For two decades I shot an out of the box no mod Ruger tanger wood stocked 30-06. I shot remington green box 165s and had a Bushnell trophy 3-9x40 scope. I killed many animals with it every year. It rode on swamp buggies with wood rifle racks and in gun boots on atv’s on rough terrain. It was hunted in cold and hot, dry and wet humid conditions over long 5-6 month seasons.
Then after I got internet and started getting on forums much to my surprise I discovered my rifle , scope , chambering and ammo was not up to the task. So now I am doing the same thing with many different expensive rifles, scopes, chamberings amd premium ammo but with a lot less money in my checking account. I kill about the same amount of game every year as back then but dang I look great doing it……
And now , for your listening pleasure I will sing “Oh Lord its hard to be humble”.
Seriously I enjoyed every minute researching, buying putting together new rifle setups. Was it necessary?
I don't think so. Disclaimer: I did upgrade the scope on my old ruger at some point to a VX3 3.5-10x40.
I didnt kill any more game with hit but it was a little easier to look thru than the Bushnell trophy. (The Bushnell held zero for a five year stretch with no adjusting).