Practical handloading.
I think lowering the costs of shooting by handloading the ammo warrants the initial cost of the tools, since the savings increases the more you shoot. The costs attributed to handloading are less than running the same amount of factory ammo.
I use several 22 calibers and can buy the components and mix and match them. For that I don't need to buy several different boxes of factory ammo. Instead I can formulate the loads as needed, most of which cannot be purchased anyway.
Savings may be of lesser concern depending on what calibers you shoot.
Loaded ammo for Improved cartridges is scarce to nil, so if the shooter wants to get the best performance from the Improved cartridge, then the cases can be handloaded after fireforming standard ammo, with the minimal increase in cost being attributed to the slight increase in powder being used, instead of buying expensive pre-formed cases.
Same with Wildcats.
Sometimes Wildcat cases can be purchased pre-formed, but the cost of dies that form the Wildcat from it's parent case (not always applicable) is soon recouped over the price of specialty cases the more you can reload and shoot them.
If you have one gun and don't shoot alot, then using factory loads may be the least expensive way over the initial costs today. The vittles it brings in may recoup the costs associated with buying the gun, scope, ammo, license, and the expenses of a hunt.
Handloading is best for those who do a lot of shooting, many of whom can also recoup most or all of the associated costs, making it all very practical.
