No disagreement at all from here on the ownership of a 22 vs. reloading for plinking. It's just un-American not to own a 22, but it's also not necessary to purchase a $600-$700 masterpiece if OP just wants one for plinking and you can pick-up a good little shooter for a lot less. May not be a Smith, but it will serve the purpose.

As for reloading....if you don't cast your own slugs, of course the cost goes up closer to 15-cents a round and then there is the $50-$75 investment in a press and a set of dies to consider. But, the powder and primers can be had all over the place at shooting ranges and gun-shows easily enough and you dodge all the haz-mat shipping hassle. If you have to do it by mail....it will certainly always be more expensive.

OP...get a 22 anyway....EVERYBODY just has to have a 22!