I'm finally financially able to get into reloading but am confused about what all I need. I know there's a multitude of components and and packages out there, but if someone could give me list of of necessary tools/machines I'd appreciate it. I'm going to be focusing on pistol reloading for now being that I shoot them way more often.

Check out the RCBS starter kit. Good way to start. Here are the basics:
Press
Case trimmer
Powder Scale
Shell holders
Dies
Powder drop (not necessary but very useful)
Calipers
Loading block (holds cases as you fill them ect)
**LOTS OF LOAD BOOKS: Sierra, Hornady, Speer, Nosler.
***The ABC's of Reloading (Good starter book)

I'm sure the other guys on here can add to the list. And there are other starter kits out there as well.

All of my pistol reloading is done with a Dillon 550 progressive press. Some people will argue with my next point, but "buy once, cry once". If you shoot alot of pistol loads you really need to think progessive. Loading 100's with a single stage is very time consuming. I bought a RCBS kit when I started 15 years ago and still use today. A good set of measuring tools is a must (1"mic, 6" caliper is a must). Get the best of everything you can. Dillon makes great equipment and has a no questions asked warranty.

A sticky on the top of this section done by Kmon1 is very well written and insightful. Reading there will get you started

If you are near a Cabelas, I have been told they have on the weekends, a intro to loading kind of loading basics (101).

The Cabelas in Allen does not do the classes, but as far as I know the one in Fort Worth does. Think there are 2 offered every Sunday and they are free. Several here have gone and they recomend the classes.

I am the one that posted that sticky but others namely RiverRider, KC and Jeh7mmmag had a lot of input into what got posted.

Closest Cabela's is in Austin.

If you don't have a reloading manual, that's the first thing to buy---and READ it. I recommend the latest Lyman manual but Speer, Sierra, and Hornady put out good manuals too.

Based on what other people say, I'd get a Dillon progressive IF you're bent on going with a progressive at all...but, I really think (and I know many others will agree) that for learning the ropes a single-stage press is best. I would DEFINITELY recommend a single-stage for rifle cartridges.

If I was you I think I'd buy the RCBS combo that Cabela's is putting on sale. You can get it on-line if you don't want to drive to and IN Austin (can't say I blame you a bit for that!). There's even a free shipping promotion available right now. The kit includes a Speer manual, by the way.

As you get into it, you'll see tooling options that make things a lot more convenient and you'll discover certain chores you detest---I happen to hate trimming and chamfering cases so I set myself up with a mototrized RCBS trimmer with all the doodads that make it easier, like Trim Gauges and 3-Way Cutters. I don't know of anyone who doesn't add new tools and accessories to their reloading bench as time goes by, so you probably shouldn't try to completely outfit yourself right off the bat.

Anyway, if you decide to spring for the RCBS kit, you may want to go ahead and buy a trimmer and the required accessories (there are TONS of options for case trimming), some dies, and a case tumbler. You'll need media for it too. With that much, you can get the show on the road and start acquiring experience. But don't forget the powder, primers and bullets!

Guess I'll be looking into the RCBS kit.

RCBS, Lyman, Redding, Sinclair, Dillon and LEE all make good stuff. The Lee case presses are very good fro the price. I think most kits come these days with a hand primer which is also a good investment.

Cody Malone has some of the items you will be wanting fro sale on here if not already sold, he jsut bought this stuff back in the summer I think.

Wouldn't I want a kit with the rotating head on it? Or is that too complicated for now?

thing about the rotating head is often tehy will develope a little slack, not a huge deal but I know you like precision rifle shooting and for that I think the single stage one hole press is a better idea. I have a lyman Spar-T 6 hole press that I use for Pistol rounds and leave the dies setup in it for a couple different pistols but when making rifle rounds I always go back to the single stage single hole presses. probally the most accurate press for makign BR type loads is the Coaxial press, Varget708 I think went to one of those. I have never bothered with it as the LEE, RCBS, and herters presses I have can produce half MOA or better ammo

The Forster Co-Ax is a great press, but a little pricey. If you are sure you want to reload and want the best single-stage, that's the one to get. IMO, of course.

If you would ever get up here and hunt with me and Brandon I would run you step by step through everything you need. Just give me a shout, after the first of the year would be great...

I'll be up there to pick up another upper after the new year. Probably be covered in an inch of dust by then. It's been done for weeks.

Well there you go. Let me know a few days in advance and we'll plan it out.