new to reloading

[Embalmer]

Can anyone link cheap but usable stuff I'd need to load for my 73 trapdoor. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I don't know what I need to fully load a metalic round (load paper rounds for civil war guns all day)

[Parashooter]

For a minimalist approach, the Lee Loader will do the job at low cost - but it's slow. http://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/7718

For greater convenience and versatility, you'll want a press, dies, shellholder, loading manual and powder scale. These and a few more handy gadgets like case trimmer and powder measure can run the cost well above $200 if bought new - but can sometimes be found used for much less.

Powder and primers are pretty essential and should be available at a well-stocked gun or outdoor store locally, avoiding HazMat shipping charges. Lead alloy bullets and empty cases suitable for your Trapdoor may be available locally or can be ordered from outfits like Graf's or Midway. For maximum economy, a bullet mould, melting pot, and ladle let you make your own bullets from scrap lead alloy - as good or better than anything you can buy. http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/...productId/7804

[JohnMOhio]

May I offer a suggestion, get a reloading maunal and read the first couple of chapters on reloading. I will describe all the equipment you Might need depending on your current and future needs for reloading. Then you can decide where your going for future relaoding projects and purchase accordingly. New or used equipment. You can check curret prices on new at place such as Midway USA and compare that to used equipment at a gun show. Purchase accordingly to you budget. If you plan on doing many different calibers in the future, don't skimp on quality equipment, it last darn near forever.

Hope this is of some help.
John

[Embalmer]

Ok thanks. Looking for something simple ad will only be loading for the trapdoor using one black powder(as always got a large stockpile on hand for civil war reenacting).

Ill look into all options, and pick up that book

[da gimp]

Find a good old used Rockchucker & get a set of RCBS dies & a shellholder for it & a good powder scale, a chamfering tool (case necks) & a primer flip tray. RCBS dies are 100% no BS warranty, your fault, their fault, it doesn't matter.....

If you get into shooting large quantities of rifle ammo such as an AR platform much, or centerfire pistols, pick up a good Dillon 550B. We load .30-06, .308Win, .223, .45ACP, .45Colt, .44mag/.44spec, .357mag/.38spec, 9mm Para, .40S&W /10mm.

With me loading primer tubes & my wife putting bullets on the charged & watching powder level in the cases, my daughter loaded about 485 .38spec in about 1 hour...on our Dillon 550B the 1st time we used it. Took us about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get the dies perfect in the tool head that 1st time.

[buttebob]

For black powder you'll need a drop tube and wads. Don't leave an air space between bullet and powder. Bullet lub is also different for black powder, as are the bullets. Steve Garbe has a good manual.

[joem]

You will also need a powder drop designed for black powder unless you plan to scoop it out onto a scale.

[Embalmer]

picked up a lee turret press for $40. would these + a crimper be what I need for the dies?

http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Three-Die-.../dp/B000N8QLNE

loading black powder for my civil war muskets, carbines, and revolvers I already got proper measuring tools, and pouring devices for powder. basicly just needed a list of equipment for making the actual cartridges.

[Parashooter]

That Lee 3-die set includes the crimp function as part of the third (seating) die. You shouldn't need any additional dies. (The Lee "Factory Crimp" die you may be thinking about is not necessary.)

Hope you realize you can find the dies elsewhere for somewhat lower cost. For instance, $34.95, including shipping, from Graf and Sons.

[Embalmer]

im sure I can. I just wanted to be sure thats what i needed for dies before I bought anything. Also glad I dont need that factory crimper as saves $$. now that I know, is what I need, ill look for cheaper elsewhere.

next thing on list find the brass cases, and plain lead projectiles.