I still cast the way I started. I got a cast iron Dutch oven from harbor freight, an old turkey fryer, some Lee molds, a 4# Lee pot, a Lee ladle, and Lee sizers. The first few years I tumble lubed everything but now powdercoat. If you slug your barrel and size properly and match your hardness to pressure/velocity, everything should work out just fine.
Do your first melt in the Dutch oven and flux frequently. I use beeswax for the first 2 fluxes, and fine sawdust for the third. Goodwill provided cheap slotted spoons to stir with, a ladle to pour ingots, and muffin tins to pour the ingots into. Goodwill also provided a toaster oven, extra trays, and small tongs to pick up bullets with. A trip to the dollar store got nonstick aluminum foil and harbor freight provided red powdercoat (no longer offered).
Everything to cast, size, and coat for under 100.00 with little effort. If you have a source for “cheap” lead you can definitely save some $ and if you have the time and enjoy it, a new hobby.