M77 Hawkeye

[csonics]

Just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone here from a noob.

I just bought a ruger m77 hawkeye .300 win mag and was wondering what I should do first to improve accuracy. It's completely stock including the standard wood stock so I was thinking that I should free float the barrel to start. Any advice would be appreciated as to what path to take. Thanks!

 

[our gang]

Re: M77 Hawkeye

Welcome to the Hide!

1. Put a good scope and solid mount on it (Ruger factory rings are very good)
2. Make sure the three action screws are properly torqued
3. Adjust the trigger to 2-3 lbs
4. Try it with several brands of premium factory ammo 165s and 180s.

You should find at least 1 that will shoot 3 or 5 in 1 MOA or better. (let it cool between shots)

If so you can equal or beat that with handloading. We find that the 168 Barnes TSX backed by 77-79 gr of H4831SC with CCI 250s is a very consistant load in the 300 winmag and kills like the hammer of Thor.

Don't mess with the bedding until you are 100% sure you have a problem that is bedding related. (Most are not) Good shooting!

 

[marku]

Re: M77 Hawkeye

Welcome to the hide! And +1 to everything Mr. Humble said.

 

[usmc7980]

Re: M77 Hawkeye

Well first off , welcome. First and foremost put the best optics you can afford on the rifle then shoot it. I wouldn't mess with anything else until you exceed the capabilities of the rifle then you can start accurizing, such as bedding and free floating and action work

 

[csonics]

Re: M77 Hawkeye

Hey Guys! Thanks for the advice!

Mr. Humble, is there a good resource on how to properly torque the action screws and set the trigger weight?

 

[our gang]

Re: M77 Hawkeye

Ruger should be able to tell you the torque specs, if not call Brownells 800-741-0015 and ask for tech staff. You will need a torque screwdiver/wrench which Brownells can sell you. The trigger adjustment is probably best left to a gunsmith unless you are an experienced tinkerer.

 

[skeetlee]

Re: M77 Hawkeye

I dont have many rugers but the ones i do have all took at least 100 rounds before the barrel would settle in. Dont give up on it to early. Lee

 

[csonics]

Re: M77 Hawkeye

Thanks for the info guys. I am a experienced tinkerer and gunsmithing fascinates me so I'm eager to learn!