Here you can pick up a used mec at a gun show for 30-40 bucks. Look for a 600 jr.

biggest problem I have is buying shot. Price went from $13 per 25lb bag to $50 since I started loading. It has since dropped to $30.

Shooting steel shot, I can buy old factory loads at $5 per box. My reloads are better, but cost me $8 per box.