Does the price of ammo impact your choice of a rifle caliber

[JG26Irish_2]

I’d say ammo availability is a bigger consideration than ammo price for me for choosing a hunting cartridge. I wouldn’t buy a 375 Ruger over a 375 H&H because I don’t expect the Ruger to be widely available soon. Price per bullet isn’t really a consideration. I own a 300 H&H and am glad to have it, but probably wouldn’t buy a new one today over a 300 win for the same reason. The cartridges I have that I expect to fade away (300 H&H and 450 Rigby) I’ve bought up ammo as I’ve seen good deals available for them.

Strictly speaking about price though I’d probably never buy a 22 Hornet over a 223 rem just because of pricing on factory ammo. Same with 17 HMR over 22 LR. Larger standard hunting calibers though where I typically wouldn’t shoot that many rounds cost per round isn’t much of a consideration.

"What he said!" - What Mr. Fox here said, says it all for me. For hunting rifles, it is all about availability for me. I am never going to shoot that many rounds thru a good hunting rifle. My main choices are all main stream for the most part, 22lr, 223, 243, 7mm/08, 270, 7mm Mag, 30-06, 375HH, etc. The ammo is likely the cheapest component of any hunt and I try to buy the best that I can get my hands on. I do not chase the latest fads but I do own a 17 Mach2 and have a lifetime supply of ammo for it.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I’d say ammo availability is a bigger consideration than ammo price for me for choosing a hunting cartridge. ..............

Can not agree too strongly with this.

 

[Flbt]

It’s not got to be that big
My 257w was $36 a box now it’s 130$ I have not used it much in the last few years

But with that being said I have all ways like different rounds and there more expensive
When I first got a 6 mm it was 16$ a box the 243 was 10$ now the 243 24$ the one place that has 6mm is 65$ a box
358,356 338 ex is not coman in fl

 

[CBeck]

Depends on the definition of superior. Ballistics slightly, but ammo availability and quality rifles the H&H is clear winner. If the Ruger had the rifle options the H&H does I don’t think I’d worry about ammo in future. Looking at Gunbroker the 375 Ruger really only has one option a Ruger rifle and a few savages and Mossbergs. The H&H on Gunbroker is available in CZ, Winchester, Ruger, Remington, Kimber, Browning, Bergara, Christensen, Steyr, Rigby, Dakota, Blaser, Weatherby and more just on first page. The 375 Ruger has mostly pinned itself to Ruger rifles so unless Ruger becomes more popular the 375 Ruger will not either.

Another interesting Gunbroker comparison. I recently wanted a wood stock and all metal 223 Remington which is becoming a rare thing. There are many more model 70s in 223 WSSM than 223 Remington and sell much cheaper pricing. They also include ammo in the sale because it’s become so rare.

Not just ballistics but the ability to chamber in a standard length action which is more rigid perhaps improving accuracy as well.

I really didn’t mean to turn this into a 375hh vs 375 ruger

I will say, I don’t think brand matters as much as volume. If you have 800 rugers and 800 mixed brands the demand is the same.

As long as there demand and the rifles are selling someone will make ammo.

I hope I’m right. I love my .375 ruger but you could be right too. Time will tell

 

[dogcat1]

Not much.

 

[deewayne2003]

I'm not a reloader, but I know many people who are, and it's becoming more and more expensive, and the difference with factory-made ammunition is narrowing.

On the other hand, at least here in Spain, ammunition prices have skyrocketed.

Same here, The last time I loaded 30-30 I compared the cost of components to factory ammo cost.

While still cheaper my cost today to reload is 3x higher than it was 5 years ago.

But I reload because I trust my quality control more than the factory ammo I’ve used.

 

[BoarHog375]

Buy once cry once! Life's too short!!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I own a fair variety of calibers. Several of my preferred calibers (.257Wby, .257Roberts, .275Rigby, .280AI, .300H&H) aren't the most common or have the cheapest ammo options, but I still hunt with them anyways. The cost of ammo isn't something I consider, or the availability of it.

Personally I also almost always opt to purchase the most premium ammo and optics I can afford. In my opinion these are the two most important items on the hunt. Most current rifle manufacturers production rifles of even the opening price points are capable of at least MOA accuracy with quality ammunition so I typically splurge more on the optics/ammo unless I'm looking for something with nice wood or some age to it.

 

[Tra3]

Ammo price definitely does not impact my selection of caliber. I do not reload, so a common caliber is my choice for almost all of my hunting and shooting. My least common caliber that I shoot regularly is a 9.3x62.
I have a variety of rifles in more obscure calibers that are just gathering dust. I’ve purchased and hold ammo for them, but just don’t use them because I have my favorites that are common calibers.
When I buy a double (which I really don’t need…) I will pick a common caliber with most available ammo.

I find more interest in the ease of hunting with a common caliber than in hunting with a specific (unique) caliber.
I do respect the goal to hunt with a different and unique caliber. It seems that is for a hunter with more experience looking to do something different and new.
Now the person on this forum who was hunting elk with an old flintlock Muzzelloader, that is cool.