At my current cost of components through my club with free hulls picked up at the club I can load 12 gauge low pressure for $4.23 per box. Small bore are even less because they use less powder and shot. My equipment was paid for long ago as I've been reloading rifle, pistol and shotgun for 42 years. RST is now about $11-$15 per box. I like RST ammo but my reloads cost much less.
I've also enjoyed reloading as a hobby for 42 years and reload for 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 gauges and .410 bore plus 14 metallic cartridges. My wife also shoots shotguns so someone has to keep us in cartridges and I reckon that it will continue to be me.
There's still money to be saved, even on 12 and 20 gauges, especially if you already have the equipment. But if you don't enjoy reloading then buy factory and stop grousing about the cost. In the meantime I'll be in my basement chucking 6 - 8,000 a year out on my Sizemasters - plus several thousand rifle and pistol rounds a year and, yes, I cast my own pistol and 45-70 bullets.
