Question for a new hunter

[Omega]

I guess I just address a deer rifle differently.  I rarely fire more than 10-12 shots a year out of my deer rifles, so buying a box of quality ammo that I will use in the field isn't a big deal.  

Sure, I agree with either buying or reloading quality ammo for hunting.  But it doesn't hurt to get to know your hunting rifle.  I zero at either 100 or 36 yards, then reach out a bit more to see where it hits.  With my last rifle, a Win mod 70 in .270 I could hit from 50 to 400 without touching the scope, now I have to learn my Vanguard in .270 and my Rem 700 in .308 the same way.

[quietguy]

Sure, I agree with either buying or reloading quality ammo for hunting.  But it doesn't hurt to get to know your hunting rifle.  I zero at either 100 or 36 yards, then reach out a bit more to see where it hits.  With my last rifle, a Win mod 70 in .270 I could hit from 50 to 400 without touching the scope, now I have to learn my Vanguard in .270 and my Rem 700 in .308 the same way.

Sounds like we are pretty much on the same page.  What usually matters in hunting is a cold-bore shot with no scope adjustments.  Personally, I like a 200yrd zero on bolt guns, and 75-80yrds on brush guns.  As long as you know what you are doing and know your gun, it doesn't really matter.  

[tacops]

Every one of the above posts have provided good advice.  I have owned bolt guns in .270, 30-06 and .308 among others.  I am partial to the .308 and spent many hours behind guns with assorted barrels and both Remington and Winchester actions.  I also have and shoot 30-30 levers frequently and hunted with same.  Any one of the above packages would be suitable for your application.  It is really a matter of what you catch the best price on.