Grouping

[ghklr67]

I have a Ruger 77 tang safety 7 mm mag, made in 1974, gun, stock and action are all in what I would consider pristine condition, I've went through all the basics, torque the stock, scope and rings, completely cleaned throughout, no problems with the bore, still can't seem to get it to group the way I want it to. Also have tried several different ammo brands and grains, I don't reload, so I can't go that route. Any suggestions? Yes barrel is floated and action is in stock solid.

 

[ButterBean]

It's not shot out is it? and how is it grouping?

 

[lancetkenyon]

I have found that playing with the action screw torque can play a big role in accuracy with the old tang safety M77s. Especially the front angled one.
Is it bedded? Or just the wood connection?

Start at 20in/lbs and shoot 2.
Tighten the front to 25in/lbs and shoot 2 more.
Then tighten the back to 25in/lbs and shoot 2 more.
Then 30, 35, 40...

I have done this with Savage rifles too, and it can make a huge difference.

Your twist is probably a 1:9.5", so stick to 160-165 and down for bullet weights, and 145 and down if you run monos.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

My same year Tanger (300 WM) was anything but stock once I gave it to my SIL, but the best investment I did was the Rifle Basix sear. Those factory triggers were tough. https://riflebasix.com/product/ruger-ru-t/

As Lance said, torque the front screw to 45 inch pounds (I did 65/45 on my McMillan) and 30 " pounds on the rear. If it is bedded, you may be able to get a little more.
Float the barrel if not already done.

Factory ammo that worked well for me was the Federal Trophy Bonded Tip. It was 300 WM, so not apples to apples. Have you tried a lightweight mono? Like a Barnes. Maybe even a Nosler Partition. Those all did very well in mine. Your twist rate is prolly not going to like longer modern pills. The monos worked well because they seem to like a little more jump. Those factory mag boxes are definitely limiting at 3.34".

I'm in Fredericksburg, VA.

 

[ghklr67]

It's not shot out is it? and how is it grouping?

No it's not shot out, it's grouping minute of deer which most around my neck of the woods would be happy with, I think it should do better, honestly it's about a 2.5-3 inch group at 100 yards

 

[Shane Lindsey]

No it's not shot out, it's grouping minute of deer which most around my neck of the woods would be happy with, I think it should do better, honestly it's about a 2.5-3 inch group at 100 yards

Have your tried cleaning the barrel with some JB Bore paste? Those old Ruger barrels were pretty rough. It would take a few down it to foul again, but worth a try. Not expensive either.

 

[ButterBean]

No it's not shot out, it's grouping minute of deer which most around my neck of the woods would be happy with, I think it should do better, honestly it's about a 2.5-3 inch group at 100 yards

Copy, yeah it should shoot better than that, great information from lance, start there and see what happens

 

[ghklr67]

I have found that playing with the action screw torque can play a big role in accuracy with the old tang safety M77s. Especially the front angled one.
Is it bedded? Or just the wood connection?

Start at 20in/lbs and shoot 2.
Tighten the front to 25in/lbs and shoot 2 more.
Then tighten the back to 25in/lbs and shoot 2 more.
Then 30, 35, 40...

I have done this with Savage rifles too, and it can make a huge difference.

Your twist is probably a 1:9.5", so stick to 160-165 and down for bullet weights, and 145 and down if you run monos.

Thanks for that info, I'll give it a try for sure, I've actually picked up some different ammo that I hadn't tried yet, I got a box of Winchester Expedition 168 Long range accubonds, hopefully what you said and this will do the trick!

 

[ghklr67]

Have your tried cleaning the barrel with some JB Bore paste? Those old Ruger barrels were pretty rough. It would take a few down it to foul again, but worth a try. Not expensive either.

10-4 I've done pretty much everything as far as cleaning, it's been scoped so I know the barrel grooves and lands look good, no cracks anywhere else as far as I can tell

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Thanks for that info, I'll give it a try for sure, I've actually picked up some different ammo that I hadn't tried yet, I got a box of Winchester Expedition 168 Long range accubonds, hopefully what you said and this will do the trick!

Hope that helps.
Don't give up on her if those ABLR do not get it done. That has been the most finicky bullet I have ever tried to load.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Hope that helps.
Don't give up on her if those ABLR do not get it done. That has been the most finicky bullet I have ever tried to load.

Agreed. I have tried them so many times. In a bunch of calibers and weights, in a bunch of different rifles. 2 out of 10 shoot them well.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Or your will get a nice tight group and then no repeat.

 

[ghklr67]

Or your will get a nice tight group and then no repeat.

I've seen it happen before!

 

[Tiny Tim]

Any idea of total round count?

Near the end of mine's barrel life, it took nearly a box of shells to foul the bore. Then it would go another 0-5 before it went to pot again. Still looked halfway decent through borescope.

Are you sure of your scope and rings.

ABLR may not be best choice in your twist. Always had good luck with most anything in 140-160 grain Nosler.