Hey there, this is my first post.
After much deliberation, I have decided to start reloading. I'm sure posts like these are made all the time so I'll get right to the point.
I shoot lever guns pretty much exclusively (1873, 1886, 1892, 1894).
NOTE: Just because they're lever guns doesn't mean I'm actually doing SASS or have to follow all those rules. There is only 1 cowboy shooting meetup by me every 2 months, so really I'm just range shooting at the 25-100 yards.
I plan to use mostly lead/cast boolits (not cast by myself). I presume the benefits would be cost, and less wear on barrels. Any other benefits are new to me. I don't ever have any desire to slug a bore, so hopefully that doesn't affect anything... I know very little about this topic.
I want to reload all the following calibers:
rifle: 45-70, 30-30
pistol: .357 mag, .44 mag, 45 LC
To start with though, and to learn, I will start with .357
As far as my goals:
1) it's mostly to shoot more (especially for the larger calibers like 45-70). Paying $3.50 per round is insane, and I'd love to shoot 45-70 for less than a dollar (when considering case can be reloaded 10+ times).
2) my second goal is so I can load down... either for the purpose of not wearing out my 1873's, or simply for comfort in shooting 100+ rounds. .357 must be loaded down for the 1873, and 30-30, 45-70, and .44 mag would all be loaded down for comfort.
3) Quantity over quality. Supreme accuracy is not really a concern, as I can only shoot on weekends, and don't shoot matches. Really I just want to churn out loads for cheap, ideally at factory ammo performance or better.
I shoot 200 rounds per week, but that's mostly trying to preserve ammo. I'd love to shoot 400 rounds per week.
Here is my buy list. I'm sure there are stupid mistakes in here, PLEASE let me know!
NOTE: I haven't fully read reloading manuals yet, I'm only buying the stuff first based on basic skimming/research. I will do a deep dive as it arrives and I work through it.
I tried to be comprehensive but I'm sure I missed something
* Dillon 550 + .357 caliber conversion kit https://www.dillonprecision.com/s000224
* RCBS dies .357 Cowboy - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011720846?pid=428643
* RCBS die locking ring wrench - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011504274?pid=221930
* UFO 550 LED Kit - https://kmssquared.com/products/ufo-...on-rl450-rl550
* 2x RCBS Universal Reloading Tray - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1009923891?pid=857330
* RCBS M500 powder scale- https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016279058?pid=232621
* Dillon digital caliper - https://www.dillonprecision.com/17171
* Dillon Primer flip tray - https://www.dillonprecision.com/13606
* Dillon small primer tubes - https://www.dillonprecision.com/20049
* Dillon case lube - https://www.dillonprecision.com/s000256
* Lyman case prep multi-tool https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101286290?pid=135615
* FA Pile Driver bullet puller - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022385082?pid=621674
* FA Wet tumbler - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012721373?pid=713881
* FA Medium magnet - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012716058?pid=375973
* Lyman dual sifter - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016993467?pid=949347
* Brass Juice - https://www.thereloadingstation.com/...uice-case-wash
* Case guage... would I need this? https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012784517
--- Misc other notes:
I would love to get some enhancements that I see talked about very often from here: https://uniquetek.com/dillon-enhance...by-press/rl550
But there are so many, that I quite literally have no idea where to begin. If there are 3-5 "must haves" I'd love to hear them!
Thanks!