If someone were to start out reloading for shotshells with no prior experience, what would they need.

Only looking at 12 guage 2 3/4-3"

Mec 600 jr. press, Remington hulls, correct wads for the volume of shot you are wanting to load, primers and powder. Most important, however..get the latest Lyman Shotshell Reloading manual. Read it cover to cover.

Years ago I bought a Lee Loads All? for $29 Used it for many years and it did a nice job. all you need to get start after the manual.

Have even though about getting another one just for 3.5 inch shell if they make it for 3.5 Any body know about the 3.5

jeh - the MEC steelmaster is the only press I am aware of that will load 3.5's. Here is the link: http://www.mecreloaders.com/ProductLine/SteelMaster.asp

Hayraker...shotgun shells are pretty easy to reload and not real easy to screw up. Depending on your volume a single stage MEC press would be an excellent press and if you are wanting to do steel the steelmaster would be a good one for both. If you shoot a lot it won't take you long to want a progressive press, the 9000 is a good one.

To give you an example...on a single stage MEC sizemaster (press I started with) I can load about 100 shells in 40 minutes but with my Ponsness Warren progressive I can do a flat (250) in that same time.

Nothing wrong with a single stage if you aren't shooting a lot of shells.

Otherwise tth is dead on. If you need help let me know I don't mind showing you what I know. Oh one piece of equipment I wouldn't load without is a scale. The bushing charts for every manufacturer is just a starting point you need a scale to be safe and sure as to what you are getting.

I have 2 Lee Load Alls, one in 12 ga. and one in 20ga. They do a pretty good job and are very easy to learn on. Low priced too. I've just found that I seem to be doing more on my Mecs, they seem to give more uniform results and are adjustable as far as crimp is concerned. Judd is absolutely correct in recommending a good scale for safety and uniformity..I wouldn't load any shells without one. A single stage is a good platform to learn on and generally are less expensive than a full progressive. It all depends on how many shells you need to load.

Good info guys

Judd, I don't shoot a whole lot, and not looking to shoot all reloads, just thinking about a new little hobby.

I would probably only load a couple flats of lead and then someday down the road load some steel. I would like to be able to load some hot 2 3/4 steel loads at some point.

I'm going to start out by getting that manual and reading it.

A single stage would be perfect then. I don't mind helping you when/if you are ready so let me know, we aren't that far away from each other.

I have decided I am going to reload some steel this year but I have a fair amount of stock to roll thru before I start that.

Good luck!

Thanks!

new to the forum but been wondering this as well.. thanks for the info guys