deserthntr
Active Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2010
- Messages
- 43
how does a ruger 77 perform? would it be worth getting for a long range gun? its in 7 mm
ruger 77
- Thread starter deserthntr
- Start date
Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
It will depend on who you ask. Many times Ruger seems to get black balled out of the game for several reasons. All of which can be cured with little to no gun smithing required. Most Rugers have two inherent flaws.
# 1. Poor Triggers. Typically the trigger on a production Ruger rifle breaks somewhere between 6 - 8lbs and has a considerable amount of creep involved. Why so lousy? Because they are made to be "Lawyer Proof." Replace with a Timney trigger for around $90 - 100.
# 2. Barrel floating. In the tip of the fore end of any walnut Ruger stock is a place that the barrel will contact the stock. I have seen some stocks exert up to 35lbs of upward pressure on the barrel when the guard screws are properly torqued. This is a simple fix. Wrap some 100 grit sandpaper around a wooden dowel and sand out the barrel channel. Make sure to seal the freshly sanded area with some good wood oil and you're set to go.
I love the ruger rifles that I have. I own 4 of them one being a 7mm and after a the two suggested repairs above, all 4 will shoot under 3/4 moa at 100 yards. Would I buy another Ruger rifle? Absolutely.
# 1. Poor Triggers. Typically the trigger on a production Ruger rifle breaks somewhere between 6 - 8lbs and has a considerable amount of creep involved. Why so lousy? Because they are made to be "Lawyer Proof." Replace with a Timney trigger for around $90 - 100.
# 2. Barrel floating. In the tip of the fore end of any walnut Ruger stock is a place that the barrel will contact the stock. I have seen some stocks exert up to 35lbs of upward pressure on the barrel when the guard screws are properly torqued. This is a simple fix. Wrap some 100 grit sandpaper around a wooden dowel and sand out the barrel channel. Make sure to seal the freshly sanded area with some good wood oil and you're set to go.
I love the ruger rifles that I have. I own 4 of them one being a 7mm and after a the two suggested repairs above, all 4 will shoot under 3/4 moa at 100 yards. Would I buy another Ruger rifle? Absolutely.
My M77 MKII in .338 WM, all factory stock as seen expect for the muzzle brake and high tech trigger set at 2.5 lbs ...
... shoots Hornady factory loads .225 gr SSTs ...
Just recently change stock with B&C and some load developed using .225 gr NAB and H4831SC but have not had a chance to shoot them yet.
I understand mine is not necessarily the same caliber/model but as Firecat noted, the potential is there. Can't remember which one of the sponsor gunsmiths but he's exploring the Ruger actions as donor for custom rifles with success.
Good luck!
Ed
... shoots Hornady factory loads .225 gr SSTs ...
Just recently change stock with B&C and some load developed using .225 gr NAB and H4831SC but have not had a chance to shoot them yet.
I understand mine is not necessarily the same caliber/model but as Firecat noted, the potential is there. Can't remember which one of the sponsor gunsmiths but he's exploring the Ruger actions as donor for custom rifles with success.
Good luck!
Ed
liltank
Well-Known Member
Feenix,
What kind of velocities do you get with the 225's? What powders are you using? Have you played with 250's and 300's just to play and if so, what velocities are you getting?
Thanks in advance,
Tank
What kind of velocities do you get with the 225's? What powders are you using? Have you played with 250's and 300's just to play and if so, what velocities are you getting?
Thanks in advance,
Tank
The .225 SST factory load is ~ 2785 FPS ( Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Ammunition :: Rifle :: Choose by Caliber :: 338 Win Mag :: 338 Win Mag 225 gr SST® ). I do own a chrony but the last time a friend chronied my 73.5gr H4831SC, .225 NAB, CCI250 it was averaging 2825 FPS. My latest is 74.5gr but awaiting further test (currently out of state).
Sorry but I have no test load experience on .250 or .300 grainers yet.
Ed
liltank
Well-Known Member
Thanks Ed! I'm thinking about doing a long barrel 338WM and try and make a poor man's Lapua with 250's or 300 grain bullets. If I can get 2650 out of the 300' and 2700 with 250's I will be pleased. Especially with the Hybrid Bergers in both 250 and 300 will do well. You never see any loads or results for 338WM's with a barrel length over 24". What length barrel's are you shooting and contour?
Tank
Tank,
Poor man's .338 LM sounds good to me. The barrel is a factory magnum sporter in 24" in 1:10 twist. When it is time to re-barrel, I'd probably go with a 28" (undecided on contour) with a faster twist (maybe 9 or 9.5 but not really sure at this time) to better stabilize the .250 and .300 grainers.
Hopefully by then, someone else had the opportunity to explore the possibilities and is willing and able to share the info.
Good luck!
Ed
