Should I reload for hunting if I’m already getting small groups? I’m shooting a varmint model ruger bolt action in 25-06 for deer. My only problem is bullet quality. My rifle loves cheap 120gr Winchester super-x ammo. With a proper rest, I’m getting 3 shot groups that I can cover with a dime at 100 yards, when I don’t screw the shots up. Up until last year I hunted with federal trophy bonded bear claws even though they didn’t group nearly as well. I trusted that bullets performance without question. Well federal in its infinite wisdom has dropped that round in my caliber. I do not trust ballistic tips. With a broad side shot the effects are devastating true, but their performance has been questionable in my experience with questionable angle shots that needed a lot of penetration. I realize the new bonded ballistic tips should fix that though. My question is for hunting, is the time and money, both in short supply, worth the effort to shoot a better bullet that may or may not get the accuracy results that I’m getting with cheap factory ammo. In all honesty, I have yet to take a deer with the cheap ammo so I have no way to judge its performance. Dead is dead right?

I don't reload right now, but am thinking about starting it within a couple of years.

Mike