Wanting to start reloading

The very first reloading related item I picked up was Lyman's 49th edition reloading manual for about 20$. I read it 2 or 3 times before deciding reloading was for me. Next item was a tumbler.Here is where the road splits, do you want a single stage press (RCBS Rock Chucker) or a progressive (Dillon XL650). I reload pistol rounds on a progressive and rifle on my single stage. Get a loading manual first.
 
look at the sticky posted on the reloaded forum also most imprtant is a manual and decide if you want to take the time to reload or you just want to dish out quantity instead of quality , i got a single stage press and ive done from precision loads to 1000+ 556, like i said all that 556 was time consuming but i didnt mind it since i use it as a stress relief.....
 
ABCs of Reloading is another good book to read to start with.

As for brands, all of the major brands work well. You will find fanboys that will tell you only X brand is good and Y brand is complete junk. But you will just just as many using Y brand and getting good results.

I suggest starting with a single stage, as you will continue to use that for the rest of your reloading career.

I started with a Lyman turret press. Loading mainly plinking/blasting ammunition to save money. I gave that to my Dad, and built a new setup with a Dillon 650 progressive for pistol and .223. And a single stage for most of my .308 loading.