Exotic Hunting Rounds
 

I had an argument with my dad last weekend.

He is pre-occupied with very exotic calibres, and is always looking for a new and interesting round to hunt with...

He has been known to throw a .257 Weatherby or a .35 Whelen into the truck, and I just go crazy.

With all of the money these hand-bulit rifles cost, we could go on a safari! I try to argue about the economies of scale that occur with regular (and proven) calibes, like the ol' .308 or .30-06. There is 300 Win Mag cartriges you can buy at the local outdoors store, and here he goes buying brass, dies, and reloading his own exotics.

Do any of you TFP shooters subscribe to an exotic round? Could you please explain why you chose that over a "Regular" cartrige?

I still don't get it. I think the ol' man is getting bat-shit crazy in his old age.

While I don't shoot "exotic" rounds, I understand the fascination with calibers not everybody and their brother shoots. I'd like to try a few of them myself, but the cost is more than i can bare.

Being a heavy-rifle enthusiast, I can understand his position. Although I can't afford to actually own any of the weapons I so frequently drool over, I have had a chance to shoot a few, and they're a gas. There are definite "bragging rights" within the Gun Culture associated with being able to load and shoot a wildcat or exotic load well, especially since some of these rounds are capable of almost supernatural accuracy. Others just make a really big boom and push you around abit...these are lots of fun too :-D

Maybe it's not about the end result but about the process.

For me hunting is a very "personal accomplishment" thing. The more of it I can do myself, the happier I am after a kill. So that might be some of it. You get to feel a little more special if you load your own rounds instead of go to Wally World and pick some off the shelf.

Don't hunt so can't add much. I don't see any attraction in exotic rounds, it's all about economy and ballistics for me.

My father owns several rather rare calibers that he sometimes hunts with. I think it's how he justifies buying new guns. His current favorites are the .444 marlin and .375h+h.

It's a hobby for him. Just be glad he isn't a rabid antigunner who enjoys quilting instead.