Ruger Precision Rifle Discussion

[LongRangeLefty]

OK so today I took my stock barrel off and re-installed it.

I have a shop with a bench and nice vice but I am losing it. I have read multiple horror stories about how hard it was to removed the factory barrel. I figured while I still have the shop I will break it down so when I do replace the barrel it will come apart easier.

The barrel nut came off like nothing. I used a Magpul barrel wrench, a 1/2 breaker bar, and a Seekins action rod. I cleaned everything up, set the headspace using Manson Precision gauges, lubed it up all the threads, torqued to 75 gt lbs, and put the rest of it back together.

I took it to the range and shot some Hornady American Gunner. It was shooting 2.5 mils higher than before. I did not think it would be dead on but I did not expect that much of a difference. What do you guys think?

I’ve had a slight POI shift just by changing a hand guard. Probably due to different flex under recoil, position of the bipod, etc. As long as it’s nothing crazy and the rifle is just as accurate, I wouldn’t worry about it.

I tightened my barrel nut to 70 ft lbs and it was fine

 

[EzGoingKev]

Thanks for the replies.

I knew I would have to re-zero the glass I just did not expect 2.5 mils @ 100 yards. To me that seems like a shitload. I figured it would be somewhere around .5 mils.

IDK I do not do this type of work everyday so maybe that kind of change is common.

 

[_Windrider_]

Thanks for the replies.

I knew I would have to re-zero the glass I just did not expect 2.5 mils @ 100 yards. To me that seems like a shitload. I figured it would be somewhere around .5 mils.

IDK I do not do this type of work everyday so maybe that kind of change is common.

its not common. by removing and remounting, you took the stress out that the factory induces by over torquing.

Clarification, by not common i mean 2.5 mils. a change is very common when doing what you did.

 

[trob_205]

Sawtooth Arca/RRS Rail for Seekins is on point! The new RRS pro atals Mount is pretty legit too.

 

[trob_205]

 

[Dirty8404]

Thanks, it be appreciated. Am guessing your accuracy didn't get worse? Am familiar with the velocity loss, which is not a concern for this application.

I get ~0.4 from my 110gr prairie dog load, so I think the accuracy is fine. Effectiveness? I shoot along side a 6.5 RPR, and I can hang on a calm day out to say, 1100. Any wind though and 800 is pretty much it.

That said, 308 kicks a 6.5’s ass with subs, and I love subs. Trailboss is money.

I will eventually do the same to my 6.5 RPR.

I would love to see a pic or two of your rifle if you're willing to post some.

 

[ezekeial]

Dirty8404-Thanks again, that be goal. The stock 20 in barrel stabilizes Lapua 200 grainers very well with trailboss.

 

[XLR308]

Am I seeing that Nosler no longer makes reloading brass for .308??

It was made by Norma anyways so just do yourself a favor and buy Lapua.
I was using Nosler (Norma) exclusively for a while before switching to Lapua Palma, it's great brass but very pricey and after using both I prefer the Lapua.
If you are looking for some there is a thread on here from one of the vendors I believe that has about 12,000 pieces for sale.

 

[LongRangeLefty]

^ Nice pics guys! Lookin badass

 

[LongRangeLefty]

It was made by Norma anyways so just do yourself a favor and buy Lapua.
I was using Nosler (Norma) exclusively for a while before switching to Lapua Palma, it's great brass but very pricey and after using both I prefer the Lapua.
If you are looking for some there is a thread on here from one of the vendors I believe that has about 12,000 pieces for sale.

Thanks for posting this. I looked around a bit and decided if I couldn’t get my go to brass anymore I’d switch to Lapua, so it’s good to see that as the recommendation.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

Dirty8404 - awesome pic, thanks for posting that!

 

[Dirty8404]

Interesting. What's your subsonic load for the RPR? What's it weigh with the shorter barrel? I have a Gen 1 and considered hacking it back to 16", as I never get beyond 800yd these days.

I want to say 9.6gr? of trailboss under a 190 custom comp, LC brass and a BR2.

Not sure on the weight, I want to put an XLR stock on it soon which will drop a few oz, plus when the barrel is toast a 16” Proof in 6.5x47 will probably get screwed on.

Just want to add, I personally hate unsuppressed shorty braked 308s so I’d only recommend doing this if you have a can. Never shot my rifle once unsuppressed, and don’t plan on it.

 

[19dsniper]

I have the enhanced RPR with the smooth top rail on the forend. Does anyone know who makes a screw on 1913 rail that will mount on the factory hand Guard?i have night vision coming and need a place to clip it on the forward rail. Really don’t want to change handguards out yet.

 

[LongRangeLefty]

^ Id just drill and tap it myself

 

[trob_205]

I have the enhanced RPR with the smooth top rail on the forend. Does anyone know who makes a screw on 1913 rail that will mount on the factory hand Guard?i have night vision coming and need a place to clip it on the forward rail. Really don’t want to change handguards out yet.

Gen 2 handguard with keymod I don’t believe was designed for top rail sections. The new mlok handguard on the Gen 3 or 2.5 or whatever the hell they care calling it just takes a mlok Rail chunk to the size of your liking.

 

[19dsniper]

I didn’t realize there very so many generations. Yes, this one has keymod on the 3 and 9 o’clock positions.

 

[trob_205]

I didn’t realize there very so many generations. Yes, this one has keymod on the 3 and 9 o’clock positions.

Yea I’m not aware of anyone that makes a chunk of rail to match the contour of the top of the factory Gen 2 handguard. You could try to find something close but then you also gotta worry about hole spacing. Samson makes a direct replacement handguard that used the factory barrel nut for like $150. Probably cheapest and easiest option. That or find someone trying to sell a gen 3 mlok takeoff on flebay or something like that

 

[XLR308]

Thanks for posting this. I looked around a bit and decided if I couldn’t get my go to brass anymore I’d switch to Lapua, so it’s good to see that as the recommendation.

Just my personal opinion from using both but I think Lapua is better brass by a small margin, and an added bonus its a little cheaper.

 

[LongRangeLefty]

Just my personal opinion from using both but I think Lapua is better brass by a small margin, and an added bonus its a little cheaper.

Nice. Think I’m gonna try some next time I order brass

 

[LongRangeLefty]

I didn’t realize there very so many generations. Yes, this one has keymod on the 3 and 9 o’clock positions.

Just go to your local hardware store and buy a tap. Drill two holes, thread them, you’re all set. It’s super easy. I did that on my AR15 cause the handgaurd didn’t have a rail location where I wanted one. Just gotta make sure they’re nice and straight

 

[PhOnEpHrEaK]

Nice. Think I’m gonna try some next time I order brass

I run small primer Peterson brass. Great stuff! On 4 loading so far. SD Is 4.7; ES IS 10

 

[Yellowfever440]

With the 5.56 ruger precision being discontinue, would anyone recommend still getting it or will it be something that I would want to avoid because parts won't be available or there was definitely a major issue with it?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Dirty8404]

With the 5.56 ruger precision being discontinue, would anyone recommend still getting it or will it be something that I would want to avoid because parts won't be available or there was definitely a major issue with it?

Thanks for any advice.

I wouldn’t get it based on the magazine COAL limitation. If I’m shooting a bolt 223, I want lots of space to seat into the lands and run 80s.

 

[Yellowfever440]

What rifle would you get instead of the ruger 5.56, meaning same price range and quality and a 5.56 cal rifle. I'm not spending $2000 on a 5.56 bolt gun. Under $1000 for just the gun. I want to shoot more but not enough time in the day so I would rather have something cheaper and learn what I can.

 

[Xandrosi]

Palmetto State Armory will get you the best value.

 

[Dirty8404]

Personally, I’d get a tikka if I wanted something tactical, and put it in a folding chassis (KRG) when funds were available. I like my RPR, but it’s a beater. Fit and finish is much nicer on the Tikka.

But hey, my advice is worth what you paid for it.

 

[Yellowfever440]

I have a ruger precision in 308 and love if for the price. Theresa stuff I want to change but for the most part I like the setup.

 

[hdmunger]

With the 5.56 ruger precision being discontinue, would anyone recommend still getting it or will it be something that I would want to avoid because parts won't be available or there was definitely a major issue with it?

Thanks for any advice.

I wouldn’t get it based on the magazine COAL limitation. If I’m shooting a bolt 223, I want lots of space to seat into the lands and run 80s.

I have one (as well as the 6.5CM Gen 1) and I don't see any issues with it...I think Ruger just went another way with the release of the Precision Rimfire for those looking for a smaller/trainer caliber in the RPR platform.

With regards to COAL issues, the mags that come with the 5.56 RPR allow for about 2.600" COAL...I load 75 ELD-Ms .020" off the lands and still have plenty of room if you wanted to try longer (probably even the 90 SMK's with an appropriately throated barrel).

Edit: Just checked Grabagun.com and they have them for $808.99 with $7.99 shipping. You can't hardly get a decent chassis for the action you already have for that price...and with the 1:7 twist barrel on the RPR you would probably have to rebarrel your existing action as well to get that.

Edit 2: I just tried my 6.5CM RPR bolt in the 5.56 RPR and it cycled just fine...the only difference between the two appears to be the diameter of the recess in the bolt face and the location of the extractor (which a competent gunsmith may be able to fix if you decided to rebarrel to a different caliber later and couldn't obtain a bolt with the appropriate face). Also, the receiver and magwell appear to be identical as manufactured (ie. the 5.56 models mag well will accept the same mags as the other models).

 

[Dirty8404]

I stand corrected then, I must have read speculation on the 223 version pre-release and stored it away as fact. $808.... that’s not bad at all.

If I remember right, Ruger doesn’t sell replacement bolts? If that’s true, swapping calibers down the road might be tough.

 

[1badbarrel]

Haven’t read the whole thread , so not sure if it’s been asked but a friend is looking into a 6.5cm rpr and I was wondering if you could single load a long action cartridge in it with a barrel spun up for it like a 30/06 ect. Both use .470 +- bolt right. One bolt is longer than the other but same head. Not sure if it would be safe or work but just a thought since it’s easy to swap barrels Ect. Thanks and them rpr look great.

 

[britneymadz]

Well I got my 6 creed back from Ruger. It looks like they replaced everything but the bolt body...

 

[LongRangeLefty]

Budget Precision Rifle build completed. My very first rifle with all the stuff I wanted at a price I can justify. Has about 300 rounds on her as of this point.

View attachment 6930679

Savage 10 FCP-SR base rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. 24" fluted 1/8 twist barrel threaded. Came with Accutrigger and Accustock
MDT LSS-XL Gen2 chassis
XLR Extreme butt stock with 1" bottom rail
Atlas BT-10 Bipod
MDT Polymer .308 AICS magazine
Area 419 Hellfire Muzzle Brake
Ergo Tactical Deluxe flat top grip
Vortex Crossfire II 6-24X50 Scope with Dead Hold BDC Reticle
Vortex Defender Flip Caps
Vortex Bubble Level

Zero'd today at 100 yards and shoots consistent .6 - .7 MOA groups out to 600 yards.

View attachment 6930687

Dialing in different bullet weights and saving the brass for reloading this Winter. Less than $2000 all total invested and I have everything I set out to get so far. By the time I can out shoot this rifle it'll be time for a new barrel.

Thanks for looking. I'm thrilled with this gun.

VooDoo

Nice. Now all it needs is to be an RPR ?

 

[Vodoun daVinci]

*GaCk!* Super apologies...I posted in the wrong thread.

I deleted it...thanks for the heads up!

VooDoo

 

[Dog]

What rifle would you get instead of the ruger 5.56, meaning same price range and quality and a 5.56 cal rifle. I'm not spending $2000 on a 5.56 bolt gun. Under $1000 for just the gun. I want to shoot more but not enough time in the day so I would rather have something cheaper and learn what I can.

savage is a good option for under a grand. My buddy’s 223 which is older now will shoot consistent quarter inch groups all day. I know this because I used it all last weekend. Group after group it was consistent. I have a rpr, and it is the most configurable rifle, but out of the box I believe savage has the cake

 

[19dsniper]

I haven’t seen a press release. Does anyone know if there is any truth about the discontinuation of the 223 rpr?

 

[pell1203]

19dsniper, do you remember the .243 version? They just stopped making it when they moved to the next generation.

Same thing going on now with the .223/5.56 RPR. Not presently available in latest generation/configuration. They don’t need a press release to point out the obvious.

 

[19dsniper]

I called them after asking this question on here today. I was told that there is no Gen 3 but that they are still producing model number 18019. I asked her at least 3 different times and pointed out to her that it wasn’t even on their website. She insisted that they are still producing it and even started rattling off half a dozen major distributors that just received large shipments of the current version. All I know is what I was told by that one particular person at Ruger. If someone knows something she doesn’t know, please share. Not being a smart ass. I really want an rpr in 223 but just can’t swing it right now. This month alone I’ve bought a new king bed, had to fix both central AC units at the house, purchased a NF ATACR F1, and also a PVS 30. I’m spent for quite some time now. I’m really hoping they haven’t discontinued these as I really want one, but just can’t swing it even at the good prices they are currently at.

So, if anyone has different info than what I was told by Ruger this morning, seriously, please share what you know and where you received the info.

 

[trob_205]

Most all of the distributors we dealt with at the shop I used to work at blew them out and it’s not even a catalog item anymore. Do you remember any of the guys they said to check with?

 

[Tx_Aggie]

The RPR 556 (18019 ) looks to be in stock with Sports South (on closeout) and Ellett Brothers. Both appear to have plenty of stock. Lipsey's, Davidson's, and RSR deleted the SKU a while back. I can't check any other distributors at the moment, but looking online the rifle is in stock at many online dealers including Buds (around $890 w free shipping) and Grab-a-gun (around $800 w $8 shipping).

So either Ruger made a ton and everyone is stuck with them, or they are still filling old orders for the rifle.

Keep in mind that even with those low online prices you will want to pay a smith to bush the bolt on the 556 gun.

ETA: $800 + shipping & transfer is really tempting....

 

[Mooseknuckles]

Hey guys I just received my first rpr in 6mm creedmoor. Pretty excited about it. Got it on sale at buds guns for 786.00.
Got a question. I bought a LRI bolt knob for it. Pulled the old one off and went to replace it, threaded the new one on a couple threads and the new bolt knob locked up. It was hell getting it back off. I checked the thread on the knob and the handle, they all looked fine. The original knob was tight coming off but not too bad.
My question is, has anyone else ran into this problem with an LRI knob?
They have done some amazing work for me before. Just don’t know if the threads are tighter on the knob then the handle or what. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks guys.
Can’t wait to shoot this thing.

 

[19dsniper]

Unfortunately I do not remember the names of the places she mentioned. It wasn’t names I recognized. She did however rattle off a large number of orders and told me how many were sent to them. One in particular she was very surprised at the number shipped to them. It was over 100 to one specific distributor.
I will call back tomorrow and speak with someone else and see what I can find out. I have seen numerous reports on other forums all the way back to last year, that they were discontinued. That’s interesting seeing how it’s my understanding that the 223 just came out a few months prior to some of the online ramblings.

I hope it’s not true, but it just might be.

 

[trob_205]

Hey guys I just received my first rpr in 6mm creedmoor. Pretty excited about it. Got it on sale at buds guns for 786.00.
Got a question. I bought a LRI bolt knob for it. Pulled the old one off and went to replace it, threaded the new one on a couple threads and the new bolt knob locked up. It was hell getting it back off. I checked the thread on the knob and the handle, they all looked fine. The original knob was tight coming off but not too bad.
My question is, has anyone else ran into this problem with an LRI knob?
They have done some amazing work for me before. Just don’t know if the threads are tighter on the knob then the handle or what. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks guys.
Can’t wait to shoot this thing.

Mine spun on no problem

 

[19dsniper]

I just got off the phone with Ruger again and this time I was told that they are no longer producing the 5.56. Man I wish they could get their employees on the same page. This individual told me that they aren’t filling back orders and that whatever the dealers and distributors have are the last of them. Then why did the lady yesterday tell me that they just shipped out a bunch, and then proceed to rattle off not only where they went, but how many went there? I have no idea guys. Looks like my CC is about to look scarier. I’ve wanted one of these since before they announced them. I always told my wife that if they ever made one in 223 that I would get one. Then when they actually started to make them, I told her that I wasn’t paying the $1,100 plus, that they were asking locally. Well, now that they are $800 I feel like I may be an idiot if I pass it up. Lol. If anything, it will give my 13 year old son something he can use as a trainer.

 

[Sutherlandsd]

$800 for the 6mm may be worth buying another...

 

[Mooseknuckles]

Mine spun on no problem

Problem was in rugers end. Ran a tap down the threads and bolt screwed right on. Now waiting for my seekins ar high rings.

 

[LongRangeLefty]

^ Good to hear. Like Trob said, I had an LRI knob that went on fine as well

 

[erslll]

Keep in mind that even with those low online prices you will want to pay a smith to bush the bolt on the 556 gun.

ETA: $800 + shipping & transfer is really tempting....

Can you explain this for me? Not sure what you mean by "bush the bolt".

 

[Tx_Aggie]

Can you explain this for me? Not sure what you mean by "bush the bolt".

The 556 RPRs have a tendency towards cratered and blown primers. The thought is this is because the bolt is designed for 308 based cartridges that use large rifle primers, while 223/556 brass uses a small rifle primer. Ruger changed the size of the bolt face cutout but left everything else, including the firing pin and hole in the bolt face the same. The bolt doesn't adequately support the primer during firing and so the primer cup will either flow into the space around the firing pin or will give way completely resulting in a blown primer. Guys have had this occur with standard pressure factory ammo.

The solution is to have a gunsmith machine the bolt to accept a bushing surrounding the end of the firing pin. This will provide enough support to the primer to prevent cratering and blown primers at normal pressure levels.

LRI offers the service for $165. I think there may be other smiths who will do it for around $150 or less.

https://www.longriflesinc.com/products/gunsmithing-services-bushing-m700-striker-pin-hole

It is also something that is commonly done to rifles chambered in short action cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x47, etc. when switching to brass that uses small rifle primers, for the same reason. So, it's something you'll want to do, but it's not an uncommon problem and it's something seen in several types of factory rifles, Remington, Bergara, and Howa included.

 

[trob_205]

My factory 6.5 creed shoot my Lapua brass with SRP just fine. 43.1 grains of H5350 with 140 eld .020 off the lands. I’d definitely shoot it before spending the money on getting it bushed.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

My factory 6.5 creed shoot my Lapua brass with SRP just fine. 43.1 grains of H5350 with 140 eld .020 off the lands. I’d definitely shoot it before spending the money on getting it bushed.

You're absolutely right about shooting the gun first to see if it needs to be done.