Author Topic: Birthaday $$$ ? (Read 2090 times)

PartsMan · « **on:** October 02, 2007, 03:51:11 AM »

My dad gave me some money for my birthday (Wednesday the 3rd).
I am having trouble deciding what to spend it on.

1. My deer rifle, 7mm-08 Handi, wheres a $30 simmons scope that works fine but, I would like to upgrade.
2. I have all ready spend enough on ammo this year to justify reloading.
3. A nice light sportster 22mag would be light to carry and cost about as much to shoot as the 223 to load.

Pick two please this $$$ is burning a hole in my pocket.

GatCat · « **Reply #1 on:** October 02, 2007, 04:01:57 AM »

I'd say a better scope, and with a few bucks left over, maybe a Lee Loader ( if they make it in 7/08 ) to get you started in reloading, even if "only" plinking loads to take the place of the .22 mag., for the time being.Using "seconds" bullets.
Mark

MSP Ret · « **Reply #2 on:** October 02, 2007, 04:14:48 AM »

if the scope works fine why replace it? Just to say you have a more expensive scope? If it ain't broke don't fix it is an old New England (Maine?) saying. I say get the reloading kit and the .22 Mag rifle, a Sportster of course or Ultra Varmint of course. Kittery Trading Post in Maine has a real nice used .22 Ultra Mag with Laminated stocks for $135.00, and they will ship to your FFL or I think if you look around you can still pick up a new .22 Mag Sportster for about $119.00....<><....

http://www.ktpguns.com/interior.php/pid/28/gid/115751

PartsMan · « **Reply #3 on:** October 02, 2007, 04:24:55 AM »

I really only have enough money to do one of the three right.
I just put two votes to help the numbers on the poll.

PartsMan · « **Reply #4 on:** October 02, 2007, 04:56:53 AM »

Yes. I have the 7mm-08, 223 (habit forming little rifle) and the old 30/30 too.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 02, 2007, 05:27:56 AM »

It depends on how much money your talking about...

You have 3 wants listed...What are your most important needs right now ?

There are tons of reasons to reload..but as close to hunting season as it is..will you have time to fully utilize getting it?

A new 22...heck...it is a main stay for thousands of people across the country...and again...there are tons of reasons to have a good one...

Having better optics can and will make it easier for you to hunt...and not being satisfied with what you have can put a damper on how you feel when going afield with it...

To me...it would depend on how much your going to spend...Quality optics aren't cheap...nor is quality reloading equipment...and it will depend on which 22 mag your talking about as well...I don't "settle" for the cheapest any more...even if I have to wait longer than I want to get it...Sure...you can get by with less expensive equipment..if that's how you want to do it...and live your life...But working towards having better equipment has always been a priority with me...Having better equipment has made me a better marksman...a better ammo crafter...a better hunter...You have to set your priorities and goals...and then work towards them...

I say...take care of your current needs right now while you have the opportunity to...up grade your optics...A high quality scope and an accurate rifle...that you can depend on is an awesome combination...even if you don't reload for it right now...You may not be able to shoot as much...but...for the time you do have..it will be more quality time than it is... I will say this ...if you don't have one...and need one...a good quality laser range finder is always nice to have...Just another option for ya...

Mac

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 02, 2007, 05:46:20 AM »

I enjoy reloading. So my vote goes to that, with one stipulation. If you can not buy quality reloading equipment skip it. I do not mean expensive, I mean quality. A good cast iron single stage O framed press and the fixin's. You would need a good set of dies for each caliber you plan on reloading, at least one good reloading book, a good beam scale. If the press has no way of priming then a small hand primer. There other things you will need like a funnel and powder tickler. If you can get all of that in a kit, it is the best way to go. Of course with all of the fancy dancy reloading equipment does no good unless you have the ingredients to make cartridges. You will have to buy powder, bullets, and primers, you said you already had the brass. Unless you can make that initial plunge in one swoop, save up to do it later. There will always be other things to get as you go. Only you can decide what you want beyond the basics. Reloading is not cheap, I found that out. I got into it to save money, it takes a lot of shooting to pay for your equipment, and then you find yourself just shooting more. I do find it a satisfying hobby and that in itself is worth it. You may find it a different experience. If you can not make that initial investment, get the best scope you can buy with what money you have.

PartsMan · « **Reply #7 on:** October 02, 2007, 05:58:26 AM »

I have $200 now. I may get more from other family.

I was looking some press kits in that range.

That should buy a scope better than my $30 Simmons.

Hadn't really decided what 22mag yet. I would use the iron sites so as long as it will out shoot my eyes.
I have 2 22lr I just hate to carry them in the woods and be tempted with a shot on a coyote.

Dang it mac now I have to look into range finders.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2007, 06:15:56 AM »

Happy birthday.. even if I am a bit late in wishing it.
I find reloading to be very rewarding and enjoyable. It can be a disease as far as wanting all of the gadgets and gizmos.
I am always in need (want) of another quality scope, I travel for my job and am usually in 3 or 4 gunshops a week. I keep an eye out for deals on quality used scopes but never seem to have too many.

d_hiker · « **Reply #9 on:** October 02, 2007, 06:24:18 AM »

Happy b-day

I believe that both NEF .22 Mags, the Ultra and Sportster come with scope rails and no rifle sights. Then you'd be in the same boat of needing a scope if you went with one of them. So then you could put the Simmons scope on the .22 Mag and then you would NEED, not want, a new scope for the 7mm-08.

Decisions, that is what life is made of.

burntmuch · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2007, 06:36:35 AM »

Id buy as much scope as I could afford. For me that number is $150--$200 That will get you a Burris or a Leupold.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 02, 2007, 07:08:59 AM »

Quote from: PartsMan on October 02, 2007, 05:58:26 AM

I have $200 now. I may get more from other family.

I was looking some press kits in that range.

That should buy a scope better than my $30 Simmons.

Hadn't really decided what 22mag yet. I would use the iron sites so as long as it will out shoot my eyes.
I have 2 22lr I just hate to carry them in the woods and be tempted with a shot on a coyote.

Dang it mac now I have to look into range finders.

I understand...really I do...I was and still am very good at judging distances...but...with the newest technology available on them at prices most folks can afford...it just makes sense to have a good one...I am a Leupold man thru & thru...always have been...from the first time I actually got to see the difference between those that say they are as good...and the actual scopes...Lately...I have been using a couple Nikon's...and they are pretty darn good for the money...They aren't Leupold's...but...they are decent glass...and worth a look...I don't know how their C/S department is as compared to Leupold's...but..if it is as good...then this will make it all the better...If you can go put your hands on the various scopes...and actually look thru them closely...then this is what I suggest you do...Don't take anyones word for it...Your eyes are different than every bodies...and that is a fact...While other scopes have higher or lower ratings to them...the bottom line is going to be wither you can see the differences...and what your preferences are...I can see big differences in them...and I know what is important to me to have the confidence with it...If you want to compare scopes..I suggest you pick up a Leupold VX-II...and a Nikon Monarch...both being the 2007 models.....Besides having someone measure your actual eye relief for you...which won't always be what's printed on the box or published...some may give more...some may give less...so it's a good idea to actually know what it does for you..If I can't take them outside to natural light...I look at the furthest darkest corner of the store your in with each...and try to focus on the darkest object there...Which has the best definition to it...Which scopes allows you to see the tiniest detail...This is overlooked more often than not...most folks just say...yup...it's bright & clear...I don't...It's not all about the magnification to me...I compare scopes as I do monitors..tv's..and all the video components...The higher the definition you can actually see...the better the glass & coatings are on the scope...the better and easier it will be on your eye for longer periods...Like I said...it will be up to your eyes that really matters in this......As for the Laser range finders...having one that matches your scope takes all the guess work out of it...and allows you confidence...take a look at the new Leupold RX-II - III - IV's...with the TBR (true ballistic range )...up hill & down hill shots are no longer worry...and they match the reticles of the Leupold's perfectly...provided you buy one with the LRD or LRDV reticle...

Mac

PartsMan · « **Reply #12 on:** October 02, 2007, 09:18:47 AM »

If I bought a Leopold scope there would be to many "I told you so"s at work.

A range finder would be nice, but I think the choices at hand are more important to me.
Also the new TBR is neat but not much for hills around here.

So far reloading has it. I could get most of the equipment with this money.
The supplies, powder primers and such, would come out of my regular ammo budget.

Please keep up the voting. I will not decide until I get my 7mm-08 back from H&R.

Foggy · « **Reply #13 on:** October 02, 2007, 10:27:43 AM »

I'am not a Simmons fan by a long shot , but if it works don't tinker with it.
Reloading is as addicting and as fun as Handis . You can make one gun very versatile. and all centerfires are reasonable to shot
Bob

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #14 on:** October 02, 2007, 11:54:28 AM »

I vote reloading equipment. I don't know how much shooting you do but I do a lot. Between the 204 and the 243 I bet I have spent at least $800.00 this summer on ammo. When I get paid from this basement job that what I am working on now. I plan on buying some reloading equipment for myself very soon. Dale

Pharmboy · « **Reply #15 on:** October 02, 2007, 11:59:29 AM »

The Reloader Kit. Reloading is therapeutic. It makes one feel better about acquiring more handi's.

Pharmboy

backstrap · « **Reply #16 on:** October 02, 2007, 12:56:06 PM »

Get u a 22 mag and with the left over money buy u a cheap tasco scope and put on it it will shot good i have 2 of them cheap tasco scopes on rifles and they seem to hold up and stay zeroed i have 1 on my H&R 223 and one marlin bolt action in 22mag

billy_56081 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 02, 2007, 01:02:43 PM »

Gert the reloading press. In a few years time you will have saved enough money on ammo to but the other 2 items on your list.

backstrap · « **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2007, 01:09:46 PM »

I was looking a a nikon scope the other day for 200.00 i got to thinking for a deer rifle u make sure its sited in before deer season and then shoot a deer and then the gun sets in the gun cabinet tell next deer season i cant see puting out that kinda money on a scope when a rifle sets alott it would be diffrant if it was for like a varmit rifle that a person shoot all the time ,or my deer rifle sets in the gun cabinet tell next deer season i got other cals i shoot all the time like 223 and my 17s i wouldnt want to shoot my deer rifle at Varmits or little critters i still think u need the 22 mag

SM Bob · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2007, 04:52:12 PM »

PartsMan,
I say go for a reloading setup. You can get a inexpensive setup like a Lee Anniversary kit. You can load anything you want with that setup.
Lee reloading stuff works just fine. I have dies and other Lee equipment that is over 30 years old that I have loaded thousands and thousands of rounds with it and it still works like brand new. A single stage press is all you need. You will still have enough left over for dies, powder, bullets, brass and primers. Reloading is a lot of fun and is very rewarding when you develop a load that shoots the lights out in your firearm. Other than rimfire, shotgun, and 7.62X39mm I haven't bought any factory ammo for 30 years and don't plan to either! Reloading your own rounds makes shooting a lot more enjoyable for me.

Robert

Mac11700 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 02, 2007, 06:10:22 PM »

Quote from: backstrap on October 02, 2007, 01:09:46 PM

I was looking a a nikon scope the other day for 200.00 i got to thinking for a deer rifle u make sure its sited in before deer season and then shoot a deer and then the gun sets in the gun cabinet tell next deer season i cant see puting out that kinda money on a scope when a rifle sets alott it would be diffrant if it was for like a varmit rifle that a person shoot all the time ,or my deer rifle sets in the gun cabinet tell next deer season i got other cals i shoot all the time like 223 and my 17s i wouldnt want to shoot my deer rifle at Varmits or little critters i still think u need the 22 mag

No reason to leave a good rifle sit all year long without shooting it...Now that's a shame...

Mac

PartsMan · « **Reply #21 on:** October 03, 2007, 03:27:00 AM »

I'm going to go with Mac on that one.

That's one reason i am leaning toward reloading.
I would like to work up some coyote loads for the 7mm-08 and 30/30.
It's good to have 2,3,4 guns with you on a hunt. (in the truck anyway)

SM Bob that's what I was thinking.
Lee kit.

Extremesolo · « **Reply #22 on:** October 03, 2007, 06:11:51 AM »

I would buy the 22 mag and then take the scope off of the 7mm-08 and put it on the 22 mag and buy a new scope for the 7mm-08. That would be the best bang for the buck and then start saving for the reloading kit and ask for parts of it for Christmas gifts.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #23 on:** October 03, 2007, 09:25:37 AM »

I vote for the reloading press.It depends on how much clarity you want or need in a scope.If your scope won't pickup on a PD at 500 yds. you need more power or clarity,and most inexpensive scopes will do fine.But you'll need a very accurate gun to go the distance of a higher priced more magnifacation scope. Yes my Nikon is a lot clearer at long range than my 6X24X44 Tasco's,but I really don't have to see every hair on a animal to put a bullet in it. A 22 mag is alot of fun at a PD town,but so is a 22lr or 17HMR and you can pick up 1 in a pawn shop for a song. The reloading equipment will last you forever,and will be alot of fun useing it. And after you use it for awhile your shooting will improve alot,cheap scope or not. Digger

SM Bob · « **Reply #24 on:** October 03, 2007, 03:14:43 PM »

PartsMan,
Check this out. You might even find it for a better price if you check around the internet.

smbob

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=820810&t=11082005

chad1043 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 03, 2007, 03:55:22 PM »

Here is an idea... If you are only planning on reloading for 3 calibers. I would look at the Lee Loaders.. They are like at the most $20. I looked at the kits and asked a lot of questions elsewhere and got the a lot of the same answers. The Lee Loaders are fun, you can take them anywhere, which makes it really easy to work up different loads at the range. I know they are the minimalists loader, but man they are addictive. It kinda brings you back to the olden days...

That leaves a lot of extra cabbage. You could pick up a Bark River Knife...

Chad

billy_56081 · « **Reply #26 on:** October 03, 2007, 04:45:45 PM »

Great link SM BOB. Parts man, Lee makes very good equipment for the price. With that kit you'll be able to buy 3 sets of Lee dies and still have money left for components. If you are into shooting you'll love reloading. It's a great feeling to shoot something with ammo you have developed. And It's really fun to work up an excellent load for each particular rifle. Besides you will be able to shoot more.

bluebayou · « **Reply #27 on:** October 03, 2007, 05:39:32 PM »

The problem with Lee Loaders is that 7mm-08 is a discontinued model for some reason. If if was available I would say get the Lee Loader and a set of scales and go to town. I just don't think that the dipper is accurate enough and flexible enough.

Having been in your situation 3 years ago......new baby, no money, 2 rifles, 2 cheap scopes, I went with reloading equipment. You seem to shoot year round, so you will need it. Get Lyman #48 manual, cheap press, scales, whatever doodads that you want, Lee dies in 30/30 and 7-08, and some Hornady spray lube. You should have brass laying around, being the frugal sort that you seem to be......buy some bullets or I will send you some 7mm ones to start on.

Reloading is therapeutic like the man said above too.....new baby, no money, etc.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 04, 2007, 01:56:46 AM »

By the time you have bought 3 Lee loaders and a scale you will have spent almost as much as the anniversary kit.

FLNT4EVR · « **Reply #29 on:** October 04, 2007, 02:05:40 AM »

Defenitely the reloading press, you will be able to shoot more ,and save yourself some money in the future as prices continue to climb.

Poll

What should I spend my birthday money on?

Author Topic: Birthaday $$$ ? (Read 2090 times)