Is reloading even worth it now?

looked at Hornady V-MAX bullets (53 grain) at BPS over the weekend $45.99
the Lee Press I bought there for $109.99 is now $269.99.
I have a hundred or so Sierra Varmint bullets 55 grain once they are gone going to put my stuff away for good.
Have just over 3/4 pound of varget left once that is gone not going to spend double the money for another pound.
You could say I am tapping out sort of have about 10 years worth of shotgun reloading supplies (don't shoot much) maybe 15-20 rounds a season.

it was good when it was cheaper
 
I was just gifted some gear that was thrown into the scrap metal at the dump. Hornady press, length trimmer, and a powder dropper (thats missing parts.) The guy that salvaged them for me does some reloading, not nearly as much as I do. For me reloading is definitely the way, an older friend likes hitting the show so I help him out. I always look out for components that are under valued, last US show I hit I snagged 1000 209 primers for 45 after conversion from US prices. Bags of 800 45 cal 185 HP 60$ etc etc. But I also shoot .338LM @ about 2.25each vs 10$+ per. No rush shopping , but yes prices are going up. I priced 300 Savage it was 105 + taxes, yeah I can reload way cheaper.
 
So I'm the guy who ties his own flies.. I enjoy it.. the same goes for reloading.. it's not a chore.. it's cathartic..
I just ran the numbers on my most expensive ammo to make. My custom load of 160 grn. Hammer Hunter Tipped 6.8 Western copper lathe turned bullet assembled cartridges costs $3.92 each. My custom load of Nosler ABLR 165 grn. 6.8's cost $2.62 each. Factory comparisons would be Weatherby custom 130 grn. Hammer Hunters at $7.53 each or (there are no factory loads of 6.8 western in HHT's) Winchester Copper Impact 162 grn. at $6.46 each. The direct comparison of Winchester Expedition Big Game Nosler ABLR 165 grn. is the same at $6.46 each.
The Weatherby stuff has good quality control but it's still not really an apples to apples thing. The cost of equipment, brass and my time is irrelevant as it is a hobby and the cases have a value of zero being spent first. (brass weight only) If I add the cost of virgin ADG brass it's $4.72 each brass case for that one load to add to the total cost of the first reload. Zero for the next ten or $0.43 for the 11 shots total. Yes I will get ten or more out of my cases between annealing and leaving the spent primer in the pockets during cleaning. They stay tight that way.
Sometimes its just good to not think about other stuff going on in our world and read a book or involve yourself in something that gives you pleasure.. How much is happiness worth? Cheers
 
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