New Shooter. I'm not Uncle B or GG, but I can give you a few thoughts to get you started. Everyone else can chime in and comment then.
1) Get a good set of Calipers. I like the Starret digital model that turns off after 4 minutes. A set of calipers is the most often used measuring tool you will use. (around $100)
2) Get a 1" Micrometer. This will allow you to very accurately measure things less than 1", like case diameters (checking for pressure signs), Outside neck diameter, bullet diameters etc. These measure down to the .0001" and are pretty handy. Get one that has a locking barrel, so you don't bump it while you are reading it.
3) Get a good scale. I personally like digital scales, however you have to be willing to 'put up' with them. I always plug mine in at least an hour before I need it so it gets up to working temperature inside. Otherwise, it slowly creeps its readings. A balance beam scale will work but has its own drawbacks. Along with the digital scale, I have the automatic trickler. People either love them or hate them. I wouldn't want to reload without one.
4) I use the Stoney point tools for measuring bullets and cartridges. If you get both of the Stoney pt kits (head space gauge and bullet comparator) you will be set for measuring things with your caliper (approx $19 each). I also have both of the Sinclair 6 sided comparators (approx $9 each).
5) A good funnel is used all the time. I have a set from midway that has interchangeable tips, to fit different caliber shells. It is very handy and pretty cheap.
6) Dies - I've tried all manner of dies and they all work. For the 338AM, Kirby should be able to get you the correct dies. For the rest, I like Full Length dies for most things and I like the micrometer seating dies that have the spring loaded sleeves (Forster and Redding Competition style).
7) You will need a large press for the 338AM. I purchased the RCBS Ammomaster 2 and I think it will work well. It is big enough to handle anything up to the 50BMG. Mine will remain setup for my 338AM. Anything smaller will be reloaded on my old RCBS Rockchucker. There are tons of choices and if I were doing it today, I'd buy the best regular size press I could find. I'm sure others will chime in with their favorites.
8) Loading manuals. Get you a couple just for reference. I have a library full of them. I have recently ordered the Quickload software (I've played with an older version). And feel that its a great addition to the library (and fun to use as well). I recently purchased 'Handloading for Competition' from Zediker, I wish I had read this book years ago. In my opinion its a 'must have'; tons of info on setting things up and measuring stuff.
9) Measuring resized cases and loaded rounds for concentricity is important if you are interested in making the highest quality reloads. I have the Sinclair Concentricity tool and it is very will made.
10) If you are going to neck turn your brass, you will need to be able to measure the neck thickness. Sinclair sells a couple of very nice gages for this (one analog and one digital). I have the analog and it works well, it has a built in micrometer. I'm sure the digital would be great, but is $50 more and the battery can go dead. They also make a Neck thickness checking gage that has a dial indicator; its fast for checking thickness differences, but not as accurate as a Micrometer for getting actual thickness. I use the Sinclair Neck turning set, its very accurate and easy to use. Everyone has their favorite.
Well there is my top 10 list in no particular order. I'm sure I missed a few things (like a nice solid bench, good lighting etc. etc.) but this can give you something to think about.
Websites I use are
www.midwayusa.com and
www.sinclairintl.com
Hope this helped, even though I'm not UncleB or GG.
Don
