Ruger 77/22 Range Report & issues

[RyPal]

Ok Rypal, I see very similar groupings as I was getting with my CZ. I think you're a better shooter than the rifle is showing you, and while a light trigger definitely helps shoot tight groups you can absolutely learn to control a heavy trigger and shoot around 1/2''. I don't think trigger control will blow up groups to 1.5" vertical spread, it's not you for most of what I'm seeing. By all means start looking at the easy stuff suggested by others (rings, bipod/rest adjustment, lightening the trigger, finer cross hair scope etc) and see if it gets you down to a predictable pattern. I wouldn't go to bedding just yet it didn't help my CZ at all and is highly unlikely to cure the group patterns I'm seeing. The good news is it looks like the rifle "wants" to shoot well but something is a little off with it. I'll let you know how it turned out with my CZ after tomorrow's range session the test targets from the gunsmith are looking much better so I'm optimistic a little tweak was all it needed.

Hey Rabid,

I'm going to start with the trigger.

Good luck tomorrow & let us know the results!

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[RyPal]

I see you have lots of decent ammo,heck I haven't even sprung for Midas in my Annie.I don't think you tried any SK STD PLUS thats my go to ammo for starting out as almost every 22lr I have had shoots well with it.I have found that the high end ammo doesn't work well in average rifles.Hold onto that center x and midas.I see someone else with a similar rifle told you how to lighten up the trigger.On action screw torque start off light around 17 inch lbs and then go up in 1 lb increments.My CZ455 likes 18 inch lbs,tighter and the groups open up.Are you shooting of a proper table and not some cheap plastic fold out job?I only touch my trigger and pistol grip and use the other hand to adjust the rear bag.I like the 5 bullseye targets I print for free from www.targets.ws

Hi savagecanuck,

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I've been shooting prone off the bipod with a sweater under the butt.

I might try some bags the next time I'm out.

I figured I'd try a whole range of ammunition when I ordered from Hirsch, might as well pack it in with the shipping costs.

I thought the Center-X was doing well in the gun, but when I switched to the Midas, the groups opened up. I also noticed the report of the rifle was very much different. A real echoing crack through my earplugs. I thought I didn't read the specs correctly & that it was high velocity, but when I got home I checked & it was the same velocity as the Center-X.

I'm going to work with the torque on the screws & see if that helps too.

Thanks again,

Ryan

 

[RabidM4U5]

Another thing comes to mind thinking about the Weatherby MK XXII I just got, you've had this rifle some 15 years? How's your cleaning routine with it been? I'm noticing my Weatherby foul up over the course of a 50 round box and lose accuracy and had to run some patches with Butches Bore shine through it before starting another box of ammo. At home it got a good scrubbing with a bronze brush. I think it wasn't shot much by the previous owner and is still "breaking in". Your rifle may have a degree of fouling in it so I suggest getting the bronze brush out and giving it a real good scrubbing before shooting again.

 

[gunrunner100]

I've had my 77/22 for close to 20 years after buying it from the original owner who had me put in a Dayton Traister trigger.
Definitely change the trigger with an adjustable.
I've always used this rifle as my "go-to" hunting rifle, often making headshots on grouse out to 50 yards, but then I was using an AO scope with fine crosshairs.

 

[Missedshot]

I've had my 77/22 for close to 20 years after buying it from the original owner who had me put in a Dayton Traister trigger.
Definitely change the trigger with an adjustable.
I've always used this rifle as my "go-to" hunting rifle, often making headshots on grouse out to 50 yards, but then I was using an AO scope with fine crosshairs.

Foolishly, I sold my vintage 77/22, and miss it dearly.

I think there's also the "Volquartsen Target Sear and Sear Spring" kit available to improve trigger feel.

 

[10mark22]

Either stone or replace that trigger, you can make a sleeve that fits inside the trigger spring, it will control overtravel. Takes some tries to get it right, but it works well. What I found with mine was the chamber was too loose for an accurate bolt action. I rechambered and recrowned it, turning it into a tack driver. My 77 wears a boyds thumbhole and a very tight chambered gm 16.5 " tapered sporter. Best group to date at 50 is about .030", with remmy subs. Chamber from gm on that barrel I think is a mistake, certain rounds I have trouble closing the bolt. They can be a tackdriver, but it takes some work to get there. My favorite rifle, always makes the hunting trips. I have a gm 22 inch running boar barrel new in sleeve for sale if you are interested. Pm me.