J.Mac,
You're too young to be retired! But since you are anyway, let me tell you what I use. I have a 1973 RCBS Rock Chucker that I use almost daily, but I would suggest a Lee Cast Iron Classic for half the money. According to an ad in this month's American Rifleman, it will even load .50 BMG if that's what floats your boat.
I would suggest a solar scale, more commonly known as a beam balance, like a RCBS 505. They work whether you have electricity or not and they just seem to work correctly for decades.
I have always used RCBS dies, but lately I have bought Lee dies instead. They are less expensive and will do as much or more than the higher priced dies.
Since you are talking budget, the previous items are pretty much mandatory, I would use Lee dippers to pour an approximate amount into the scale pan. Use a trickler or whatever to bring the weight to where it's supposed to be.
Other than supplies, like powder, bullets and primers, that's all you NEED to reload. I also use a Lee hand primer instead of the priming device on the press.
You can buy cheaper setups, but what I have listed is only $140 or less for one caliber and it will last as long as you are satisfied with a single stage press. Add all of the bells and whistles you want as you go along, but this will get you started with lasting quality and it won't cost a whole lot.
I usually buy from MidwayUSA.com, but shop around and see where you get the best deal. I think Graf's still pays the shipping and this stuff isn't real light.
