Thread: Deer Caliber + Ammo Cost

Matt I was in position a year or so ago although with potentially a bit more shooting experience (in the field) than you. I lucked out as I didn't have to do the choosing, other people did it for me

In terms of what I do for reloading, I have recently upped my stock to 100 Laupa cases and that is plenty, I'm only reloading 25 rounds at a time and only when I need them. I consider time away with my rifle as valuable experience (not just time at the range.) This last trip for example - I felt very comfortable carrying, manipulating and taking up aim with my rifle on all different slopes, terrain and situations. That was a huge success for me. I know I can shoot, I know my marksmanship principles. I stopped by the NZDA range in Taupo on the way home to blast off a whopping three rounds and I put that down to the pent up frustration of the trip! What I am trying to say though is that empty cases doesn't necessarily mean experience. So what if you can shoot the bullseye ten times in a row at the range from a nice cushy bench - can you take up aim quickly and accurately when in the field, faced with stress and environmental factors? Think about the flash 4x4 that's never seen mud but has 300,00km of road use. I think I've put 50 rounds through my rifle since I've had it and that is with developing a second load as well. I think if you are planning on just visiting the range with your hunting rifle once a month you might be surprised at how quickly you get bored of just shooting paper and listening to the *cha-ching!* each ejected case makes!

Anyway what happened to me when I got my first rifle is that I went out tested a lot of different stuff through friends, retailers and private sellers. I'm big on the whole return it in a better condition than you were giving it so I've never had any problems there. Some people say that I've had those situations because I have tits but hey maybe it's also because I have the balls to ask for things! The helpful sods on here put together a great .260 for me and I was incredibly happy and relieved to find that the weight, stock and feel of her suit me perfectly. I hope you can find the same thing.


...sorry for rambling, I am just happy and content having finished my brunch of eggs on toast with back steaks