Ruger America Predator in .223

[Kevin Arsenault]

I was thinking of buying a Ruger American Predator in .223, anybody have this riffle and what should I expect for accuracy? I plan on using it for a coyote riffle, so I'd like to get accuracy around 1 inch to 1 1/2 with factory ammo, but i'm a reloader so I'll find the perfect bullet for the riffle.

Do they shoot 53-55 gr good with the twist on the barrel ?

I know there's stuff on the internet about a few not being very accurate, but you get that with any riffle.

appreciate some input

 

[jparent]

I have owned a predator in 308 and currently a Ranch in 5.56.

Exceedingly accurate rifles. However out of the box, you will likely need to align the action in the stock properly to ensure the barrel free floats and torque it to spec. The rail will also need to be removed, degreased and torqued as well. Loc-tite would be prudent as well.

Though mine is actually 5.56, they both have a 1:8 twist and mine will not stabilize lighter bullets at all. Plus the flash and muzzle blast from lighter, faster loads is obnoxious as hell with the 16" barrel.

62 grain and up is what shines in this rifle. I shoot M855 ball for plinking and load 75 grain HPBT's for hunting. It shoots impressively out to 300 yards with my 75 grain load. Well under 1" at 100 all day long.

Groups below were all shot under field conditions.

The 300 yard groups were shot in -31C with a light (but brutally cold) cross wind.

100 yards

300 yards

 

[conor_90]

^ weird mine shoots .5-1 inch groups with 50 grain blitz kings and holds moa at 200-300 yards

 

[jparent]

^ weird mine shoots .5-1 inch groups with 50 grain blitz kings and holds moa at 200-300 yards

What is your barrel twist?

 

[barry1974w]

I’m definitely going to follow this thread. So far I’m only shooting factory loads, but will hopefully be loading as soon as the basement is finished. I’m having a hell of a time finding a load with a bullet that I’d consider adequate for wolves that’ll shoot out of my rifle. American Eagle hollow points shoot pretty well, and while legal, they’re not tough enough for wolves. I tried some hornady loads with 55gr GMX bullets, should be plenty tough, but it shoots patterns with them, not groups

 

[conor_90]

What is your barrel twist?

1:8 RAR just like yours

I haven’t even shot any quality ammo in it in higher bullet weights. I plink with 55g fmjs and get around 2 inch groups

 

[jparent]

I’m definitely going to follow this thread. So far I’m only shooting factory loads, but will hopefully be loading as soon as the basement is finished. I’m having a hell of a time finding a load with a bullet that I’d consider adequate for wolves that’ll shoot out of my rifle. American Eagle hollow points shoot pretty well, and while legal, they’re not tough enough for wolves. I tried some hornady loads with 55gr GMX bullets, should be plenty tough, but it shoots patterns with them, not groups

Try some Hornady Match 223 Rem 75 gr BTHP factory loads. This was the first heavy 223 load i ever tried and from day one my rifle would shoot sub MOA with it. Took 2 white tail with this load in the fall. Should decimate wolves with ease.

 

[jparent]

1:8 RAR just like yours

I haven’t even shot any quality ammo in it in higher bullet weights. I plink with 55g fmjs and get around 2 inch groups

They all have their own personality for sure.

I tried 1/2 dozen 55 grain loads i had lying around, and none of them would shoot well. Suits me fine though, M855 ball is plentiful, and as inexpensive as any bulk load out there.

 

[Kevin Arsenault]

1 to 8 twist is better for a heavy bullet, am I correct in saying this? if so it's probably not a great choice for me because I would like to shoot 53-55 gr on Coyotes.

 

[Singed]

The one I had like 75 grain bthp match bullets.

 

[jiffx2781]

Buddy of mine has one in 1in8 twist that shoots the Hornady Superformance 53gr v-max really well.

It does not like anything 55gr

 

[silverfoxdj]

1 to 8 twist is better for a heavy bullet, am I correct in saying this? if so it's probably not a great choice for me because I would like to shoot 53-55 gr on Coyotes.

Usually that's the case..

 

[jparent]

1 to 8 twist is better for a heavy bullet, am I correct in saying this? if so it's probably not a great choice for me because I would like to shoot 53-55 gr on Coyotes.

It typically is. Hornady makes a 68 grain bthp. Might be worth a try.

Why the desire for such light bullets? Plenty of excellent choices in the 62-75 grain range. Plenty cheap if you reload.

 

[barry1974w]

Try some Hornady Match 223 Rem 75 gr BTHP factory loads. This was the first heavy 223 load i ever tried and from day one my rifle would shoot sub MOA with it. Took 2 white tail with this load in the fall. Should decimate wolves with ease.

I’ll give em a try if I can find some. Thank you.

 

[Kevin Arsenault]

True, I guess a heavier bullet may be better for coyotes anyways, good point.

I don't think a heavier bullet is any harder on fur.

 

[cdn1canhunt]

To the op, the ruger predators have so so reviews. I'm not a ruger hater and some are very accurate, just saying there are more accurate rifles in the price range to be had. Savage 11's, 10, or the weatherby vanguard 2. possibly even the cheapo Remington 783 ( I hate the stupid flat bolt but they say they are accurate.) just some other suggestions for you. All of these rifles should produce moa groups at all distances. Most will do 1\2 moa with some hand-loading. Shop around, read lots of reviews then go pick up a few and see what you like.

 

[jparent]

Buddy of mine has one in 1in8 twist that shoots the Hornady Superformance 53gr v-max really well.

It does not like anything 55gr

The 53 grain vmax bullet is an odd duck... seems to shoot well out of a lot of guns that should like heavier bullets.

 

[jiffx2781]

The 53 grain vmax bullet is an odd duck... seems to shoot well out of a lot of guns that should like heavier bullets.

Yes, the 53gr v-max is a totally different animal than all the 55gr stuff.

The 53gr is a longer bullet with a higher BC than the 55's.

Faster twist rates generally like longer bullets. It's not always bullet weight that matters.

 

[Kevin Arsenault]

Point very well taken, that's what I was thinking as well.

 

[1ShotKing]

Good info here folks, it’s bullet length that matters. In most cases bullet weight and length go hand in hand but that’s an oversimplification. Bullet geometry (secant vs tangent office), bullet material as well as tipped vs non-tipped, such as with the Sierra TMK, will also play a part in the stabilization game.

However, to say that the 1:8 twist will not stabilize light bullets is incorrect. They are definitely stabilized. They are more stabilized than heavier bullets due to the higher muzzle velocity. This leads to higher rotational speeds which provides the stabilization. The issue may be due to bullet inconsistencies which are amplified by the higher rotational speed (RPM) which lead to the reduced level of accuracy.

I’ve had good experiences with the Ruger rifles! However, I do not own one and cannot comment on the specific loads. I have a Tikka 1:8 twist and it’s not a fan of some 55 grain ammo.