Ruger International Rifle in .308?

[Norseman]

How good is the Ruger International rifle,  specifically in .308 cal?  I am looking for a new rifle (you know how it is) and would love some inputs on someone who has one, and can give me a their reviews on it such as accuracy etc.  It seems like it would be a nice compact rifle, and in .308 would be sufficient for deer and black bear hunting.

[wncchester]

I love the looks of full stocked rifles.  Tried to get my friend with the Ruger International to sell me his but no luck. (A poor friend he is, one who won't let a good buddy beat him outta such a nice rifle!)  It only shoots middling accuracy, maybe 2" consistantly, but it handles great.  For the use that rifle is best suited I wouldn't even change its mediocre trigger.  Shoot it with irons or a compact, low power scope for a fast handling deep woods deer rifle.

Full stocked hunting rifles usually have light, short barrels.  The extra wood improves balance and provides a small measure of protection for the thin tubes.  Seldom do they have tack-driving accuracy but it's a hunting rifle, not meant for target shooting.  They are best suited to short range hunting, less than 200 yds.  Hunting mostly in deep woods target accuracy wouldn't even be an advantage.  But good balance in a small package is a BIG advantage!

Any medium capacity, large bore (for its capacity) cartridge works fine in short barrels.  Large capacity cases and smaller bores don't do so well.  The "powder expansion ratio" of the .308 allows it to attain almost as much velocity in a short barrel as a long one.  Thus, your choice wouldn't be as good in .243 or .260, while the 7-08 would be almost as good and the .358 would be even better.

Your ideas are sound and your choice of a .308 RSI is very good.  It will be a great rifle IF you use it in the right way and for the right game!     

[Ron T.]

My RSI (Ruger #1 International) in 7x57 has slightly better ballistics than a 7mm/08 (a .308 case necked down to 7mm/.284 caliber) RSI when handloaded to the 7x57's full capability.  However, either cartridge are easily capable of taking deer or black bears.

In a .308 RSI, I'd recommend using a 150 grain bullet for deer sized game and the 165 Nosler Partition bullet for black bear where you need deep penetration to make a killing shot in a .308 Winchester cartridge.

My 7x57 yields accuracy is in the minute of angle range (1" at 100 yards) with good muzzle velocity using my carefully put-together handloads.  You can probably expect similar accuracy in a .308 RSI.

Good luck and enjoy your new rifle... when you get it.   


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

[Cement Man]

I have a #1 International in 30.06 and a MkII International in .308.  Both shoot right at an inch with factory ammo, I use Hornady most often (150 gr and 165's with both cartrdgess) and don't measure with calipers, so I might be off a quarter inch, but it's pretty close.   I put a Timney trigger in my model 77.  I had a Leupold 2.5X20 on one, and a Burris FF 1.75X5X20 on the other, swapped them and either scope works well with either rifle.  I have a Sightron 4X32 compact scope on order which I may try on them as well, maybe replace the Leupold for more magnification.
Both are fine rifles - keepers.

[targshooter]

Norseman,
I've owned two Ruger 77 RSI rifles. I sold the .250 Savage many years ago. I currently own a .308. I have installed a NECG N-100 peep on it and use it for offhand 200 yard shooting. I have done nothing to it and shoot it as it arrived NIB. It gives an honest 2 MOA. As for handling, this is my favorite rifle. It carries well, is light and relatively compact. It also wears a scope well. For snap shots it has no peer in my gun cabinet. I use both my handloads and PMC FMJ. I have put at least 1,000 rounds through it, no problems. I did a write up in Chuck Hawks site a couple of years ago, and it is still there if you are interested.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/ruger_M77RSI_firearm_fun.htm
This is my favorite rifle.

[Cement Man]

targshooter,
you really wrote up a nice review.  I appreciated the reference to what the front sight covers.  I have thought about trying those NECG sights - but 60 year old eyes, I don't do so good anymore.  Still might give them a try. Hmmm 

[Luckyducker]

I had a M77 RSI in 308Win that couldn't hardly keep five shots on a 5" round target at 50 yds.  I tried handloading and factory loaded ammo and it just wouldn't shoot.  I finally traded it for a M77 standard in 30/06 that is a tack driver that I have since given to my daughter.  BTW, I bought the RSI brand new in the box.

[Lone Star]

I had a M77 RSI in 308Win that couldn't hardly keep five shots on a 5" round target at 50 yds...

..and I had a M77 in .270 that did little better.  Ruger accuracy used to be pretty spotty and depended on their barrel supplier (Wilson Arms at one point).  They had more trouble right after they started making their own hammer-forged barrels, but now they seem to have fixed that.

I am of course always amazed at how well on-line posters shoot.  So many of them have rifles that can't shoot groups larger than 1 moa.  Oddly, every time I ask one of them to come to the range and demonstrate this remarkable ability, they either refuse the offer, or discover that the day they show up "there must be something wrong with my rifle today!".  A single one moa group of three shots doesn't make an moa rifle.   


.

[expense4]

The International in .308 I have shot very bad out of the box. 2-4" at 100 yds.Here is what fixed it. Relieve the bbl channel to a business card slip fit to action. Relieve bottom of bbl. channel first 2" foward of reciever and glass bed.Remove muzzel cap and relieve for about .005 around barrel radius and reinstall.My International now holds about 1-11/4" groups with anything I put through it.My thought is that skinny forend flips around on firing and needs plenty of room to vibrate.

[Cement Man]

Luckyducker,
You have mentioned that rifle in the past and I inquired if you attempted to get it looked at by Ruger customer service.  There was something obvously very wrong with that rifle and Ruger does have a good reputation for customer service.  Maybe they could have done something for you?