I should have included my question in the last post. What should I expect as far as group size is concerned in a hunting rifle? I have four all together to work up. 7mm-08, 30-06, 7mm Rem Mag and 338 Win Mag. There is a fifth one but my friend seemed to have found two loads for it (6mm REM). All rifles are Ruger M77 from late 80s or early 90s. Bought them from a friend who taught me to hand load. He was ill not long after buying the rifles and never did more than break them in. I expect both varmint guns I have to shoot under 1/2" at 100 and both do. I'm not sure what to expect with the others.
Follow up to first post
- Thread starter MI77
- Start date
- Nov 4, 2004
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That is a tough question to answer, too many variables. Every gun is different and same make and models may like different bullets and/or loads.
The only thing you can do is go at it one load at a time for each rifle. Known accuracy loads would be a good starting point, your rifle will tell youif its the right laod.
As for accuracy, if you are getting les than 1 inch at 100 yds, thats very good accuracy for a hunting rifle. By trying different load components, you may be able to improve on this level of accuracy.
JD338
The only thing you can do is go at it one load at a time for each rifle. Known accuracy loads would be a good starting point, your rifle will tell youif its the right laod.
As for accuracy, if you are getting les than 1 inch at 100 yds, thats very good accuracy for a hunting rifle. By trying different load components, you may be able to improve on this level of accuracy.
JD338
Most of the guys here shoot remington 700"s with or without custom barrels. That doesn't mean there is anything wrong with a Ruger although most guys will say the 80's and 90's weren't the best years for Ruger's.
I am currently working up a load for a Ruger m77 mkII in 7mm mag and it has been a long road but , I am seeing some good results with rl-19 and 160 Ab's. my latest group was inside .75 at 100 yds. Not very impressive but decent and acceptable for hunting.
I am currently working up a load for a Ruger m77 mkII in 7mm mag and it has been a long road but , I am seeing some good results with rl-19 and 160 Ab's. my latest group was inside .75 at 100 yds. Not very impressive but decent and acceptable for hunting.
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
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- 5,829
I've seen some fine groups from .30-06 and 7mm Rem mag rifles as well as the 7mm-08. Would not surprise me if you were able to develop sub MOA capable loads for them.
With the 7mm's, I'd recommend looking at the 150 - 175 grain bullets. I haven't gotten the best accuracy from partitions, but the ballistic tips have been excellent. That said - there are times when I opt for the Partition anyway, when penetration is vital and accuracy is acceptable.
I haven't seen any .338 Win mag sporter weight rifles that were tack drivers. That's not due to any fault with the cartridge, but the rather substantial recoil that a good old .338 bear, moose and elk stomper generates! Hard to shoot a stout-recoiling rifle really well.
Sometimes a fellow can tune the rifle a little, with adjustments to the bedding, free-floating the barrel and doing a little trigger work... Also, how a guy is shooting it is likely the biggest detractor from accuracy. A good solid rest and excellent, consistent technique - along with wind reading, have a huge amount to do with group sizes.
Sounds like you're having fun! Regards, Guy
With the 7mm's, I'd recommend looking at the 150 - 175 grain bullets. I haven't gotten the best accuracy from partitions, but the ballistic tips have been excellent. That said - there are times when I opt for the Partition anyway, when penetration is vital and accuracy is acceptable.
I haven't seen any .338 Win mag sporter weight rifles that were tack drivers. That's not due to any fault with the cartridge, but the rather substantial recoil that a good old .338 bear, moose and elk stomper generates! Hard to shoot a stout-recoiling rifle really well.
Sometimes a fellow can tune the rifle a little, with adjustments to the bedding, free-floating the barrel and doing a little trigger work... Also, how a guy is shooting it is likely the biggest detractor from accuracy. A good solid rest and excellent, consistent technique - along with wind reading, have a huge amount to do with group sizes.
Sounds like you're having fun! Regards, Guy
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks guys, I'll keep at it. I've noticed that the Reloader powders are referenced quite a bit on many posts. I've also had some luck with Varget in a .308. Well, that is what I built the room for in the basement so I'll just have to keep changing things to see if I can at least get a sub 1" group. I hear you on the 338. My buddy was an old tool and die guy. He put a muzzle break on to try and tame the thing while he worked up a load. Only seems to help a little though. I've been using bipod on the front and sandbags in the back.
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