I started reloading with shotgun shells back in 1959. Even then the cost of equipment/supplies made you wonder if it was worth the price. After making rough calculations, I found out that it was worth the startup price. I'm still doing reloading (but not shotgun shells though I have the equipment). Now, in my advanced years, I look at reloading this way: If you're going to build a new deck, which do you buy (a hand saw or a skil saw). The hand saw is much cheaper but will take you weeks longer than the skil saw. Plus, with the skil saw, you'll have the tool to build an addition onto your house much easier. The price of supplies now is higher than then but the hourly pay rate is higher also (actually in a pretty close ratio).