My new years resolution is to be set up and reloading by fall. I want to be able to load large caliber rifle as well as .40, 9mm & .380. I would welcome experienced opinions.
~Whitney
Here's a recommended starting point.
http://www.amazon.com/Breech-Challenger-Press-Bushings-Anniversary/dp/B00162RM3E
This is the press, powder measure, scale, primer tool, and most of the small items needed to load ammo from pistol to large rifle. Sorry, it won't do 50 BMG but it will do 30-06 and the rest.
You should also get a good manual like the LEE 2nd Edition. I also recommend a good "How To" book for beginners like "The ABC's of Reloading".
You will also need a set of dies for each Caliber you choose to load. For pistol get the Carbide Dies. You don't need to mess with lubrication for the cases. Rifle dies will still make you lube the cases when "sizing".
All in all, you will spend about $100 on the press and tool kit above, about $25 per caliber for the Carbide Dies, and about $30 for each Rifle die set.
The books run from $20 -$30 each but are almost a requirement for a beginner. The Lee 2nd addition is not only a good primer on basics, but it also has a huge database of loading data. Starting and maximum powder weights for almost every caliber and bullet currently used today.
You can spend a lot more, my equipment and tools total in the thousands, but this will get one started. Usual investment is less than $200 and you can load a box or two in an evening almost from the beginning.
Start slow and see how you like the process. In time you may move up to the more expensive progressive presses, electronic powder dispensers, power case trimmers, etc. Or you may not.
Even if you "Upgrade" this basic press setup will continue to serve you for "load development". I still have my first single stage press from over 30 years ago.
A good place to "shop" is
http://www.midwayusa.com/reloading
Just don't order powder and primers from them at the same time. They have to charge two hazmat fees as they ship from two different sources.
For powder and primers I recommend
http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/
They ship from a single point and can ship up to 50# with only one hazmat fee.