I wouldn't look for the cheapest entry point for the press. I've been out of the reloading business for a while now, but I had a Redding (can't remember the model) back when I was handloading for accuracy in my rifles. I'd follow SLG's advice.
The other points are equally valid - there is some BASIC science involved in this process, but the rest if pure Art. You're going to have to fiddle fuck with a bunch of variables (bullet make & weight, bullet seating depth, powder make and charge, etc) until you find the load that meets your needs. For me, I was looking for sub MOA 5 shot groups at 100 yards out of short barreled hunting rifles - which is child's play compared to loading for 1,000 yard shots. My only bit of advice would be to get a decent press, match grade dies, match grade powder measure, and seat the bullets as close to the lands of the barrel as possible while still allowing them to feed from the magazine. Everything else is going to be trial and error.
Good luck!