I’ve thought about that. How hard is it to learn and how many calibers will one reloading rig (is that the correct terminology?) handle? Where do I learn, what’s the best tutorial, beginners book, etc.? What all will I need besides the main rig, dies, jigs, etc.? Who sells the best equipment, etc.? Thank you very much for any time you put into your answer. Even a partial answer will be very much appreciated, thank you.
You'll need dies for each caliber you plan to reload for (a sizing/decapping die, a seating die, and for some calibers a belling die). Something to measure grains of powder. Something to seat primers in the brass. And something to clean your brass with.
I have both a single stage RCBS and a Dillon 550b. A small balance scale and the powder measure for my Dillon are what I use to see how much powder goes in each shell. I have two different vibratory tumblers for cleaning the brass. A lee hand-held priming tool with a built-in primer flip tray rounds things out.
For what it sounds like you are wanting, I'd go with a single stage Lee or RCBS loader. Sometimes, you can find a basic kit with everything you'd need to get started other than brass/primer/powder/projectiles.
Youtube has a variety of videos on reloading and how various folks approach it. Check a library for books on reloading. Use the recommended load data for the powder/caliber your are loading for as your starting loads. keep track of what works and be very wary of folks giving you the recipe for their latest OMGWTFBBQSHTF loads.
Reloading can be a hobby in itself. My son and I have been reloading for over 25 years.
Started out with a single stage press, and graduated to a multi-stage, auto advance press when the ammo count needed to be higher (cause and effect?). I really like Dillon presses, but I’ve had great luck with a Forster five-stage auto advancing manual press, too.
First set of dies was .38/.357. Next, added 9mm (for his habit), and followed that up with .45ACP dies. Then got into rifle reloading and settled on .223 as the caliber of choice.
He has since added a couple of larger rifle calibers to his menu. I’ve pretty much settled on the .45 and .223 for my needs. Between us we reload probably 5000 - 6000 rounds a year.
Good setup will include a good solid press, good brand dies (carbide sizers, IMO), a decent hi-cap tumbler for case cleaning, and several really good reloading manuals (Sierra, Hornady, etc.).
If you add in shotgun (lighter press), you would be complete.
Powder, primers, bullets, and you are off to the races.
Have FUN! It’s a great hobby. Quick Internet search will get you started. Or a visit to a large sporting goods shop.
A typical press will handle just about any rifle/pistol cartridge except for the very largest rifle cartridges (.50 BMG, for example).
Each different cartridge will require its own set of dies, which run about $30 "or so" per set.
Reloading is not difficult if you have the right temperament.
You need to be cautious and methodical in your approach. Following instructions is important.
A medium priced single stage press will reload almost everything except the largest rifle cartridges. You need a heavier press for the large ones.
I’m partial to RCBS, but Lee, Redding, Dillon and others are just as good.
Get a good reloading book & read up on it before buying anything.
You can nearlyeveyting you need from Midwayusa.com.
Lee Anniversary Breechlog Challenger kit. just about everything you need. 109.95
Shell holders, get a full set
Dies for each individual caliber. 25.00 or so.
empty cartridges or if you have been saving them your empty cartridges, they will work perfectly.
Lead or copper jacketed bullets
Powder (see below)
Primers
You will probably pay back the cost of the equipment in the first loading session. The equipment is then free.
Powder: Go to Hodgdon.com and they have loading data Data Center for all your calibers. Follow it exactly.
As for how to use it, read the directions several times and then load.
It is exrtremely easy to reload. I wish that I had started decades before I did.