Reloading Pistol cartridges

[Carver]

I’m toying with idea that I should take up reloading for my 45 and 380. Question is it better to buy a kit all put together or should I buy the individual components. I have reloaded shotgun in all gauges but never pistol or rifle. Need some help here.
Thanks Bill

[Bugs]

Buy a Dillon.

[ESquared]

Just starting myself (for 357 [Henry BBS], 30-30, 308 and 45 ACP. Bought the Hornady Classic Lock N Load Kit "new old stock" on GunBroker for about 50% of retail. Ended up buying an RCBS powder loader/scale, as I didn't care for the "no see-em" die-load approach.

Lots of kits to look at - Lee, Hornady, etc. Seems like you get just about everything (except for the dies, of course) to get you started.

Best advice I got was to go with single stage vs. progressive to begin with. Dig deep on the Reloading Sub forum for lots of info and opinions.

[.45Steel]

If you don't already have one, get a manual or two and read them. I also recommend starting with a single stage kit. Which color is up to you and your budget. You'll get a lot of suggestions as to what color.

[JEBar]

recommending a press is much like recommending a brand of truck .... the bottom line is they will all load bullets but some folks prefer one and others prefer another .... most of us seem to have started with a single stage press that was bought as a kit .... my personal preference is for a RCBS .... I used to suggest starting with one of their kits but I've come to realize that several key items in a starter kit are often upgraded rather quickly .... a balance beam scale is but one example .... for folks who are just getting into reloading I recommend trying to link up with someone who does and watch his operation .... even better if you can spend some time with more than one .... just keep the personal preference in mind

[CT_Shooter]

I have only used a LEE PRECISION Breech Lock Challenger Kit (single stage press). I had to buy .357 dies, quick change bushings, and few other tools, but it came with most everything I needed to get started and was comparatively inexpensive. I've been reloading with it for five years and see no reason to change.

[Ojaileveraction]

I’m toying with idea that I should take up reloading for my 45 and 380. Question is it better to buy a kit all put together or should I buy the individual components. I have reloaded shotgun in all gauges but never pistol or rifle. Need some help here.
Thanks Bill

What kind of volume are thinking about?
Competition shooting or recreational range shooting?
At some future date might you want to expand into rifle cartridges?

[Travlin]

How much are you really going to shoot the 380? Most of the handguns in that caliber are not exactly target pistols. I have reloaded multiple handgun and rifle cartridges since 1969. I think in the 380 just buy some inexpensive full metal jacketed round for practice and box of good stuff to keep at the ready. The .45 A.C.P. is another story but you want to shoot someplace where you can retrieve most of you brass. Use lead bullets in the .45 unless it is a Klock.
. The lead slugs are a lot easier on you barrel. Also get at least two good reloading manuals . One should be The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. A good scale is very important if you like your face and eyes.

[RanchRoper]

You might as well reload cuz my mission is to own all the factory 45 Colt on the planet....

[BigAl52]

Thats alot of cow punchin RR. Badger might have something to say about that quest.