As far as the cost of shooting, I have found that I can reload .30 Carb for a little over $.22 per round or $11.15 per box of 50 using Remington FMJ. The cost gets lower if you use less costly bullets. Its a straight wall (slightly tampered) case which reloads as easy as most pistol ammo. I can honestly say that I doubt you will find a rifle to shoot that is more fun that the M1icon Carbine.