I started reloading about 1972 and bought my first bullet mold shortly thereafter. Ever since, every time I pick up another firearm in a new caliber I also buy reloading dies and a bullet mold or two. Quite a few of my firearms have never been fired with factory ammunition.
During the "great depression" in ammunition availability (2008 to just about now) while everyone was moaning about no ammo to be had I was happily meeting my own needs without much difficulty. I did suffer some sticker shock on primers and powder prices (and availability), but I was able to keep everything shooting at acceptable costs.
Couple of years ago I acquired a Winchester 1892 rifle in .25-20. Factory ammo (when available) was about $80.00 per 50-round box. Located a couple hundred cases, cast some bullets, and got it shooting very nicely for about $8.00 per box.
Last year I added a .44-40 Marlin Model 1894 (110 years old now). Try to find that ammo in a store! Bought some cases, cast some bullets, and started having fun for about $9.00 per box.
I've been loading and shooting .45 Long Colt in my first generation Colt SAA for over 20 years. Usually costs me about twice as much as good .22LR ammo to produce.
.32-20, .45-70, .45-90, .45 Sharps Express, and a few other less common calibers have not been huge problems to deal with. I keep them all shooting without breaking the bank every time I go to the range.
I started reloading out of necessity. With two kids to feed and a mortgage to pay on skinny little cop paychecks, if I wanted to keep shooting I had to do it. Casting bullets brought additional savings. For many years I shot .38 Special, .45ACP, 9mm Luger, and several others with homemade ammo that actually cost less than good .22LR (back in the days of surplus bulk powder, primers at less than $10.00 per thousand, and used wheel weights free for the asking at any service station or tire store). It costs a little more now, but so does that .45 Colt SAA you just got.
