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Once you have the gear: molds, sizer, pot, heat source, etc. it doesn't cost anything but fuel (or electricity). I get wheel weights free and my time is free if I'm not on the job. Plus, I enjoy playing with fire and molten metal.
I cast 1,500 45s this afternoon and half of them sized and "tumble lubed" usinig Lee Liquid Alox. I'm using one of Lee's 6 cavity molds and have had good luck with both them and the Alox. I like the push through sizing die, as well. The Lee stuff is pretty good "bang for the buck".
I haven't figured what it costs me to load 45s but I loaded several thousand 40 S&W and had about $1.45 per 50 (figuring the brass is free. I generally buy WWB and reload the brass.) With the 45, I've picked up a lot of range brass and bought once fired brass at about $.045 each.
If your time is worth anything, it probably makes sense to buy your bullets. But, I'm semi-retired and this is an extension of my hobby anyway and I enjoy it.
Cloudpeak
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