Basics needed for reloading .38 special?

[Rocky Raab]

Either one will be fine. As Denton says, if you go Lee, their Classic press is as tough and durable as presses by the other main companies - with some clever features, too.

Lee dies also have the advantage of coming with a shellholder included, so that will save you a few bucks. A Lee die that I like, but which seldom receives mention is their very clever Speed Die. It's a single die body with a screw-in carbide sizer and a separate seater stem. In fact, that's the die I use for my own .38 Special loads. I also have one for 357 Magnum (it takes a separate one).

Come to think of it, if you can practice until you get consistent charge weights with their little powder scoop (comes with every die set), you could start loading .38 Specials with only the little Anniversay press, a Speed die set and the expendable components.

Adding other calibers later might require buying a better press (essentially starting from scratch with equipment) but to load JUST 38's, the press and a Speed Die would get you going nicely!