cost
Cost...Fortunately, I have been able to scrounge pure lead over the years and have a stock on hand that is more than sufficient for my current use.
So....casting my own LRBs - no cost other than time.
I buy caps in bulk and flints the same way....Caps are maybe five cents and flints...I'l go with the cost mentioned earlier at .03.
I shoot 20 grains of BP in my pistols...about 4.5 cents per shot
So lets say 13 cents a shot. I do not count patch material as there are yards and yards of it from purchases years ago (would not even know how to go about that)
Rifle - more powder - 90 grains BP = 21 cents a shot + 3 cents for the flint = 24 cents a shot
Flintlock fowler 16 gauge - 70 grains BP = 16 cents per shot. I make my own shot so no cost there + wads are 4 cents per load + 3 cents for the flint = 23 cents a shot
You can make your own black powder from charcoal and a few other ingredients, cast your own lead from free sources or scrap yards, and can even make percussion caps with a Tap o' Cap tool, some soda cans, and toy cap gun cas from the dollar store.
Are Tap o cap tools even available any more?
Making BP - you have to add in the cost of a ball mill....and maybe the corning mill. If you use the CIA alcohol method, then you won't need the mill. It is a bit riskier.
About casting and wheel weights
the stick on weights are usually pure lead.
Not that I have ever read about - Wheel weight alloy was lead, tin, antimony.
Nowadays, wheel weights often contain zinc which renders them useless for casting.
Pete