Handloading is always going to more cost effective, unless you are only going to be shooting the really cheap promotional/sale ammo. One must weigh the cost of initial start up cost with the amount of shooting to be done too. Basically, you are not going to save money outright by handloading but are going to be able to shoot twice as much for the same outlay of dollars. Only you know what lays ahead in your shooting future, but I would highly reccomend it if you are somewhat younger. If you have a spouse or children, it's another way to share quality time together with and something that can be passed on just like Rloving said above. When you look at the big picture of handloading there are variousgains in doing so.

You dont have to start out with every new gizwidgit either. There are a few starting packages availalble from RCBS, Lee, Hornady, Lyman etc. They will supply every thing needed to get you started.Other options are looking at"for sale"boards at local gun shops/gun ranges, looking in the newpaper and even yard/garage sales.