Cheapest factory 9s I have cost 4.44 on closeout. most paid in the last 8 or 10 months was 11.49 box/. I still don't load the 9. the components cost more than the loaded ammo. 5 cents for the primer 12 cents jacketed bullet actually more. 4 cents for the powder. 2 cents for my time and a couple or 3 cents for brass wear and tear on the machine and other odd costs. Yes you do have to add time,etc,etc. so at least 25 cents apples to apples. And component cost continue to rise... inflation still continues. I will spend my component costs on ammo that I get more return on percentage wise. 357 35 a box...5 cent primer 20 cent bullet 5 cent powder...same fixed costs...40 cents each. 20 dollar a box 15 dollar savings instead of a break even game...And it goes up from there....I.E. the savings of reloading splained. BTW...rifle reloading is a bit different game as is shotshell loading