M77 MkII .308 Range report

[chupiw]

Last month I purchased a M77MkII all weather in .308.  I fitted it with a Leupold 4X33 scope on factory rings.  Today I made my 2nd trip to the range with this rifle and I had great results.  On my first trip I fired about 40 shots and I cleaned the rifle after every shot for break in.  With a couple different handloads I was getting 10 shot groups from the bench  averaging 1.5" to 2.5".  Today I tried 2  handloads, which were the same as the ones used in the first range session.  The first load was the starting load in Noslers 5th edition reloading guide.  I used the 180gr Ballistic tip with the recommended charge of IMR 4064.  MY second load was the beginning load same powder with the 168grHPBT match bullet.  Performance with both loads was great.  It would be hard to pick from the two.  5 shot groups from the bench with both consistently averaged 1"center to center.  With 10 shot groups the barrel would heat up and groups went to 1.5"to 2".  The only thing I did to this rifle was polish the trigger and re-torque the stock.  By the way this is my second Ruger M77 and the stock on this one and my first were over tightened from the factory. Overall I am very happy with performance of this rifle. Personally I think it's hard to ask for better performance from a factory rifle, even with the few slight modifications I performed.  Just thought I would pass this along.  The only real problem, was that I had to work on the scope rings to get them to fit on the scope.  Besides that I like the rifle very much.

[De41mag]

chupiw;

Man that's some good shooting with a 4X33 scope on it.  :shock:
Sounds like you got a good one.  :grin:
Well Done.
Back in Oct of last year I bought a Ruger Mod. 77 MKII in 7.62X39, and put a Leupold 6X36 Fixed power on it. All I've shot out of it is the Russian stuff. It Likes the Wolf 122gr. HP's. It averages around two inches at 100yds, 5 shots. But sometimes it will group an inch for 5 shots. And the price of the ammo is like 22 rimfire prices.
I've really had a ball with mine. Would not take nothing for it.  :grin:
Good Shooting.

Dennis.  

[chupiw]

Thanks De41mag, Sound like you have a pretty nice rifle also.  I know a few limited number of ultralight m77 were offered in 7.62x39, and If I run into one I would probably grab it.  You mentioned you have a fixed 6x on your rifle, I am seriously thinking of using one on my rifle.  With the 4x33 the light conditions have to be just right or the groups open up.  But on a clear cool day with no heat waves you can do some pretty good work with the 4x33 Leupold.  I am going out tomorrow and try to duplicate todays results, I will post another report after I do this, have a good one.

[De41mag]

chupiw;

Just went back and read your first post and noticed you were using IMR-4064 in your rifle. From what I've found, 4064 is probably the best powder I've used. Apparently this powder is ideal in 308 class cartridges.
I own two 7mm-08's, a Rem Mod 7FS and a Ruger Mod 77 Compact.
I could not get the Ruger to group with any factory load and I spent over $100.00 finding this out. Someone told me to try IMR-4064, so I went and bought a can of it back in the fall of 2002. Loaded some Sierra 120gr spitzers and the first group was under an inch with five shots with that Ruger Compact. It's the only load I shoot out of it now. And started using it in the Rem. Mod 7 now with a Speer 130gr. SPBT. It's just a fantastic powder in my opinion.

As far as fixed power scopes go, I like a fixed power over a variable. Until this year, I did not own a variable at all. But when Leupold was dropping their Vari-XIII line I bought a 2.5X8X36 at a good price. But you know what, it's not even on a rifle right now. Just sitting in a basket with  other rings and mounts not in use. I'm sure it will go on a rifle soon, just not sure which one.
Keep us posted on your shooting results with that Ruger.  :grin:

Dennis.  

[chupiw]

Hi Dennis, I just got back from my second trip to the range this weekend.  I took my m77 out again with the same handloads, and  duplicated yesterdays performance.   So I know results werent just luck.   Although I will be going to a 6x scope soon, the 4x is great for hunting but for target use it can be challenging.  I also like the fixed power scopes.  I find it an interesting on your findings with IMR 4064.  My experience over the last few years has been pretty extensive with this powder.   I originally started using it for My .303 enfield and the accuracy load for it used 39gr of IMR 4064.  I also had a 6.5 swede and used 38gr of IMR 4064 with great results.  My findings pretty much are on the same page as yours, that IMR 4064 works great in medium capacity cartridges at moderate velocities.

[De41mag]

chupiw;

Man... that's some good shooting with a 4X scope!!!!!!  :eek:  :eek:
Looks like you can stay in there with those boys with them $1,000.00 sniper rifles.
You know come to think of it, the best group I ever shot I was using my Leupold 4X33 on my Rem. Mod. 7FS, you could cover it with a nickle for five shots. Told Speer about it and they wanted my to send them the target, so I sent it to them. I was proud of that one.  :wink:
Let me know what 6X Scope you put on it and how much better your groups are.
But that goes to show that a person does not need high magnification to make small groups. You proved that. Again Congrats on a fine rifle.

Dennis  

[chupiw]

Dennis I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned having a m77compact rifle.  what kind of luck have you had with this rifle?.  I dont know anyone with one, I have looked at a few and like it very much.  Looks like it would make a great truck gun.  I am thinking of getting one in .260 and putting my 4x scope on it.  Sounds like your M7 remington is a great setup also.  Have a good one.

[De41mag]

chupiw;

The Mod. 77 Compact I've got is the stainless steel with the 16-1/4 inch barrel w/ the gray laminate stock. that's the one I spent over $100.00 on factory ammo to no avail. So when I went to Sierra 120gr. spitzers over IMR-4064, that's when she tightened up on groups. Have tried W-760 and H-414 but they don't group as well as the 4064 powder.
You know.... a lot of these tactical rifles are going t shorter barrels from what I've heard. Seems that a shorter barrel has less vibration or something like that. I 've just always liked carbine length barrels. Easier to tote around.
Maybe you've got more money than I have, but I sure would not use my Ruger Compact for a truck gun. It really is a beautiful rifle.
I have a H&R Ultra in 44mag which I consider my truck rifle.
Keep coming back with those great groups w/ that 308 Ruger.
Oh, by the way...UPS just delivered today 640 more rounds of 7.62X39 HP's. Thought I better stock up while the price is still cheap, I plan on doing a lot of shooting with my Mod. 77 MKII.
Good shooting chupiw.  :grin:

Dennis