How many here test a new rifle with factory ammo before starting to reload for it? Many years ago it was next to impossible to find factory loads that would rival a good handload. I have found that with the ammo companies using more and more premium bullets, that many times now its hard to beat the factory stuff.

I will always reload but when I buy a new rifle or even a used one, I first check it with factory loads and save the brass. Part of this is to find an accurate factory load in case I need a gun for a season and am caught without time to work up loads or run out of components.

I must add that we as handloaders have forced the ammo makers to make a better product.