getting started w/ amazon gift card...

[nrc]

I wound up with about $150 on an Amazon gift card, and figured what the heck (I was lurking on this site when the card arrived) figured I might as well get started. I've been shooting for 35yrs, reloading for 25, and shooting cast on and off most of the time.

For the first caliber, I figured I'd start with 357 mag. Here's whats in my cart so far:

Lyman 2 cavity handles
Lyman 358430 DC mold
Lee Precision 358 lube/size kit
Lyman big dipper furnace
Lee Dipper

(edited to add: I have the lyman cast bullet handbook....)

What am I missing / What am I buying that I don't need / What would you do if starting out with one caliber and < $200....

Thanks.

Nate

[338RemUltraMag]

Scrap most of it lol,

Me personally:

Lee 6 cav 158 swc
Lee 6 cav handles
Lee pro 4-20 bottom pour pot
Table spoon (much better than a lee dipper)
And a push through sizer.

[runfiverun]

lyman dipper over the lee one.
but for 200.00 i'd get the 20 lb bottom pour a mold [the 358-158-rnfp] and handles and the sizing kit.
you'll probably be able to cover shipping too.

[dilly]

Might want to consider a reloading manual for cast bullets specifically.

[detox]

The Lee dipper will work, but the Lyman or RCBS will fill the mould better. Lyman or RCBS type dipper is designed to be held against the sprue plate for better fill or you can hold away for less fill pressure.

You will need a casting thermometer also
http://www.amazon.com/Tel-Tru-LT225R-Replacement-Thermometer-degrees/dp/B0055777EU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367876415&sr=8-2&keywords=green+egg+thermometer

Welding or leather gloves

I like a 20 lb pot, but the 10 lb will work.

[nrc]

Would I be better off starting with something that doesn't need sizing (or is there such a thing?

I have a 54 cal lyman MZ rifle with 1:48 twist.

[runfiverun]

they say there is but I run everything through the sizer even the t/l type boolits.
if nothing else I get another chance to look them over and catch anything oversized or badly out of round.