Ruger M77 II Target (Varmint)

[pellden]

I am looking for a hunting rifle and wonder if the Ruger M77Target (Varmint) in a .308 caliber would be a sensible choice. It is, I know, sold as a varmint gun but I'm inclined to think it would make a fine hunting rifle as long as one is aware of the drawbacks.  I recognize it is heavy (9# + without scope) and that it has a long barrel (26 in.).  You wouldn't want to have to carry that around all day, but I see that some of the heavier calibers that folks use on big elk weigh in around the same.  The long barrel is probably not an advantage in short shots (100 yards or less) such as from tree stands.  On the other hand, if you'r only going to have one rifle (which is likely my case), it seems to me that this gun allows you a fair degree of flexibility in terms of game and distance.  It could serve for deer, elk, caribou, antelope, some of which do require long shots. 

What do you think?

[josebd]

i just got one in .243 ive only shot it at 87 yards but it grouped .209 three shots.thats with a handload i just picked!

[Cement Man]

There's no doubt that it would work (or let's say shoot) effectively - but I would sure not like to tote that rifle around for all purpose hunting of the game that you mentioned. I think the .308 is a great cartridge, versatile and potent enough, and inherently accurate. So let's stick with the .308 per your question. The 26" tube might get you another 80 - 100  fps muzzle velocity, on average, over a shorter sporter type barrel in the ubiquitous 22" range. I don't think that extra 4" of barrel gets you significant extended range in a .308, and I don't think that's a good enough tradeoff for the extra weight and size. I'm 60 though, and objects that I have to carry seem to grow and gain weight every day.  Most lighter, hunting weight rifles today shoot more than good enough to hunt with and can be tweaked, if necessary, to fine accuracy. I'm not suggesting an ultra-light, but there is enough middle ground between the ultralights and the varmint/target rifles where you can save a few inches and a couple of pounds. I'm sure many of the folks here could quickly and precisely tell you how much yardage (or PBR) you would gain with the longer tube and different bullet weights, powders, etc.  I don't think it is that significant.
I have three Model 77 MkII's - two .308's and a 6.5 Swede.  One is an International, One is a stainless/synthetic, and one a blue/walnut.  All shoot right at 1" with factory ammo.  I have installed Timney triggers in them. 
With the variety of game that you mentioned, you are bound to be doing some walking, climbing, and stalking. That's part of hunting, so If you are going to only have one rifle, I think you have to consider that aspect as well. It's amazing how heavy 11+# of rifle, ammunition, scope, and sling can feel like under hunting conditions, especially with a little altitude.
Good shootin' and Good Luck

[Coyote Hunter]

pellden –

With all due respect, a .308 VT would NOT make a good elk rifle.  I say this after 25 years of chasing the great wapiti up and down Colorado mountains, and also as the proud and happy owner of a VT in .22-250.

Do yourself a favor and get a 7mm Rem Mag or .300 Win Mag.  Or even a .30-06 or a standard weight .308.  Most rifles will shoot far more accurately than you need and you will be very glad when toting them up and down the big hills that they are NOT 9 pound behemoths – every ounce counts, especially as the day grows long and the miles rack up behind you.  In my 25 years chasing elk, antelope and deer, I have NEVER taken a shot with my 7mm Rem Mag that I could not have taken just as easily with a sporter-weight .308 Win.

25 years ago I WAS a one-gun hunter and my rifle was a 7mm Rem Mag pushing 160g bullets.  It has served me very well.  These days I also have a .300 Win Mag and a bunch of others.  If I had to choose one rifle and toss the rest, the keeper would be the 7mm Rem or .300 Win.

[pellden]

There's a pattern shaping up here.

The advantage of these forums is that you get the benefit of other people's experience rather than having to make all the same mistakes yourself.

I will let you know how it all works out.  Thanks to everyone who responded.