If you handload and cast your own bullets from straight wheelweights, you can build a box of 50 in 45Colt for less than $3 bucks! You either pay for your ammo or you invest sweat equity. Sure, it will take a while to amortize the cost of getting set up to do all this, but it will keep you off the streets for a spell. There is lots of used stuff available at reasonable prices, so unless you want to go out and spend the big bucks on spanky new stuff, there are bargains available. Remember, you are thinking economy here and this equipment will run a good long time. Most of mine is from the late '50's.
Sometimes it boils down to what you have the most of - time or money? You either have to make time or you have to make money.
I have to make money and find the time as I never have enough of either! BUT, then again, I like to cast and I love to handload. It's a fascinating science and has been a lifelong labor of love for me.
Regards,
Sweetwater