what would i need to get started in reloading 45 long colt?

The first thing is a good reloading manual. While I have never read it myself, many recommend the ABC's of reloading.

First get a reloading manual, one that is complete with safety instructions, set up instructions, and reloading instructions, in addition to the load data. Once you have the manual and have read it thoroughly and have decided that you are really willing to go to all the trouble of reloading in safe manner, buy another manual and read it as well. I have four separate reloading manuals currently. While the loads listed are not exactly the same, I can double check the information in one manual against that in another, assuming that the cartridge is covered in both, and the .45 Colt will be in most, and insure that the listed loads are very similar.

After acquiring and reading two or more manuals, you will need a basic reloading kit which should include the press, a scale, a case trimmer, this will not be as important if you are loading revolver ammunition as it will for other types of firearms, calipers, etc. You will also have to purchase the correct dies and shell holder for your chosen cartridge(s) before you can reload. At this point I should mention that you will need different equipment for reloading black powder cartridges than you would for smokeless ammo.

After you have all of the basic hardware and accessories, you will need brass, easily obtained if you are reloading your own empty cases, primers, powder, and bullets. For those components, particularly the primers and powder do not deviate from what the reloading manual tells you to use. If you plan to switch primers after you have established the load you will be using, you should start over with the lightest listed load and work up an entirely new load.

Another thing to point out here is that there are three different sets of loading data in my manuals for your chosen round and they are all for different types of firearms, do not use lever action rifle loads or loads designed for a modern handgun for an antique revolver.

Good luck.

ADD: A good DVD showing the reloading process wouldn't be a bad investment either, and I did intend to tell you that you should find someone knowledgeable, trustworthy, and competent to show you the process and then supervise your initial efforts.

Edit #2. When I edited it the first time, YA was screwing up and it posted what I added and removed the original answer.

Reloading 45 Long Colt

45 Long Colt Reloading

Cheap?

Start with buying a good reloading manual. The better ones tell you everything you need to know. After that you need a simple one stage reloading press, dies for the 45 Colt, some shell cases, primers, powder, bullets. If you are going to make your own bullets, you need a melting pot and molds for 45 Colt bullets. (They are not the same as the 45 ACP bullet molds so make sure you get the right molds)

Then you need to be able to read instructions and follow them....pay attention to detail.

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