I was another one who was quite nervous about getting into reloading. Lucky i had a mate who provided alot of guidance and gave me a free rcbs press (just bought my own dies and materials).
I purchased my first gun a Tikka t3x 223 1:8 in superlite fluted stainless. I did a lot of research and knew someone who recommended this combo. So had high hopes for it. I added a leupold vx-2 4-12 with warne rings.
My first few months with the rifle i was initially disappointed as in wasn't able to get the promised 1moa i was chasing at the range with standard factory ammo (tried 4 or 5 types and osa came close to 1moa but nothing was consistant). Tried different sizes all way up to 70gr target ammo.
I decided this was likely my fault lacking experience (still prob the case)!
After talking with my mate i got into reloaded and after loading up my first 30 rounds, using advice on here as well as his help.
Form fired ppu brass, federal primers, adi BM2 and zmax 55grs. I was able to get consistent .4" groups at 100m! I was thrilled.
Only downside was even thou i did a ladder test from 23.0 all way to 25.6 there wasn't a clear winner!! The zmax all shot well.
Im still working on a round for soft points as the 55gr super roos didn't go very well in my gun, I suspect the 1:8 twist maybe too fast. But this is the part im enjoying of finding the right combo for me and the rifle
Anyway point being i really enjoyed reloading, the load development and testing. Which improved everything to point I'm now very happy with my setup. So its not just about the money
give it a crack as dont have much to lose!