duckhunter175

Prices updated- lets get these moved!

Congrats on a hunt of a lifetime!!

TTT

Things are going well- we are T-3 weeks from arrival!! I'm keeping most of my reloading hardware, farming out some of the stuff I know I won't use. Some of the scopes and optics that haven't been as useful as I thought are listed for sale now. I'm upgrading my binos and the scope on the rifle that I tend to hunt with the most- the RUM is gonna stay because it is just a laser beam. I'll get loads for them developed in the off season when there is no time crunch for upcoming hunts and I'll call it good!

I started down the long range and reloading road when I started planning my Coues hunt for 2015. Back then I had a very set work schedule, easy access to a range and I had plenty of time to tinker. I started investing more and more heavily, better reloading components, better glass, better (custom) rifles. Some of you guys might remember my back up rifle thread from a year ago when I spent time customizing a Rem 700 270 CDL. Well- a lot has changed in just a year and a half. I left the active duty military and have another career now- still carrying a gun to work but different hat and no more moving every two years. I also just bought a new house and have a baby (my first) on the way in January!! I'm quickly realizing that my time for MY HOBBIES will be more limited than in the past (working nights/weekends/+new kiddo). My range time/ammo is spent more on my duty rifle/pistol skills than on load dev and LR practice. And the free time I have I want to actually be out hunting... In the meantime I have been beating this subject to death in my head. I came here because of the forums that I'm on I think the guys here tend to be the most experienced and most willing to help out with good advice. I'm thinking through options in my head for how to handle this time, quality, accuracy dilemma. I'm not sure whether to 'hold what I got' and see how things go after the kiddo and maybe after the busy fall I'm having I won't feel pressured. Or do I make some moves- clean out some rifles that are pretty much handload specific (6.5x284, 22-250ai, 7RUM), clean out the reloading bench and look at a do-all, over the counter rifle/factory ammo combo that will work for hunting in the 4-500 yard arena. The longest shot I've taken hunting is 411 yards, out to 800 on steel... Do I save myself time and money with this option? Or will I feel like I'm missing out with the tinkering. This is where I'm struggling--- As far as costs of factory ammo vs reloading- I'm not sure I'm gonna be shooting enough to make it worthwhile- I get to the range more than the "day before opener" crowd but I doubt I will be able to put more than 100rds through each hunting rifle each year... I'm sure some guys out there have been through this- what say you guys?

TTT

replied

$1000

Red white and blue, love it!

PM sent on the rifle

ttt

PM SENT

ttt

ttt

ttt

Congrats!!!

Kev- This article will help a little- https://www.primalrights.com/library/articles/rifle-sighting-systems-part-3-sfp-vs-ffp

Can you clarify the question? POI shift from what point?

Great buck!!

Most folks say the standard "it's a good thing they have strong CS because you'll need it"--- I never had a Vortex optic that didn't perform as advertised... BUT- when I knocked my buddy's 15x over off tripod.... and when I stepped on my old set of 10x and they got both fixed and returned rapidly, DURING hunting season it is hard to complain about that. The warranty didn't stop me from making the jump up to Swaro when I was able... but I won't knock them for where they fit in the market.

Gents- Thanks for the positive words and encouragement!! Couldn't be more excited to have the little one join us and really looking forward to sharing some of the memories that I watch guys post here often with their kids' successes. I've been viewing the reloading bench as an opportunity cost in time and money- could it be better spent on experiences with the family and experiences outside. Several of you put it into good perspective- it should be an enjoyable enterprise... and it isn't going anywhere. I might just have to slow down and just work with one rifle and load at a time and just not as frequently. I always loved time behind the bench and learning the minute details of handloading- I kind of lost sight of that part with all the life changes that has been the whirlwind of 2018. Once we get everything moved into the house (and the nursery built) I am going to get the bench set up-- as long as I still find it a good release and enjoyable it will have a place in my garage and in my safe!

Been an avid bowhunter for years!! Love getting some of the best times of the year to hunt. It is just as deep of a rabbit hole when you start building arrows and playing around with all the variables. No archery in the cards this year after a blown biceps tendon this summer.

Great looking rig!!

Great buck congrats!

Couple of great lookin bucks, congrats on the hunt!!