M77v accuracy problem...

11echo

I picked up a Ruger M77V model 308 some time ago, when I thought I wanted to do some silhouette shooting. My problem is the gun does not shoot that accurate. Out of the box it was shooting 1 1/2" groups at 100yd.s, which is fair, BUT not what I'm wanting! I've shot a cheap Winchester ranger that shot a group you could cover with a quarter, and for a heavy barrel varmit gun I would expect no less! I've worked up loads, I've glassed and bushed the action. And all that's done is close the groups to 1 1/4". The only thing I can think of now is lapping the lugs and bolt face. Does anybody have any "other" ideas? THX! ...Mark

rrfhunter

We're assuming that you handload when you describe the mods you've made to the rifle. Because if you don't, you'll never find what you're looking for. As a rule of thumb I've been disgusted with Remington factory loads and more generally more impressed with federal. I have an older Ruger 77 in 7mm mag that I felt the same frustration with but now it shoots an inch with handloads.But, I'm spoiled. I have two 788's in .243 and .308 that shoot sub .500 moa. I go home happy from the range if I just shoot one group like that!

rrfhunter

Recrowning the muzzle?

v35

1)Free float the barrel2)Lap the barrel leaving slight choke at muzzle 3)Sub zero treat the barrelled action

Richie Rich

if you have a newer m77vt if that is what you have(varmit/target) 26" heavy barrel wide fore-end and lam.stock, the barrel is alredy full floated. I have the same gun but in 2506 and with my reloads am getting half inch groups at 100yrds. I also have not begun to really tweak the loads. nothing has been done to the gun other than what is stock from ruger.good luck Rich

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Remember,"your woman may not find you handsome, But atleast she'll find ya handy". I love that show..............

11echo

Yup!!! I hand loaded a MESS of different loads to come up with the one I did. And the barrel is "floated". I hadn't thought about lapping the crown ...good call! I'm alittle afraid of lapping the bolt face and lugs, because I'm afraid of changing the head space. HEY THX. guys for all the quick replys!!! ...Mark

JustC

One more thing to try is to back down on your powder charge. If you have already done so, then never mind. A lot of mine shoot well when I back off on the powder some.

MNTNMAN

MY M77 IN 223 ONLY SHOOTS ONE LOAD OUT OF ABOUT 15 THAT I TRIED REALLY WELL. THE OTHER TWO M77 THAT I HAVE ARE PICKY TOO. THEY DONT LIKE BARNES BULLETS, BUT MY M70 DOES, BUT NOSLER PARTITIONS AND BALLISTIC TIPS ALL SHOOT GOOD IN THE M77, THE M70 DOES TOO, BUT JUST KEEP TRYING DIFFERENT LOADS UNTIL YOU FIND ONE THAT WORKS. ITS MORE FUN TRYING TO FIND A LOAD THAT WORKS WITH A FACTORY FUN THAN TO MODIFY THE GUN TO SHOOT ONE LOAD.

JIM STARK

I had a bull barreled .308 in a mark II and attempted to run 120 GR. round nosed bullets in hand loads...to no avail..The twist rate wouldn't seem to stabilize the lighter bullets... 150 -178 GR. did real well.

bsebast

Rifle manufacturers such as Ruger and Remington will tell you that 1-1/2" groups at 100 yards with a "production" barrel is good--better than what they consider as acceptable. 1" and sub-1" groups are the norm for custom barrels.If you have a factory rifle that shoots 1" or less, you are indeed fortunate.