Thread: To reload or not reload?

OK, so this is very much a question of personal opinions, but I'm looking for other people's view on it.

I've recently gotten my FAL and bought a T3X in 6.5 CM. I've sold one of my kidneys, which paid for 3 boxes of ammunition, and I've used most of it up at the range, just getting used to the rifle. I've also got a 17 HMR for target practice, but would like to shoot more with the 6.5.

I've always thought of hand loading as being far too difficult, time consuming, and a rabbit hole of more gear to purchase (I'm already in trouble for all of my toys related to other outdoor pursuits). But maybe it doesn't have to be so bad? Give the cost of ammunition here in NZ, and the lack of cheaper training rounds, it's tempting.

So, I'm interested in hearing people's views on reloading for the sake of economy. Am I fooling myself, and I would just end up spending as much on reloading gear as I could ever spend on factory ammunition? The risk I'm seeing is that I buy a starter kit, then getting sucked into upgrading everything, and getting more and more specialised equipment. Is it better to just focus on rimfire for target practice?

I've considered joining the Handloaders Association - is that a better starting place, rather than buying my own gear straight away? I'm already a member of NZDA, but from what I found, the North Canterbury section don't have any reloading courses or similar.

My purpose would be for hunting and target practice, so I only need the accuracy required for hunting in alpine environments. I expect that the accuracy of my shooting is down to me, not the rifle or ammunition, so I don't think I need to get carried away with chasing the perfect load.

What else have I not considered? What questions should I be asking myself?