Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

[flyfisher117]

I want to start working my way into shooting at 1,000 yards, recently moved and met up with a few guys that have a little 100-1000 yard shoot a couple times a month.

I have a Ruger M77 in .30-06, not a perfect gun I know, but Im trying to work with a budget. If I were to float the barrel, bed the action and replace the optics, (maybe a trigger job) could I potentially get it shooting good enough for 1000 yards?

Or I would be better off saving my money and buying something like a Rem 700 SPS Varmint in .308?
Or possibly just shooting my Rem 700 SPS Tac? its a .223 so Im in trouble on windy days but for now it will keep me busy out to 400-500 yards Im just curious about 500 and beyond.

 

[Dylan in AZ]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

Floating the barrel and bedding the action are both easy and inexpensive tasks that you can do yourself and both tend to help with accuracy. I would do it regardless if I were you... triggers I won't eff with myself, I'd MUCH rather have someone who knows what they're doing work on my trigger than risk screwing it up myself and having a malfunction down the road. And if your trigger is crappy, then having it worked on is very worth it. Optics could be pricey but also likely well worth it.

As far as your SPS-T in 223 goes... buy a box of 75 AMAX's and test if your gun will stabilize them. If it will, then you'll be fine to 1K if you can figure the wind out.

 

[Woodlanddude]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I would not for several reasons. 700 actions are a cheap part of what can slowly become a top class build. I'm sure I will offend the senses of some when I say that I can not see a difference in the field in the utility of a well built 700 and the most expensive actions placed on the shooting line. Only pride of ownership and the obvious appearance of fine machinery. I would buy an sps, PSS, Long range Tac, LTR or 5R depending Upon your ideas on what you want to do with the rifle and then build upon that if your commitment grows. A good accurate 308 in the safe always has usefulness if not.

 

[Chance]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

No, that's the short answer.

 

[Pflyinguy]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I did a bedding job on my M77 .270 and a trigger several years ago. That and nicer glass tightened it up a bit but it was never a tight rifle (sub moa) by any means, even with handloads. I sold the rifle, bought my first 700, was hooked and never looked back....

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I cant afford much Im working with a $1,000 budget (even pending I have a job to come back to this summer), so I could get a R700 SPS Varmint for >$600 which will leave me $400 for my scope/rings and everything. Figure $200 for a Bushnell Elite 3200, $100 for a set of weaver rings and bases, leaves me $100 for some brass, powder, and primers, then use what .30 cal bullets I have.

Only thing that worries me is the stock, the stock my SPS Tac had was horrible I could not get consistant groups no matter what ammo I shot, What are the SPS Varmint stocks like, any better? Eventually it would get replaced but not for a couple years at least. I have my dad keeping watch for an older R700 at a good price but most shops want just about the same price used as they are new.

$1,000 would leave me a decent bit of $ to work on the Ruger, but at the end of the day its still just a Ruger and neither of mine are very accurate, good enough for hunting.

$1,000 will leave me a ton of money for the .223, allow me to get the timney trigger Ive wanted and leave me a lot for load development, It will stabilize 75 grain BTHP at 100 yards and shoot 1" groups but Ive never shot them past that.

 

[reeljob]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I was a Ruger fan once, then I got into the long range game. I think my Ruger is still in the safe, I havent noticed it in awhile.

 

[ORD]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the noobie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SNIP...If I were to float the barrel, bed the action and replace the optics, (maybe a trigger job) could I potentially get it shooting good enough for 1000 yards?</div></div>

Even if you FF the barrel, bed it and replace your optics...you may never attain the level of accuracy that you want/need to be reasonably effective out to the 1k mark. Rugers are hit and miss in my experience. I've owned some that shot very well right out of the box and others, including an M77 Laminated Stock model in .30-06, that wouldn't get below 2MOA not matter what I tried including all of the above tricks and handloading. Also, try finding a decent optics mounting solution (save Ken Farrell's mounts, etc.), or any real aftermarket support for a Ruger such as quality stocks...they don't exist (save maybe the Richard's microfit stuff which isn't exactly McMillan, Manners, etc.).


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the noobie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Or I would be better off saving my money and buying something like a Rem 700 SPS Varmint in .308?
SNIP...</div></div>

YES...starting with a basic Remington 700, or even a Savage, or a Tikka, even if its a used one from here on the Px, would give you a leg up on the Ruger platform now and in the future in every possible respect.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

Some years ago I understand that Ruger tried to build a set of rifles for the American Palma Team as a PR publicity stunt. The team tried for a long time to get them to shoot but finally shot the next years Palma match with their old rifles. Something about the casting process does not lead to great precision...parts have to be made oversize and clearances left greater for production speed. Just my rememberer.

 

[oldfatguy]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I had a 35 year old Ruger 77 in 270. Wonderfully accurate deer rifle. But with the sporter weight barrel, not good for a 30 round match. Barrel contour is very improtant. So if your 77 does not already have a heavy barrel you are looking at replaceing it which is not good for a budget.

Remmy 700 is the universal go-to action with plenty of support and after market options.


OFG

 

[1RUGERMAN1]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I say go for it..Ruger all the way!!! Thats just my personal preference though. Most of the rifles i own are rugers and i get great accuracy out of them with reloading but havent been to 1000 yet. Maybe on the next one, sent to shilen a few weeks back to have a #7 hv in 308 installed on my m77 action.

 

[redbullitt]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

My light deer rifle's is a ruger. Deer are pretty big : ).

My buddy has a ruger 77 in 243 that actually shoots quite well with hand loads. Never did too much to it, but it would shoot just over an inch with good rounds. Pretty fine for an old horse with god knows how many rounds through it.

When I am hunting woods or brushy places I take the ruger scout. Not done tons of load workup on it, but it will shoot around an inch as well. Hell, it kills steel out to 500 pretty regularly, but I have never grouped it out there really. It is a nice rifle.

I like the ruger scout rifle, but it seems to have much better fit and finish compared to typical rugers I have seen. If I were looking to build up a long range rig, I am with the guys who said go rem 700 or a clone. Aftermarket support is affordable and totally huge and most every smith works on them.

A nice savage is definitely worth a look as well. Out of the box they shoot very well and offer some nice features.

ALL THAT said, you are on a budget. I am a fan of run what you brung... How well does that rifle shoot for you now? If you hand load for it and get some good loads, I bet you could use it and be plenty dangerous out to a 1000.

If you do not hand load for either rifles now, start. That was the single biggest performance modification for ANY of my rifles.

The work you mentioned is fairly inexpensive and can be done yourself if you are feeling adventurous. Bedding is scary, but not difficult if you are careful. It can make a big difference on some rifles.

That 223 MAY be viable as well if you can stabilize the heavier bullets. My 69 smks work well out to around 600 yards, but that is as far as I have easy access to. Wind does move them a bit though lol. I'd wear out that 223 barrel, then screw on a 308 or 260 or something like that later. Voila, spa in caliber of your choice.

 

[Remoah]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

Nope. For the cost you'd incur you may as well go with something with a better history of accuracy.

Like you stated, you're on a Budget. The 700 platform is excellent, due to the number of aftermarket upgrades, and you can build on it a couple of hundred dollars at a time rather than being forced to splash big money on each upgrade.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I had four, I still own two, and the ones I sold were not easy to part with. They all shot/shoot very well, and my only impression is that equally good shooting guns can be had for less money.

With my guns, it has always been the load development and my own marksmanship that have been the determinant factors in each rifle's performance. I have only ever taken one rifle to the gun show to dispose of because it wouldn't perform, and it wasn't a Ruger.

So the answer is yes; but let's not be going overboard.

Basic bedding, floating (Maybe, maybe not; sometimes a pressure pad is a good idea, even with a heavy barrel.), decent mounts and optics, and maybe a trigger (only if the one that's present is unsafe, has creep, or requires a pull greater than 4lb.).

For rifles with SAAMI chambers, I think that further mods reach diminishing returns almost immediately, and I am loathe to use rifles that don't have SAAMI chambers.

Unless I'm shooting benchrest, a SAAMI is all I need. At my age, the likelihood is high that my guns will pass on to other family members; and I don't want them being saddled with safety concerns that non-SAAMI chambers would impose on them unexpectedly.

Far too many people on this site fail to grasp the pros and cons of SAAMI chambers.

They limit accuracy, yes; but not at all in any way that's going to disadvantage anyone besides a BR shooter or a head-of-the-pack competitive shooter. For the most part, BR handloading techniques are not useful with SAAMI chambers. This is a plus, because unless we're shooting BR, all they can effectively do is take up time and effort that would be far better expended being applied to range work.

Greg

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

If you're going to hire it all done, you'll pay $150-250 for a bedding job/float job, and $100 for the new trigger plus installation. And you're still left with a deer rifle. So you're talking about $300 worth of work. You're just $200 from a used SPS Varmint/Tactical/etc.

I've got an old .308 M77 MK II. It was my first rifle and I will never let it go, birthday present from my parents when I was 12 years old. Its taken several whitetail and a few other random varmints. It shot about 2 MOA in factory configuration (and an old 80s Japanese Tasco) with factory hunting ammo. It was good enough for the task at hand.

Back when I was 18 or so and really getting into precision shooting, I had the action glass bedded (no pillars), floated, and a trigger job. The trigger job turned out terrible, but it was best the smith could do without upgrading to a new Timney. Its still somewhat mushy but much lighter.

After the work was done I put a Swift 4.5-14x44 on it. It then would shoot factory match ammo into a shade under MOA for three rounds and hunting ammo a shade over. I had invested about $300 and still had a rifle that wouldn't shoot a five round group under 2 MOA. I shot it out to 600 yards on the farm using the reticle for holds and could keep it on 12" plates---for three rounds at a time.

Since I started handloading for it and put a Zeiss Conquest on it. Its a terrific hunting rifle. I can manage three round groups in the .5-.75 MOA range with Nosler BTs, Accubonds, or SSTs.

Moral of the story: Don't use a finish hammer to roof a house.

Buy an SPS Tac or AAC-SD or master your .223 Rem.

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I honestly have never shot my Ruger for accuracy, Im a pussy, I stand 6' tall and weigh 150 lbs soaking wet. My shoulder cant handle the .30-06 that well, laugh makes jokes all ya want but I shoot it only when I am checking zero before elk season. Dad worked up the load for the gun years ago and its the one I have used ever since he gave me the gun for my birthday. I guess I need to shoot it more, maybe get a bit more used to the recoil but it is by no means my favorite gun to shoot.

I do handload for all of my guns but I dont get anywhere near the accuracy I want from the Rugers. 15 +/- Years ago my dad found a load for my M77 .243 that shot 2.5 MOA at 100 and that was the best he found. I have taken his notes and data and tweaked a fair bit of stuff but I have only been able to shrink the groups by 1/2"-3/4" on a good day.

Out of the box what would you guys choose, R700 SPS Varmint or Tactical. I hated the Hogue stock that originally came on my .223 Tactical, it had way to much flex. I was unable to get groups, I just shot shotgun patterns. Is the Varmints stock any better? I dont want to have to mess with epoxying carbon fiber rods into it to make it stronger. I want the best stock I can get factory so that I can save my pennies for the stock that I have wanted for a couple years now. McMillan A4 or Manners MCS-T4

What about the barrels between the two? Varmint has a 26" 1:12 and Tactical has the 20" 1:10 if I remember correctly. Im not sure about the AAC-SD version, while someday I would love to get a suppressor I would honestly probably get one for my .22's and .223's before I got one for a .30 cal.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

with that kind of budget, buy a savage they don't need to be worked up to be acurate, leaves you plenty of money for optics and ammo and you can shoot right out the box.
hope this helps.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I'd say if you've never shot your .30-06 for accuracy, you already know you should waste money on it

The AAC with the 1:10" is good if you intend to shoot heavier bullets or subsonics. Its also threaded for a suppressor. I believe the varmint and the plain "tactical" both have the 1:12" twist rate. The 1:12" will work fine for 175s. Its just a matter of how long a barrel you want.

I'd recommend looking for a used take-off B&C or H-S precision to use for the time being if you get one. Once you save up the money for the McMillan or Manners, you can sell off the B&C or H-S for the majority of what you gave for it. You can find them for $150-250 if you watch the classifieds here.

 

[hlee]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

How competitive is this "little shoot?" Where is your skill level now? Are you looking to win or compete? I would spend that $1000 on cartridges/(handloading components) and range time, then enter the shoot with what you have. The return on investment for $1000 of range time is many fold greater than the same $1000 in equipment. And, you may find that your Ruger will run with the pack with a minimum of improvements.

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I'd say if you've never shot your .30-06 for accuracy, you already know you should waste money on it

Haha thats the problem! I anticipate the recoil and my shots go all titty wonkus. First 10 shots I am fine after that I just stop so I dont develop a flinch. People keep telling me to hold the gun tight to the shoulder, well I do but it still beats the hell out of me, I need some meat on my shoulder so the recoil doesnt go straight into my collar bone.

I dont think funds would even permit a B&C. I currently have one on my .223 though so If I got desperate I could swap the stock back and forth.

Ill have to check out Savages again, Nothing against them other than the fact that I flat out hate the accu-trigger. I dont like the way it feels. Not saying they are bad but I dont like the feel of them.

My skill level? Learning. I still learning how to calculate bullet drop, how to compensate windage, and how to dial all of that in. The scope on my .223 doesnt allow me to do much of that, I pretty much shoot, watch for splash, use mil dots to correct and shoot with Kentucky windage.

The group that has offered to take me out is just 8-9 guys that all get together and shoot, he said loser has to buy everyone a round at the local bar. Im sure they will occasionally throw some money in a hat but its nothing serious. They said that they would be more than happy to teach me and help me out.

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

Hell I just got thinking, My dad has a .308 R700 ADL sitting in the safe thats 5 years old and has had half a box shot through it. It has a pencil barrel, and iron sights. Not the ideal gun but with a scope it would let me shoot and give me something to learn on. In the long run give me a better idea of what I want and let me save up more money.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the noobie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


Haha thats the problem! I anticipate the recoil and my shots go all titty wonkus. First 10 shots I am fine after that I just stop so I dont develop a flinch. People keep telling me to hold the gun tight to the shoulder, well I do but it still beats the hell out of me, I need some meat on my shoulder so the recoil doesnt go straight into my collar bone.
</div></div>

I'd highly recommend subscribing to the training here and shooting your .223 Rem.

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

Will the online training teach me anything I already don't know? I would like to take a couple of actual classes but me and my .223 would be left in the dust

Im sitting in a spot where I can use any gun that I currently have with just a little work. But none are the best choice.

.223 is going to be my best bet as far as being ready to go, it will allow me to get double or tripple the trigger time as well. But its optics will limit me. Its wearing a Nikon Monarch which is plenty clear but doesn't allow me to adjust windage or elevation as much as I should.

-06 and .243 are both wearing fixed power 6x scopes, that dont even have turrets, they require the penny to adjust and both are M77's

 

[tylerw02]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the noobie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Will the online training teach me anything I already don't know?
</div></div>

You'd be surprised

 

[redbullitt]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

Definitely. The online training is very good. I bet you will learn a few new tricks.

If you do not know how the 06 rifle shoots, then I would not be hasty to count it out (though I always am happy with a reason to buy a new rifle lol). DRY FIRE practice sir. Lots of it lol. Do you shoot alright with the 223? If you shoot another rifle in 308 or something comparable, your flinching and other issues may very well still be present.

After hearing that the 06 recoil bothers you (no shame there bud, hunting weight 30-06s can put a hurtin on me too lol), I say get lots of live and dry fire in with the 223. Have you considered a slip on or other style recoil pad?

It sounds like at this point that you need plain old trigger time. I would put the money into ammunition and training, and possibly a scope for the 223 with a useful reticle.

You do not NEED turrets mind you. They can be handy, but they can also be bulky. What can be more helpful is the the turrets and the reticle match are useful for holdovers (and track well) or ranging. There are quite a few affordable scopes that fit this bill now.

I'd not worry about being left in the dust really. If you are not comfortable using the 06 or similar it wont matter how well a rifle shoots if youre not shooting up to par, ie flinch etc.

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I am in the same boat as the OP. I have a Model 77 Mark II Target model that shoots pretty well, however some of the annoying things that Ruger does like the dovetail scope base is really annoying.

My thoughts are go with the Remington action since there are lots and lots of custom parts for the Remington. While the Ruger - not so much. I am also going to sell my Ruger, and I had gunsmithing work done to it which I really don't expect I will get out of it. So, my suggestion:

Don't gunsmith it, sell it as-is, and buy a Remington 700, then go to town on that to get it where you want.

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?


To my knowledge I dont have a flinch when shooting. My shots go where I place the crosshair. If anything my trigger pull might need some attention, Ive tried doing the test where you place a penny on the tip of the barrel and even though I had to place the penny and raise the gun then get comfortable behind it I was still able to pull the trigger without it falling off.

Im comfortable with shots out to 300 yards with the .223, its the farthest I could safely shoot at home without setting up targets on old logging roads then driving up other old logging roads on other ridges and shooting across big drainages.

Current scope has mil dots, that so far are pretty accurate at ranging, just wish it had some tick marks inbetween the dots.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I have two Ruger 77RSIs, one a .270 and one in 308. Both are sub-MOA with my hand loads. That said, my most accurate rifles are Rem 700s and a Savage 116. The aftermarket is better for those brands and the improvements will be more noticeable in all likelihood.

FH

 

[jetmd]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

OK, I will bite. You post questions, you get answers, some you might like, others you might not. So here you go.

First you say that the recoil from the '06 gets to you, no problem have the barrel threaded and install a muzzle break use a good quality piece, thread for a common pitch (5/8-24) and enjoy the lack of recoil. And later that break can always be moved to another high quality weapon.

Buy a Farrell base and have the same smith that threads your barrel install the base.

Purchase a Very good quality set of rings, which can later be moved to that high quality tack driver.

Get the best scope you can afford, I would say a NightForce is one of the best as far as bang for the buck. Later this can be used on the custom high dollar .5moa or less rifle when you get it.

Shoot the ever loving dog shit out of the Ruger until you have master everything else....trigger control, sight picture and alignment, body position, wind calls ect. Practice, practice and some more practice.

Maybe you have recognized a trend in my thought process, buy the best quality you can afford. Borrow money if you have to. Keep the good equipment and reuse it. Use the Ruger for awhile, it is bought and paid for.

I also have a Ruger in .220 Swift and will keep it. It was my birthday present long ago from my parents for Fox and Coyote hunting in Iowa and it still runs good.

The 30'06 is a capable cartrigde to 1K.

Good Luck!

Chet

If you don't have enough meat on your barrel thread it 1/2-28

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

You have no idea how badly I would like to buy the best. I wanted too put on a Manners and drop a Jewell into my .223 I also want to Ackley Improve it, but for the cost I just feel that I would only be seeing minor improvements. I want to spend my money so that I see the biggest and best results.

Making minimum wage, and paying out the rear end to be a full time student just eats all of my play money up. I only have a small bit of money each year that I can spend on toys. I dont want to spend 1/5 of my years money on Rings and a scope base that will only give me minor results. Again I see where your coming from but for now I need bang for my buck, just not stuff that is so cheap that it leaves me needing to upgrade ASAP in order to effectively shoot.

Im still kicking myself in the ass but my friends father was selling a .300 WM R700 with a Sightron Sii scope on it. It was a wood stocked ADL model with a barrel that wasnt heavy but wasnt a hunting barrel, somewhere inbetween. He wanted $700 but I didnt buy it for fear of the recoil, price of ammo, and fact that I wanted an AR-15 more. I could have bought it, put a muzzle brake on it and had one sweet rig, that was expensive to shoot, but very capable.


As far as the muzzle break goes, Ill have to look into it. I have only priced the local gunsmiths a couple of times and what times I have they are so over priced that I can buy the tools, do it my self, and still have a fair bit of money left over.

 

[hlee]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

You should be able to have a good muzzlebreak put on for less than $250- bought and installed. Maybe a bit more if you have to send your gun somewhere. KDF in Seguin, Texas makes a superb break that won't break the bank. But, it does not have the tacticool look of many breaks seen here on the hide.

A really high class optic is great to see those small targets at long range. But, good shooters can keep 2 moa accuracy with iron sights. What is my point? A great scope is a "nice to have," not a "must have."

As you say you are recoil shy (and most of us are, especially when we take off our keyboard-commando hats), a muzzlebreak is probably the best bang for the buck in equipment investment.

You mention replacing the trigger. Is it creepy? Does it have a heavy pull? If it is, then a new trigger may also be worthwhile.

Bedding the action is inexpensive and (apparently) relatively easy to do.

While I am always looking for an excuse to buy more toys, far an away the best use of your limited funds is in practice. We are not talking about International matches and big purses. Its a group of friends and drinks at the local bar.

Put yourself through school and practice with what you have. Graduate and then buy toys once you have established your career.

I bought a really nice o/u shotgun when I passed my grad school qualifying exam. My wife was not thrilled, but it is now her favorite gun to shoot. I'd be a much better shotgun shooter if I had bought ammunition for the shotgun that I had.

If you REALLY need a want gun, think about student loans...

 

[dpodgurs]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

The first rifle I shot distance with was a R700 ADL in 30-06 with a cheap optic from eBay, rings that came with the scope (Had no clue as to the manufacture) and the cheapest two piece base you could get. Really had no clue what I was doing, but talking low budget that rifle was less than $600 finished.

With no experience at all I was able to hit milk jugs at 400-500 yds. Even with the beginners luck, the build as cheap as it was still had potential (The optic did fail pretty rapidly, as would be expected from some no-name company and a $100 investment).

That being said the rifle for all intensive purposes was great. The ADL is an excellent budget starting platform, the stock is crap by all means and would need to be replaced in the future but there are ways around it. Using the lowest rings possible helps a lot to give you a nice cheek weld and in turn will help with accuracy and shot placement. You can also look into getting a stock pack that has a check rest.

My opinion would be to go with the ADL, it is the least expensive option that will get you out to the ranges you want. I've had both ADL and SPS models and unless you get the SPS with a DM you are not gaining anything between the two. By saving money on the rifle you will have more to spend on optics, rings/mounts and reloading components.

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I will just have to check on the prices when Im down in town again. If they will do it reasonably cheap Ill look into the Muzzle Brake. Looks dont bother me, as long as they just dont look goofy or ungodly.

Trigger is just OK, its worse than the X-Mark in my 700 and I dont even like the X-Mark so its not the greatest. I can live with it but I dont like it. Guess I got used to the light trigger pulls of my dad's rifles.

Well as much money as I can save is better, That means more range time with the school's trap team and less student loans, less loans I can get the happier Ill be out of school.

I think for now since its set up and ready, Ill work with the .223 see what I can do, If it is just to big if a hassle and doesnt perform Ill worry about getting the -06 or the .243 in working order.

 

[cummins cowboy]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I personally like rugers at least the mark 2 action. but for a 1000 yard shooter not so much. I did what you are considering to a ruger mark 2 22-250 the gun would sometimes shoot great but other times shoot 1.5" or more, point of impact would also shift. I had the, trigger lowered to 28 oz. had the stock pillar beded, barrel free floated, and the muzzle recrowned. after all that the gun is a 3/4" shooter. if thats where you ended up with your 30-06 I don't think it would be worth it. the other thing is you are stuck with ruger rings. the gun is a great hunting rifle and thats it. if I could I would find a tikka varmint in 308 look around online as they discontinued them. that is your best chance at a shooter on a budget

 

[dbateman]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

I have Ruger M77 and it shoots very well altho I have never tried to run it out to 1000yds to be honest I have never shot it at targets past 200yds but it is plenty accurate for hunting.

I do have a Rem 700 SPS tactical and shoot it to 1000yds I run 77SMk's in mine they don't suffer the wind as bad as you may think.

If it were me I would just keep building on the SPS, save up and buy some good glass and then a dbm and a stock and put it all together myself.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

First few times out, shoot what you have, try using Fed .30-'06 168gr Gold Medal. That should give you some sort of a benchmark on which to base further speculation/consideration.

Yes, the '06 recoils, especially from prone. A stopgap temp fix is to put a sandbag or such between shoulder and buttpad. That way the rifle needs to move the sandbag before it get to rattle your bones.

The '06's case capacity can be better utilized by the .280 Rem chambering, so if I were to rebarrel, that would be my choice. The basic case footprint is close enought to the '06 that everthing else should work fine with the new barrel. You'll probably need to handload to make it work best, but the lighter 7mm/.284 diameter bullets will reach 1kYd flatter and with less recoil than the '06's 30 caliber ones.

You make no mention of what barrel contour exists. Unless it's already a heavier varmint (Ruger VT) weight barrel, the barrel channel may need expanding to achieve a fully floated condition. Depending on the height of the scope's optical axis, you may also need to add cheek support.

My views on optics aren't commonly held. I figure if you can establish a sight picture and the bullets go the same place, the right place, every shot, it's working well enough to get you up and running. Better optics can come later. I use a Tasco VAR624X42M 6-24x42 MilDot Varmint/Target scope; usually available for around or under $100. Beginners need not be choosers. It has 75MOA of adjustment, so Ruger rings should work fine.

Your friends will guide you further as you shoot with them. Just be kind to yourself, and save the wants and needs from pricing you out of actually getting out there and shooting.

My KM77VT MKII .308 was fine at 1000yd. My KM77VT MKII .22-250 was an impeccable Woodchuck gun. My two MKI .280's (one is Varmint weight) are fine shooters with H-4350 and Nosler 150gr BT's, but I'd suggest 168's for 1000yd with the factory rifling twist. You might want to check with Sturm Ruger to see if their custom shop will do a factory rebarrel for you to .280 Rem.

Greg

 

[flyfisher117]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

It has a normal hunting barrel contour. Whole gun is only like 5.5-6 pounds without optics and ammo.

While were on the topic, what is the best way to add a comb to a rifle? I dont want to tape/glue/screw anything to my stocks but I know that on the .223 I really need to raise the comb so I lign up better with the scope, I havent paid that much attention to the .30-06 but I might have too. Will something like a stock pack give me enough of a raise? I might look into installing an adjustable cheek rest on the .223 because It is quite a bit lower than my scope.

Anything like tools/accessories/gadgets that would help better my shooting? I wouldnt mind a range finder just so I can verify how far I am shooting, but $400 is a bit steep so Im fine with my 300' measure tape for now.

Since a lot of my shooting will be at home when Im alone I do think I will look into either building or buying a steel target or some kind of reactive target for those 300-500 ranges just for feedback so I know if I have hit my mark. Unless anyone has some kind of recomendation for good reactive targets?
Working in a restaurant last year I was able to stock up on milk jugs and large 5 gallon water jugs but they were annoying to have to drive to the dump and get rid of after I was done shooting.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Is it worth it to accurize a Ruger M77?

Yes, a stock pack is a good solution. Height can be added if needed by placing pieces cut from mouse pads and secured with masking tape underneath the stock pack.

The sporter barrel will work, but heat becomes an issue with repetitive fire. Try to keep the firing cadence slower, and use all the time provided so you can space out your shots and keep the barrel heating down to a better level. The good news is that a thinner barrel will cool off quicker. If the POI tends to walk when the barrel gets hot, consider a barrel pressure pad out near the end of the barrel channel.

Greg