $300-$400 startup cost is paid for rapidly!
The wise reloader will take a lesson from the recent shortages and quietly stockpile supplies against a time of need -
it is simplicity itself to double your purchase for a bit - ie: if you need one pound of powder buy 2 pounds.
if you need 400 primers, buy a thousand. In this manner it spreads the cost and it is not as painfull as dropping the dime for all the gear, and another thou on componants and lead all at once....
yhs
prof marvel