I actually get the larger rolls of NCR brand stuff, and with what printing I do a box of three larger rolls, which I split into six smaller rolls, lasts about a year or two for me. About 10 bucks with tax.
That said, I know full well that the new stuff is NOT the beloved old school HP black stuff, of which I have a few partial rolls but don't like to use for routine fiddling. I suspect the stuff you just got may be prone to fading too, like all newer standard thermal paper. I hope my taxes don't get audited, since I have file folders of faded credit card receipts!
I find that if I print of something that I want to preserve, I'd best photocopy the tape. I have started doing this with 41C and 97 program listings. I just corrupted a 97 program card and it was a bugger for me to read thru parts of the two year old partially faded original tape!
Some folks claim that newer, thinner paper may contribute to slippage and malfunction in the HP97 and 82143, but so far I have had no issues. Works perfectly in the newer 82240B, which is really what I tend to use most for serious printing with the 41, 42S, or 17bII+.
Let us know how you make out over time with your new find. If it gives good results in the short term and doesn't hurt the calculator, I'd say you've found a bargain.
I am out of paper myself--maybe I can find the same somewhere here in Canada?
Les