In my previous post I cited other reasons for going with .45, but the fact is I did it consolidate. I reload and it cost a bundle to have bullets, primers and powder for .357, 9 mm, 40 S&W and .45 on hand.
Fundamentally, these were my true SD calibers. But, by eliminating everything but .45 I only have to buy one kind of bullet and one kind of primer. Since I load for accuracy and reliability I have to have two kinds of powder on hand and load several different rounds with the same bullet, but different powder charges.
I have to say cost is relatively neutral. I am currently paying a little under $14 per 100 for .45 ACP. I do not find that price a factor that limits my range time. I've decided to break out my lead pot and go back to casting again and that will cut my cost to $7 per 100 for .45.
To me the cost argument is bogus. If you want to shoot you pay the price. It is an expensive hobby.
I've spent thousands of dollars on training (and will drop at least another $700 on training in June). Ammo is the least expensive part of my shooting.
I have a 1911 that cost me close to $3,000. The holster cost another $130 and the mag pouch was another $65. I just picked up 10, 10-round 1911 mags for a couple hundred. I rarely buy grips for under $100.
Even if ammo was $50 a box it would still be the cheapest part of shooting.
As for being harder to conceal, if you can't conceal one of those teeny Glocks, a Colt Officer's model, a Para Slim Hawg or a Kahr, you ain't trying.
The caliber comparisons aren't really valid. Every time I see one it is a 115 9mm or a 125 38 compared to a .45 hardball. The comparison should be to a 185 gr. HP in 45. Or, a 148 gr. 9 or 158 gr. 38 to a .45. It doesn't really matter because what everyone chooses to compare it to is the .45 ACP. Why? Because it is the standard.
I don't care what anybody else shoots. It ain't my gun. But, the OP asked how people felt about consolidating. I consolidated my shooters years ago and have never regretted it.
I have a lot of other calibers. I just don't shoot any of them enough to even bother loading for them. Why would I? I have a lot of really nice .45 ACPs.
Besides, none of them have the feel of a .45. Be it a 1911, a CZ97 or a Glock. The .45 feels better.
And, it makes a big hole that I can see from the firing line.