I have never loaded before. I am looking to reload .338 Lapua & .223 WSSM. Right now I have been buying Black Hills .338 Lapua 300 gr. Sierra Matchking and Winchester 55 gr. Supreme Ballistic Silvertip . Not very cost effective anymore as I shoot more and more, especially the Black Hills. Below are a series of questions that hopefully the answers can help get me started reloading.

What press or kit should I buy?

Does a electronic scale and powder measure worth it in the begnning?

Who is the best online retailer for reliading gear and supplies?

Where is the best place to get reloading data for each caliber that I am interested in?

What are the best dies to buy for .338 Lapua?

I am not looking necessarily to out perform the factory ammo that I have been using but just match it for the time being. I am sure as I get better at reloading, I am sure I will be able to design a load that can out perform what I am currently using. I already have Redding dies for .223 WSSM. Both rifles are HS Precision Pro-Series 2000 magazine repeaters. I shoot .223WSSM at varmints only and the .338 long range, 1000yd. Thanks in advance any information will be greatly appreciated. Happy New Year!

Reloading is an experience unto itself. You will learn and see a lot of stuff that you never knew before. A good way to start is on a single stage press; an RCBS Rockchucker in the kit form is a good one. Get more than one loading manual, they list data for their particular brand of bullet, and also have a lot of information on the process of reloading. I like to have one from each of the major bullet manufacturers that I shoot: Speer, Sierra, Hornady. Also go to your various gun shops and get the free powder manuals from the powder manufacturers (IMR, Hodgdon, Alliant), or write to them for copies. It is also possible to get "Loadbooks" or "Loadmaps" that have several bullet and powder brands' data listed in one place. These publications can be found at the major retailers. There are a bunch out there...I like to look at several sources for the same product and compare prices, shipping, etc. Here are some:

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/

http://www.midwayusa.com

http://www.natchezss.com/

Also see:

http://www.reload-nrma.com/

There are more out there, you just have to look. Good luck.

Rock Chucker single stage press is about the best single stage going. A friend that reloads is better (To show you how). I bought the kit and replaced alot of it so it I could not justify the expense. I kept the trimmer scale and press. Redding dies are about as good as it gets for screw in type. Electronic scale and powder dispenser from PACT are great but not fast (about 4 secs per charge) Beam scales are work great also. I weigh every charge. High volume and competition shooters would never get to the range. They meter their loads with a hand powder thrower and check every 5th or 10th load (Harrels makes a really good one -The Woodchuck Den).
Get a few good manuals first.They are the best source of info. Seirra, Hodgen, Nosler are all good, any place that sells powder or bullets will sell these. RCBS makes a decent how to reloading video. Seirra Bulletsmiths are great info and will walk you through anything (Sierra Bullets help line)even if you are using someone elses stuff (I had them on the phone for an hour walking me through a die set up). Sinclair is another great source of info and high end reloading stuff. Remember reloading equipment is a tool and you get what you pay for. Start with a few manuels and a video or two they will save you money in the long run. Buy high quality tools (not the most expensive ones). Then follow my signature.

Before you get started reloading, I would strongly recommend purchasing the Sierra, Nosler, Hornady Reloading Manual and reading the first few chapters. The manual will present the reloading process, what is accomplished with each step, physics behind firing a load, cautions, etc.

Enjoy! During the winter I like to spend time in the garage (heated) with the music on, a cup of coffee, and reloading some ammo. I find the whole experience therapeutic!

As mentioned above, get several manuals and closely read the "how-to" sections. Then read them again.

Set up and load when and where there are no distractions. For me that means no TV on, not answering the phone, etc.
A pot of coffee and some good music goes well with the process, though.

Read the manuals again. The loadbooks, as noted, are a great value.

Since no one else has said it, Welcome aboard!!
The best advice you`ll find here is to get a manual and read. All the manuals listed are good but I`ll add The Lyman #49 to the list. It has very good info on step by step loading with lots of pictures.

Try your library for other books on reloading and take your time to understand what you can do, what you want to do, and what you need to do, before you start buying tools. You`ll find some of the stuff you read about here isn`t needed to load basic ammo, although you`ll probibly want to advance and have it in the future. I agree with others on the RCBS kits, there the best deal out ther. I`d stay with a single stage press to begin with. I`ll get flamed by the handgunners but, I feel though the progresives are appealing they are more complcated to set up and easier for a beginner to have problems with. Remember this is a hobby you`re suppost to enjoy not a manufacturing business. You don`t need speed to start, you need to get good safe ammo then look at ways to improve it.

If there is a gun club in your area ask if one of the members would mine helping a new guy get started. Some times members have used presses, dies, ect for sale in the club news letter cheap that you may want.

Steves pages linked above has a mind blowing amount of good stuff on it and can point you to the best places to buy, and use equipment and data on any cartridge I can think of.

www.reloadingpro.com/ is another good site for a beginnner to look at.
Have fun...........

Cabelas RCBS Supreme Kit SALE

Cabelas has that kit for $220 which is about 20-30better then anyplace else i have seen.

Check out your local club or contact the NRA Education Dept. to see if there is any NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading course being offered near you. It's a good way to try out some equipment and get some hands on instruction at the same time. The NRA's Guide to Reloading is one of the better Step by step manuals. The above is all great info too, good luck and welcome. Feel free to ask lots of questions.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Please keep it coming. Today at the gunshow I picked up some .338 Lapua dies. They are Forster Bonanza? Not sure if they are any good, it was all I could find. I looked around for manuals and everyone seemed very proud of theres and wanted way too much in my opinion. I might try the library too, that seems like a logical first step. Below was the RCBS press/kit I was interested in. I would like feed back about this kit and while I am willing to pay that much upfront to start, will I see any real benfit other than not having to upgrade down the road...

RCBS Advanced RC Supreme Master Reloading Kit

I have also been talking to a friedn fo mine locally that is willing to help me get started as soon as i get all my gear pruchased, installed and ready to start. I think that will be priceless.