Yeah, taking a rifle chambered in a common cartridge never seems important--until it happens.
It's never happened to me, even on an international trip, but I have lost count of the people who've been on the same trip, or are hunting from the same camp, that it's happened to.
Have even seen it right here in Montana. Two buddies and I drove to eastern Montana to hunt, and in the process of consolidating our stuff in one vehicle, a small ammo bag got shoved under the front seat of another pickup while somebody was taking out something else. Luckily all it contained was .30-06 and 12-gauge, and it was easy to resupply in nearest small town. .280 and 16-gauge would probably have been a different story.
Yeah, As I said I know it happens, but usually what I've heard could have easily been prevented. If flying, I have ammo in two bags. If driving, I have a check list that gets checked twice to make sure gun and ammo are with me. Sure, I may end up with no ammo on my next hunt, but I still won't let that possibility determine what gun I take. I'm sure there are some places and circumstances where you have a high probability of not having your ammo, or even your rifle. In those cases I can see where taking the most common gun or just borrowing one once you get there would be the best course of action.
I enjoy hunting with my 250 savages, 257 Roberts, 7-08, 280AI, 358STA too much to go buy a sensible 308 or '06.
