I started with a Lee Loader back when I was a teen and reloaded for my Marlin .30/30 and my 20 ga. I learned how be be very careful measuring powder and storing primers. I didn't do any serious damage, but I did dumb things a couple times like spilling some powder (with a Lee, measured volumetrically) and just sort of guessing how much spilled or scooping it off the table into the cartridge or shell.

Later I bought an RCBS reloader for the .30/30 and then another set of dies for the .270. Also bought a good balance. I fell in with bad company (a couple of university profs who were experimentalists) and began loading the .270 for squirrels using a 100 gr (I think, may have been 110gr) hand-cast and waxed pure lead bullets with a light-loaded cartrdige with fast pistol powder. We used pure lea on the theory that the bullet would spatter on contact rather than carry. The report was much quieter. The bullet was inaccurate as hell after 100 yds, but who shoots squirrels at 100 yds?--not me. Its probably illegal using a centerfire rifle outside of deer season. But its a heck of a fine way to sharpen your aim with a big rifle, ceaply and pain-free. I also reloaded for deer and doves.

I reloaded until I went in the USN and then picked-up the nasty habit for a few years after until matrimonial bliss and harmony overwhelmed good sense and bachelorhood.

If your seriously interested I highly recommend finding some other folks who reload, especially for the same type of shooting you enjoy. The folks I've known over the years who were reloaders woul do anything for a novice--even loan'em presses and dies and stuff. It's a hobby that hates a full wallet.

Its probably like making beer--you'll never actually save much money but you'll have complete control over what you want.

Botnst