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How many bullets do you try in new rifle?

This is really hard for me, I work at the local gun store! I did tell the boss he could pay me in "stuff" but he wants to collect sales tax.
Taxation is evil. Luckily, MT does not have sales tax. I try to avoid taxation as much as I can. In my work performance appraisal system, we can get a bonus in cash, a time off award, or a combination. I prefer the time off award because I get taxed nearly 40% on the cash award.
 
A good rifle will shoot everything well. If you want to "shoot" get a .223. Yes, test but pick a bullet and known load data and seat .02 off the lands. .280Ai is not hard to get to shoot great if you have a good rifle.

There is a new thinking that we spend way too much time on testing and getting very anal with our reloading procedures.
I guess that depends on the definition of "well". The only .223 I have is a AR with 16" barrel. It is a blast to shoot, but it's not what I would consider a precision rifle. Many times barrel twist rate dictates what you can feed a rifle. I have a 7RM in 9.5" twist that shoots really well, but keyholes when I push the limits on long copper bullets. The 280AI with an 8" twist is not really finicky, but it is showing preferences (I guess due to harmonics) to certain bullets. I don't get to hunt as often as I would like, so testing gets me to the range and shooting more often.

Feenix - I wish there were more "good" GS's in my area. Although, I have been bitten by the "while I'm there bug" many times when I drive to MidSouth Shooters Supply.
 
Don't count out the 120 in the 280AI. I dropped down to it from the 143 for deer and pronghorn. At 3540 fps, it's a death ray. I destroyed a pronghorn at 475 yards last year in high wind and rain. My hunting buddy was standing behind me and got to see the Hammer "vapor trail" all the way to impact. He said it was like watching a missile
 
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Feenix - I wish there were more "good" GS's in my area. Although, I have been bitten by the "while I'm there bug" many times when I drive to MidSouth Shooters Supply.
Yes, for a small town (population was 60,442 for the city and 84 414 for the county according to the 2020 census), we are blessed with Scheel's and North 40.
 
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I shoot at two different clubs. The "closer" club is 145mi from my home. I have to leave at 5am just to beat the NYC traffic that I go through. I shoot at least once a week. Yup - it's an addiction!
Ever think of moving? Just a thought.....with the time and money you'd save....well heck...you could actually buy MORE PROJECTILES!!!!!
 
I have 2 different gr. weights for each rifle I own a light and a heavier grain one for midrange and one for long-range I do the same for pistol ammo as well. I like shooting bug holes close up or at long range it is to prefect my hunting ability and to protect my family and friends'. Which someday may include animal and man. god forbid.
 
we have Scheels here. They are hit and miss on popular reloading components. When looking for a specific gun. If it's not one they have listed on the website, they cant order it..
 
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