Author Topic: Ruger Mod.77 MkII Varmint 223: loads and accuracy  (Read 1522 times)

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Offline Marty

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Ruger Mod.77 MkII Varmint 223: loads and accuracy
« on: April 08, 2005, 04:29:56 PM »
Howdy,
I recently picked up a Ruger Varmint target in the older blued action/ss bbl style. It is in .223. I was wondering if anyone can suggest some loads that work well in theirs. What kind of accuracy have you had and can expect with this rifle? I am not sure of the twist rate, but think it is 1/12 or so. Would like to go with heavier bullets, but I am sure it is not a 1/8 or 1/10. Thanks for your time.

Marty

Offline oso45-70

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Ruger Firearms
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2005, 05:21:08 PM »
Marty.

I have a Ruger mk 2 in 223 rem and have found it shoots about every load you can stuff in it. It has Killed many sod poodles out to 275yds with no problem. Most of the p-dog town in my area are not to large as the towns in some of the northern areas so we don't get the longer shots.
I have had my MKll for about seven years and don't have any complaints.

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Offline chipchip

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Ruger Mod.77 MkII Varmint 223: loads and ac
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2005, 11:48:24 AM »
I just bought a MKll VT in 223 and really like mine. Today at the range at 100yds my smallest 5 shot group was 1/2" with Black Hills 50gr. It seems to like Black Hills ammo the best. Tried Remington and Federal and it did not shoot them as well but still sub MOA. Good Luck with yours. I think the Ruger MKll VT is a very under rated rifle.

Offline Con

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Ruger Mod.77 MkII Varmint 223: loads and ac
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2005, 03:55:56 AM »
I had a Ruger MkII VT in .223 that refused to shoot any factory ammunition into anything but patterns. Even reloads weren't flash, then I tried the Sierra 52gr HPBT and the gun went from frustrating to frightening 0.5MOA groups day in day out, even smaller if I hadn't had caffeine for a day or so. :)
Cheers...
Con

Offline Marty

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Ruger 77VT 223
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2005, 03:41:57 PM »
Hey Guys,
Went to the rnge yesterday to sight in the 223. Only had a spare old Bushnell 1-4x Banner, but it's really clear optics, so I mounted it.
After spending awhile getting on target, I pasted a bright orange 1"
target dot on the target stand tried for a three shot group.   8) I was grinning; got them almost into one hole; two shots were thru the same hole. And this was with mil. hardball ammo. Going to pull the spare rounds for some weights, etc.

Con, I think I will get some of those 52 gr Sierras to make the first batch of reloads.

Almost sold it to a buddy of mine, but he wanted a faster twist bbl. Now it's a keeper.  :wink:
Marty

Offline n5odj

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Ruger Mod.77 MkII Varmint 223: loads and ac
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2005, 12:33:43 PM »
I have two... A made in 1976 model 77 Varmint in .220 Swift & a fairly new "Target" model in .223. The .220 Swift has always been a tack driver with the right load, but I've had to struggle with the .223 to get a good group. Recently, I bought a firelapping kit & put it to use at the range today - following the instructions to the letter. Just by doing that & with no other changes, I went from 1" groups to 1/2" groups & even one 3/8" group. Apparently this gun needed it.

Robert in the hills of NC