Ruger 77/357

[rather-b-huntin]

I know this is by no means a "Sniper" rifle, but has anyone else tried one? If so, how was accuracy and with what kind of bullet? I put 30 rounds of magnum and about 150 rounds of mouse fart .38s through it the other day, but waiting on a scope and Skinner aperture sight before doing any accuracy work.

I picked one up last weekend primarily for my son to deer hunt with, and secondly as a cheap plinker. I have a ton of .38 Spl. brass, and I cast my own bullets from free wheel weights. With these loads my only expense is primers (3.0 gr. of Clays per round is too little to even factor the cost), so I'm shooting it cheaper than bulk .22 right now. It's about the funnest gun I've ever had. If it'll print 2-2.5" groups at 100 I'll be happy.

 

[wagonpilot]

I have tried many loads, from Sierra 170 grn silhouette, to light weight xtp's, and lots in between (all in .357 mag). Mine just is not consistent. 100 yard groups have ranged from an inch, to four inches, with a good scope, and a Jard trigger. I am unsure where the inconsistency is coming from. Have tried on bipod, and bench rested in a rest. same same... I figure when it thaws out up here i will mess around with it again. Maybe stock work, or replacement.

I also was hoping for a cheap practice rig. I have lots of reloading supplies for the caliber.

 

[hahco]

I have tried many loads, from Sierra 170 grn silhouette, to light weight xtp's, and lots in between (all in .357 mag). Mine just is not consistent. 100 yard groups have ranged from an inch, to four inches, with a good scope, and a Jard trigger. I am unsure where the inconsistency is coming from. Have tried on bipod, and bench rested in a rest. same same... I figure when it thaws out up here i will mess around with it again. Maybe stock work, or replacement.

I also was hoping for a cheap practice rig. I have lots of reloading supplies for the caliber.

This is what I have heard repeatedly about the 77/357 or 77/44 or even the 77/22 hornet ... really nice handy rifles, but don't be surprised if you're getting 2-2.5" groups at 50 yds. I'm sure there are exceptions.

 

[MG-70]

I've been looking for one of these. If you bought it online, please tell me where and approx. how much it cost you. Thanks

 

[ptaylor]

I love mine. Its a great "walk about" rifle. Its quite enough I can shoot with my young girls next to me without bothering them. My standard load is 247 cast bullets with federal 38spcl cases and just enough W231 to run them at 1000fps. I shoot this rifle more than any of my others. Shot several javies and a couple big mature doe with it this year out to 100 yards. No problems. Its my 300blk killer.

Typical accuracy at 100 yards, 5shots

247gr cast bullets

 

[coldboremiracle]

That looks appealing!

 

[MG-70]

ptaylor,
Sweet setup and nice skunk pig!

 

[rather-b-huntin]

I've been looking for one of these. If you bought it online, please tell me where and approx. how much it cost you. Thanks

Bought mine from a local Ruger distributor for $654.00

Buds is selling them for $655.00, but they're currently out of stock.

 

[MG-70]

Thank you Sir! Funny you mentioned Bud's, as that's one place I usually check (they're supposed to notify me when they're back in)...Cheers!

 

[hahco]

Ptaylor ... that's a real cool setup you've got there.

 

[rather-b-huntin]

Did some accuracy work today. Thought my sand bags were in the truck, but I dumbed out again and they weren't, so had to use a sweatshirt for a front rest with no rear support. My .38 handloads were way beyond my expectations! Five shots tore a ragged hole at 25 yards with the Skinner sight, and five were easily inside an inch at 50 using a 1.5x4 Vortex scope.

Going back tomorrow with sandbags to see what she'll do at 100. VERY SATISFIED!!!

 

[TippyRacer]

247gr cast bullets

I said to myself when originally reading your post "Whoops that guy made a typo, he meant 147". But then read on and saw you weren't kidding! 240+ grain cast bullets in 38!
Holy cow!