Author Topic: Ruger 77 Mark II in .45 ACP....yup. (Read 9854 times)

alan in ga · « **Reply #30 on:** April 02, 2011, 03:53:09 AM »

Quote from: spartacus1239 on April 01, 2011, 09:21:40 PM

see, I have the Beretta .45 semi auto carbine. But I REALLY want a .45acp bolt action. so you should make my dream come true!!!

It's possible I may play with some warmer handloads and then sell it when the novelty wears off. I can give you first right of refusal. This was meant to be a 'fun experiment' and the only thing of interest for me is: 1) handloads, 2) ream to 45 Win Mag, 3) cut back to 16.5" or 18". I think 25" is long enough to start dragging velocity back down with FACTORY loads.
I guess some good handloads are next for my curiosity. Ater that I think cutting back to 17" or so is what this barrel needs to work best with all the pistol ammo around. Still enough length to get the most velocity available with the little 45ACP case.
Recoil was suprising with this rig, as heavy as the barrel is it still pops back a bit! Nothing of any pain but it's there-probaby about like a 223.
I doubt I'll ream to Win Mag since components [cases] aren't in good supply and if I wanted a 'hot' 45 I'd build another .458 American [.458 x2].

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #31 on:** April 02, 2011, 04:22:48 AM »

well, i wouild really like to have it... but only in .45 acp flavor. tho a 17 inch barrel would be awesome.

alan in ga · « **Reply #32 on:** April 02, 2011, 04:48:00 AM »

Cutting back and recrowning....what length would you want if you could choose? 17"? Of course 16 1/2" is minimum but I like leaving a smidge extra.

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #33 on:** April 02, 2011, 05:05:06 AM »

17-18 inches would be optimum

alan in ga · « **Reply #34 on:** April 02, 2011, 12:41:47 PM »

One thing about this barrel compared to shooting in a 1911 pistol, the case web is fully supported, no 'gap' because there is no feed ramp!

3leggedturtle · « **Reply #35 on:** April 16, 2011, 01:09:43 PM »

Quote from: alan in ga on April 02, 2011, 04:48:00 AM

Cutting back and recrowning....what length would you want if you could choose? 17"? Of course 16 1/2" is minimum but I like leaving a smidge extra.

Alan i have 18" 45ACP Contender carbine. The factory 230 ball only shows about 75 fps improvement. But a Lee 255RFN with 9.4grs of HS7 goes 1050fps averaged over the chrono. HNDY 200gr SWC do 1150 fps with same powder charge. Never tried any 185grs yet but will someday. They have a little kick but , have shot over 200rounds in a weekend without any problems. Yes a 45 in a rifle is a blast

alan in ga · « **Reply #36 on:** April 16, 2011, 06:59:59 PM »

25" barrel.....overkill...I'm pretty sure.
I am thinking more and more of cutting this FULL CONTOUR barrel to about 18". No matter what I load into the small 45ACP case, 18" of barrel should get all the poop out that's available.
It will still be heavy and stable.
I thought 25" might make it a bit quieter, but it still has enough 'blast' to give up on a long barrel doing any sound control as far as muzzle blast.
Get the lathe ready.

alan in ga · « **Reply #37 on:** May 10, 2011, 06:09:56 PM »

Well, got to a lathe tonight and a friend cut the 25" barrel to 17". Should leave just enough barrel to thread for a suppressor if ever wanted. Shooting at 25" was still loud so there was no reason to leave it telephone pole length.
It feels much better as a full contour 17" barrel and I'm anxious to get it back to the range. A 17" barrel should be all and MORE of what is needed to get any goody out of the little 45acp case no matter what bullet and/or powder is used. Sure carries easier!

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #38 on:** May 11, 2011, 03:02:41 AM »

when you get a chance post some pics with the shorter barrel.

alan in ga · « **Reply #39 on:** May 11, 2011, 04:11:43 AM »

Quote from: spartacus1239 on May 11, 2011, 03:02:41 AM

when you get a chance post some pics with the shorter barrel.

Why of course! : )
I'll set up a 'duplicate' picture with the Harris bipod like I did before with the 25" barrel later. Looks like my Blackberry cell phone needs the lens cleaned!
Can't wait to shoot it again.

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #40 on:** May 11, 2011, 04:20:40 AM »

that looks SO much better. with standard generic ball ammo that thing should shout outstanding. My Beretta semi .45 carbine does! haven't done any reloading for it... the ball ammo is very accurate in it.

alan in ga · « **Reply #41 on:** May 11, 2011, 05:35:03 AM »

notice I left enough barrel to be able to thread for a suppresor if wanted : )

alan in ga · « **Reply #42 on:** May 11, 2011, 06:25:15 AM »

more pictures:

alan in ga · « **Reply #43 on:** June 09, 2011, 05:38:50 PM »

Don't give up, still have not been to the range to test the shorter barrel!

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #44 on:** June 09, 2011, 05:53:57 PM »

just tell me when that gun will be in my collection

alan in ga · « **Reply #45 on:** June 10, 2011, 01:38:45 AM »

The 45ACP barrel: I'm sure I'll shoot it some, and then get rid of it. I don't see any use for it past the 'wonder what it'll shoot like' stage and then I'll sell the barrel to you or whoever wants it. Should take VERY little smithing IF any to fit another Ruger 77. The dozen or so 77s I've owned all spec'd pretty close to each other as far as bolt face to action face, thread specs, etc. I fit several Winchester [new model] 70 barrels to Ruger 77s with minor lathe work on the barrel face and shoulder. Ruger 77s are a great rilfe to learn barrel fitting with, much easier than a Rem 700/7 action IMO. [and I've fit a few of those, too].
I've always wanted a match grade heavy barrel in .358 Win, too. That's actually why I purchased the Varmint/Target stock you see in these pictures. It's on the 'maybe yet' bucket list.
So the barrel will probably get put of for sale after at least one more range trip, but I've still got a great Shilen barrel 24" sporter in .250 Savage Ackley Improved for this action and hence will need to keep the action, origional walnut sporter stock......this laminate target/varmint stock I'm not sure about yet.

alan in ga · « **Reply #46 on:** June 26, 2011, 12:22:50 PM »

Too darn hot and muggy to shoot here in Georgia.....still leaning against the wall waiting on me! Hopefully soon....

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #47 on:** June 26, 2011, 01:50:38 PM »

i took my future step son yesterday to the range and lrt him shoot 4 of my guns... one was a highly custom Ruger Bisley .45acp / LC with 4 5/8 magnaported barrel with a 10 degree forcing cone. wish I had video of the smile on his face while shooting that gun. with standard cheepo blazer 230 grain ammo he was able to keep all rounds pretty much in the center at 50 feet. This was the first time he shot the gun! great time at the range

MSP Ret · « **Reply #48 on:** October 03, 2011, 05:03:56 AM »

I just saw this thread, great work. I have a H&R single shot rifle with a custon .45 ACP barrel. It is a hoot to shoot, and as with your.45 ACP rifle, everyone that shoots it likes it.
I suggest you do a bit of research on the .45 Super. The case dimensions are identical to the .45 ACP, just the case is made stronger and they are easily available as well. In my .45 ACP rifle, and in yours as well I am sure, it makes a potent and excellent load....<><....

alan in ga · « **Reply #49 on:** October 04, 2011, 01:03:05 PM »

I've still not gotten the chance to shoot it since the barrel was cut back to 17". Hopefully soon!

alan in ga · « **Reply #50 on:** February 28, 2012, 03:06:52 PM »

Finally got to the range! Shot this barrel in 17" length and it shot the same as when full length. Single feed makes it slow to shoot. I wish I had time to load some cast bullets but work is taking all my 'spare' time these days.
Accuracy for Federal 230 grain ball ammo was 2.5" for 5 shots at 50 yards. I ran out of the lead bullet ammo [factory] that shot almost this good at 100 yards. I'd guess a good fairly hard cast SWC might give some suprising accuracy. Hopefully I will find time to load a few and get back to the range.

alan in ga · « **Reply #51 on:** March 02, 2012, 09:18:37 PM »

If anyone is 'itching' to try this barrel on their 77, I'll sell it. PM me. {not sure where to advertise this barrel but figured I'd start with anyone following this series of posts}.
Next Ruger 77 project: a Varmint contour.....in.....358 Winchester.....just because of an itch. I've enjoyed owning an origional 77R in .358 but sold it to an elk hunter. Now I miss it and thought I'd like to see just how ACCURATE a good .358 Win could be....will be buying a quality barrel for this project...and will leave it 'long'....24" or 26"....to start with.

alan in ga · « **Reply #52 on:** March 24, 2013, 08:25:11 AM »

wiping the dust off old post.......now thinking about a .45 Win Mag reamer.....since I traded off a Contender Super 14 barrel in .45WinMag to a shooting buddy who brings it out at the range now and then for only a FEW shots....and I THINK another gunsmith friend might have the reamer.....
...idle hands... Ha!

BTW- what bullet would you suggest loading in this barrel as a .45ACP? Hard/medium cast SWC? What would be a good one to test while it's a 45ACP still?

Flynmoose · « **Reply #53 on:** March 25, 2013, 07:37:12 PM »

My 16+" 45 acp Encore barrel does well with Oregon Trail Laser Cast 200 gr swcs. It is a hoot to shoot, rings the gong with authority!
FM