I have never set down and figured up what it cost me to load a box of shells, hmmmm probably dont want to either. But I know its not as much as what a box of shellswill cost you. The reason that I started loading my own 22 years ago was that you couldnt buy a premiumloaded shell at that time. Rem core-loks or Win power points was about all that one could buyand they are fine bullets, but i wanted something different. Now just about all brands carry premium bullets. Back then it wasnt to expensive to get set up in reloading either, if my memory is correct I spent less than 350 bucks for an all RCBS outfit. Also consider this when you reload you will shoot more, not that its a bad thing we all need to shoot more, but the more you shoot the more it costs. Its just something that you will have to decide if its worth it or not. Personally I enjoy reloading my own shells and using them hunting, its a good feeling to me knowing that i shot something with a shell that I made.