First, you'll need a place to
handload. A room in your house or a section of your basement
(if you're lucky enough to have one) are good places to set up shop.
Alternatively, part of your garage or an out building will work, too.
Emphasis should be placed on a few factors:
Security - seriously consider an
area that is secure so that "little hands" or curious guests don't
meddle with your equipment or reloading components. You don't want your
equipment broken, you don't want primers and powder (which are
potentially dangerous) accessible to the ignorant, and you don't want
bullets mixed up into the wrong boxes (potentially disastrous when
fired!).
Comfort and Safety - comfortable
environmental conditions for yourself is important to reduce fatigue.
Setting up your press on a sturdy reloading bench
at a comfortable working height and having a comfortable place to sit
are important factors. So is having strong lighting
to reduce eye fatigue AND to avoid making mistakes. Speaking of avoiding
mistakes, make sure your reloading area is free of
distractions. Generally, radios are OK for some people (they
tend to turn into background noise) - but television and interruptions
by your spouse or children are to be AVOIDED. Additionally,
your components (powder and primers) should be stored at
mild (not extreme) temperatures and low humidity levels. Obviously, DO
NOT store your powder or primers near anything with a flame (oil and gas
furnaces, boilers, and water heaters), and it's best to lock them up -
even if the room is secure.
Cleanliness - don't set up in an
area that is dusty or dirty. Your reloading bench should be kept fastidiously clean. Workshops where sawdust and
other debris is constantly flying is not the best choice for a reloading
area. Additionally, no matter HOW CLEAN the room is, it is best to have
cabinets and drawers in which to store delicate and precision equipment
(like your balance), or at the very least have dust covers or boxes
available to store these items. Also - shelves (or drawers) for
organizing bullets, dies, etc ... Are important for good organization.
As far as reloading equipment,
I would recommend that you start with one of the kits - the RCBS
Reloading Starter Kit, or the RCBS Master Reloading Kit. They have
everything that you will need to start, and the RCBS Kits even come with
the Speer Reloading Manual. More on manuals later. Dies are generally
NOT INCLUDED, although the LEE kits and dies often come with shell
holders. Other than that, you'll have the minimum to start. I think that
the LEE presses, scales, and powder measures, while 'OK', are not as
good as the other major brands. They are, however, much cheaper in price
than the other brands. If you're on a budget, the LEE kits are worth a
look. If you stick with handloading, you will eventually upgrade to
better equipment. At that point you could pass the LEE equipment down to
a friend or relative, or keep them around as 'spares'. However, if
you've got the money and are sure you want to handload as a hobby, I
suggest that you go with RCBS, Hornady, Dillon, Lyman, etc... (not
necessarily kits) ...
LEE Anniversary Kit : If you want to keep your
start-up costs down, check out this kit. This kit has everything you
need to get started : Lee Challenger press, instructions, Perfect Powder
Measure, LEE Safety powder scale, powder funnel, powder data manual,
cutter and lock stud to trim cases, chamfer tool, case sizing lube, auto
prime, shell holder set, and primer pocket cleaning tool. No manual
comes with it, but you can pick the one you want instead of being stuck
with one they send. LEE Deluxe Pistol Kit : This kit comes with the LEE
Turret Press, auto disk powder measure, LEE Safety powder scale, primer
pocket cleaner, cutter and lock stud to trim cases, chamfer tool.
