Re: Anyone using Ruger M77 Mark II ?
Basically, it's a nice rifle if you intend to hunt at closer ranges, relatively cheap, but not destined for any kind of precision work. I got mine given to me by my old man, so it's far from being sold (probably never).
Mine is a lightweight, yes, it has a wood stock but it's still incredibly light, with light rings and a light scope. It's my carry-all-day rifle. 30-06 for knocking down Sambars and Pigs (if i ever get round to going for a hunt).
However, if it was me buying, i'd get a Tikka, 700 or Savage.
Why? Because of the accuracy.
Plain and simple, anyone can make a light hunting rifle. Tikka makes a good one, and it'll be far more accurate than the Ruger. So yes, up close they'll drop anything furry all day long. The thing is, if you spot that nice looking buck a bit further away, you can use a better rifle to take it.
Since you're asking for calibres in the more 'longrange' scale, you probably want to get something that'll fling those bits of let alot more accurately. Buy once, cry once. and buy a Tikka