Your reasons for getting into casting will determine much of your equipment choices. I shoot alot of 44 and 45 cal in single actions and levers and I'm a tighwad.
I would suggest first reading the books previously mentioned.
Keep it simple. My favorite method is a simple electric pot and ladle.
I like one or two cavity bullet molds. Lighter and easier to work with.
I use mostly wheelweights, relatively cheap, easy to find but you gotta sort thru them, lots of zinc and other unknown in there. I'm a scrounger, keep a bucket in the truck for weights I pickup in parking lots, told you I was a tightwad. Still slot of lead out there, just look for it.
Lots of safety precautions as I'm sure you know but I'll say fresh air, a faceshield and leather gloves and boots are more comfortable than burns.
