You can save money reloading.You can also spend a little or a bunch on reloading equipment ,such as press and prepping tools depending on what you decide you want. I would suggest you first get a reloading manual, or try to find someone close to you to help you start out. A good place to buy STUFF is Shooting Supplies, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Hunting, Ammunition, Gun Parts & Rifle Scopes — MidwayUSA If you already have a press and dies that is a good START, depending on how much you shoot and how much time you want to spend on reloading. It is very easy to do and can get addictive and like any thing else, the better the quality of the reloading tools you get, will probably make it,faster , much easier, and last longer, and cost less in the long run. There is good info on this sight and you can get answers to any question you have. When first starting out take your time and go slow.I am concidering taking up reloading. I have been given a Press and a set of dies for .45 and .223. besides brass, primers, bullets, and powder what will I need to get started? Next where can this stuff be had? And is it honestly more economical to reload or just buy new?
which type of die is better, carbide or standard?
Carbide is going to be more forgiving of cases that are not as clean, will probably last longer, and does need as much if any lube for a full length resize.
Depending on the die and the brand, they aren't that much more expensive than standard dies.
I'm fairly new to reloading as well, and just make it a rule to lube my rifle cases that are full length sized, and I'll be honest that I don't know if those dies are carbide or not. Dies for my pistol cartriges are carbide and I don't lube them.
Most (not all, but most) rifle dies are not carbide. It's harder to do carbide dies for rifle since the case walls are not straight. For pistol dies they just use a ring of carbide material for the resize which is much cheaper than having to make a longer tapered body.
Then I bought some nail polish and water proof the primers and bullet ends . Cheaper and still effective.
Good luck
Is this something that has to be done? I never thought of painting the primer or bullet crimp ends....