I have gone for economy and speed in assembling a force of larger scale ACW Confederate figures opting for hard plastic. The price is low especially if you can find someone discarding sets. Painting is as fast as I can make it si is somewhat rough.
Perry Brothers long associated with Games Workshop present a shift to historical miniatures. Given the experience of Games Workshop, it is not surprising to find that Perry Brothers produces both plastic and metal figures. The unforgiving nature of 2-piece molds in injection molding precludes any undercuts so the plastic figures show marginal detail along the mold lines. But as one would expect, the price is significantly lower per figure than comparable metal figures.
The Perry brothers, Alan and Michael, have considerable experience in the hobby and an understanding of the needs of historical gaming. As with so many British sculptors, they appear to have an enthusiasm for the English Civil War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the American Civil War. They have also provided illustrations for Osprey publications.
I am currently using these to flesh out the Confederate forces as opposition to the metal Union figures. The quality seems good enough though the light weight takes some getting used to. Hats and some accessories are cast separately on the plastic figures which affords some useful variation in addition to a well thought out range of poses.