The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I was thinking that it might be an idea to draw on the collected wisdom of the forum to create a list of the kit that you might need to start reloading. What is essential and what is 'nice to have' or a 'time saver'. I certainly don't have the experience to confidently offer an opinion but I'd be very interested in watching what comes out. This is what I can think of. Perhaps we might add examples of manufacturers products against the items?

A very basic list for rifle would be:

A single stage press (includes priming arm) (Redding Big Boss)
A set of dies;
Set of balance scales;
Powder trickler;
Loading tray;
Funnel;
Tube of lube;
Lube mat;
Lube brush for inside neck;
Case trimmer (basic Lee hand trimmer);
Case measurement device (vernier guage?)
Case neck chamfer tool;
Cartridge dimensions diagramme;
Load data.

More advanced reloading might include:

Multi stage press
Electronic scales
Case trimmer (possibly powered)
Case tumbler
Priming tool (Lee Auto Prime)

I'm sure I've forgotten a lot but hope others think this might become helpful over time.

...and of course I've remembered something already. A small torch to allow you to see inside cases.

you mentioned load data. I assume you mean at least 1 or 2 manuals, such as LYMANS 49th edition,and maybe sierra or ABC of loading,read them thoroughly first

Seriously look at one of the RCBS starter kits

They offer great VFM

Add a solid reloading bench and plenty of 2l ice cream containers
If you serious about accuracy

Primer pocket uniformer
Flash hole uniformer

Buy. RCBS hand primer superior to Lee

Get imperial lube then you don't need lube pad

I prefer to prime separately, so a hand primer. The Lee is good, the RCBS better, drill and tap the handle and fir an M6 cap head and locknut to act as a dead stop if you are not confident about doing it by feel at first.

Get a couple of load trays, 100's if possible.
Cotton buds
Digital vernier - look at Lidlle's as they do them occasionally at good prices.
Beam scales and a dipper work well.

I have tried many pocket uniformers and prefer the Sinclair International one out of all of them.

That Imperial sizing wax is a must.

An oversize PB brush in a cordless electric drill is great for cleaning the inside of case necks.

Another vote for the RCBS hand primer, had a Lee XL and no comparison at all. I have the Universal version, takes any case size without the need for a different shell holder, one of the best bits of reloading kit I've ever bought.

As for scales, RCBS 505, again makes the Lee version look like kids meccano (I have both, guess which one stays in the box). Yes it's more expensive but you'll probably only ever buy one set of scales and it will still be working long after you're not :)

Imperial sizing wax is excellent, RCBS Case Slick spray is brilliant, you can get it off Ebay (US) and a single bottle will do 1000's of cases.

I use an electricians screwdriver for cleaning the flash holes. Does a far better job than the Lee one I bought.
Sticky labels -

Shellholders and if you get the Lee hand priming unit then you will need their special shellholders for that as well.

Hornady Unique case lube is every bit as good as Imperial and costs a lot less money.

If you go for the Unique, Imperial hand applied type lube then you don't need the lube mat.

When choosing a press I would strongly advise that you look at how they dispose of the spent primers.

You don't need a powder trickler; I managed for years with an RG case hacksawed in half down its length. Deburr the edges and trickle in the powder from the end of the case. I bought a trickler, finally, about two years ago.