Beaten down by the "Same-old, Same-old"

I am beaten down by the same rifle ads at all the stores. For instance, how many advertisements do you browse that have the following chamberings: 243, 25-06, 270, 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Mag, 30-06, 300 Win Mag?
That seems to be the status quo for factory rifles in most sporting goods stores. Oh and they're all black synthetic with matte finishing or stainless steel. My cousin describes these synthetic-stock rigs as "soul-less". I tend to agree. Now don't get me wrong, some, if not all of those cartridges are plenty capable for various hunting applications and there is a reason why they're as popular as they are. Heck, I own several of these cartridges myself! I don't, however, own them with the synthetic+matte finish or stainless combination.


I just prefer less common rifle cartridges. They are more fun to own and discuss because they require more knowledgeable folks worthy for the discussion.

They also tend to benefit hand-loaders most. Seeing as they are non common, you're not typically going to be able to walk into a sporting goods store and purchase factory ammo. Sure you can special order factory ammo for some of them online, but the real advantages come when you can work up your own loads that fit your need. Let's face it too, a great deal of the less common cartridges are old. Even if you can purchase factory ammunition, the ammo selections tend to be loaded lighter for older firearms that may not fare well under higher chamber pressures (See 7mmX57 Mauser), thus limiting the cartridge's full potential. And while I'm on the 7mm Mauser subject, someone please tell me why the newest Nosler reloading manual has the 7mm-08 out-performing the 7mmX57 in every bullet weight? I'll challenge any hand-loader with a 7mm-08 to outperform my 7mmX57.

One exception to my previous comment (that being "...a great deal of less common cartridges are old.") is the mighty 8mm Remington Magnum. This is a cartridge that has recently sparked my interest. It's interesting that bullet weight selection and general disinterest from the public essentially killed this creation. After all, when loaded properly, the cartridge hits harder than a 300 Win Mag and shoots flatter than a 338 Win Mag. That's a pretty bold statement! Perhaps stiff recoil also scared away potential interests. I'm working to obtain one of these in the near future and I'll be sure to post a comment or two on the findings.


I'll pause the rant there and allow for retort(s).

I enjoyed the replies so far. I'll be the first to say that if you're not a hand-loader, these less common cartridges would be less appealing initially; however, it would also be an excellent reason to get into hand-loading in the first place! Most avid shooters have some interest in hand-loading (at least the ones that I've met).

As for the synthetic stocks & stainless steel, I agree with the practicality of the application. I won't argue that fact. I have handguns and semi-auto rifles (Glocks & ARs) that have plenty of plastic. I guess I just hold my hunting rifles to a higher standard! I like to have something that looks more "hand-crafted" and not so "cheap". I also think its another way for the gun manufacturers to charge more money. Sell the plastic rifles for close to what the wood ones used to cost; then turn around and mark up your wood rifles significantly. Plus, you cut down your production costs with the plastic rifles. You have to admit, it makes good business sense.

The fact that the less common cartridges are not readily available in new rifles makes it even more exciting. It gives you a quest to either locate an existing used rifle or build a new custom one on whatever platform your heart desires. My very first rifle was custom built on a Mauser 98 action. My father made sure I knew every single part of that firearm. What better way to learn than by taking an old military application, tearing it down piece-by-piece, and then re-assembling everything just like you want it (or can afford at the time!). To me, that was one of those priceless lessons that can't be learned any other way.

To BrocLuno - the 6.5x55 Sweedish is a fantastic round. I don't have one of those at the present time, but I'm quite familiar with it. It's another round where you could really work up some great reloads.

To Ballistics - Supply, yes. Demand, not from me... to each his own.

To BluEyes - all good points. The mood just struck me for a rant that's been building up over the past several years. With all these cheaper made products (not just guns), I worry that we're past the point of no return. Where everything will be made in China, low quality, low price, and no soul.