i load a LOT of 357... plinking and hunting... also reload a lot of 280 rem as well as my 35 Whelen AI where reloading is the only option... Recently gave up loading for teh 45 Colt... i have a lot of other dies for firearms i own but do not shoot often... just in case...

my 357 hunting loads consist of:

CCI small pistol magnum primer = $.022
Hornady 158 gr XTP = $.14
16.5 gr of WW296 = $.042 ($18 / lb @ 7000 grains / lb)

cases are paid for many times over...

cost / hunting round = $.204 / round x 50 = $10.20 / box of 50

plinkin loads on the other hand.... using my own cast bullets from free wheel weights... add a dab of lube... cost is ???? insignificant

CCI small pistol primer = $.020
6.8 grains of Unique = $.015 ($15 / lb @ 7000 grains / lb)

total cost / round = $.035 / round or $1.75 / 50

no wonder i can afford to shoot the wheel guns a lot