I can load premium quality ammo for half the cost of anything I could possibly find on the shelf. If I want to "dumb it down" with core-lokts or similar, it's even cheaper.

Yes, you can reload for semi-auto you just need to understand the importance of full-length sizing and proper headspacing. Your brass will not last as long as a bolt gun where you can usually get away with neck sizing.

As for difficult, it's not too hard to learn the basics. But it is important to understand them before you go trying or you COULD hurt yourself.