Everything you do with a .22 will reflect on everything you do with a .45. If you’re shooting a .22 badly, there is no question who is at fault. It’s the shooter. The .22 is the most accurate cartridge you can fire in a handgun.
You don’t mention what you mean by large caliber, so I assume you mean a .45 ACP. You’ll save around six bucks a box if you get a 9mm. So if you’re firing 150 rounds per range session, you’ll save around $20.00, depending on ammunition logistics.
You’ll also find that a good, accurate 9mm or .357 Magnum is not any cheaper than a good., accurate .45, so the gun cost is not really a factor. Personally, I believe that if I was allowed to own one handgun, it would be an S&W 686 with a 4” barrel. It’s stainless steel for protection from water. It has excellent balance and the trigger can be worked with the total cost under $1000.00. If you want to save a around $100.00 on the gun, get the Ruger GP-100. It’s not quite as accurate as the Smith, but it is a stronger frame and the hammer and trigger are stainless. The Smith hammer and trigger are case hardened carbon steel. You can shoot .38s in it for fun. You can shoot .38s in it for self defense. You can shoot .357 Magnums in it for self defense. You could kill a bear with it, although it’s not a great idea. You can also leave it in a drawer for five years and it will work when you take it to the range.
Regarding your opinion of .22s, check out the Steel Challenge. The purse was $390,000.00 last year and you have to shoot rimfire.
Exactly!