I've kept it at right about $5.50/box by buying in bulk for 147 grain light (IDPA) loads. I shoot w/ several other reloaders so we purchase coated bullets by the 10K when they go on-sale. I think we bought 25K primers last order... Saving $2.50/box comes out to $50/1000. When you are shooting 4-12K/year, it adds up. I've got about $500 in my progressive press and it takes me about 90 minutes to load 1000 rounds.
The price difference is greater for 45acp and really gets significant in 38/357 and 44 mag, and even more so in rifle rounds.
However as others have said, reloading for me is also part of the hobby and it gives me something to do after dark.
--Rick
i agree, at least for me, reloading is part of shooting.
just like picking and sorting brass it's something ive done since i started shooting USPSA 25 years ago.
i just started shooting rimfire steel last year,
it's another day away from the drudgery of cutting grass, digging holes, working on HER "list" of things to do and everything else thats involved in owning a house.
once my bullet order shows up, then i'll take an hour or so every night and load up ammo for my open gun for this year. every couple weeks i venture out and grab 1000 or so 22LR to "get ahead" of the game for steel. by march i should have enough rounds to get me through USPSA, steel challenge, rimfire challenge, and outlaw steel for the year...