Yea thats just a dumb move, wonder the dog didnt get em first. I LA we typically learn to shoot around age 7, usually started on a 22lr. By this time we have already been on all types of hunting/shooting trips. So its pretty ingrained at a early age. I can also confirm 12 gauge loaded with buck kicks like a mule, especially buck ran in a old stevens or jc higgins single shot crack barrel, the good ones that are light and without a rubber recoil pad. InstaBruise.
I bought my stuff used from a old timer, but I would think you could get everything to reload a caliber for 500ish, you can go super cheap and get away cheaper probably, depending on how many rounds you are looking for production vs time. The main problem now is finding supplies. Powder is available, bullets are available,brass is somewhat available, the primers are the tough thing to find.
:rollseye: