Ruger American Predator - 6.5 Creemoor Budget Accuarcy

I couldn't stand to watch the whole video......but does the accuracy not appear to be good? Factory rifle, factory ammo, junk scope mounts and a jaw-bone weld on the stock and the group on the first gong appeared good to me....
 
Seen one you tube video where dude got a 1 mile hit with his one the 4th shot. Doesn't seem like a bad gun. Everyone criticized the Savage axis when it came out. I have one in .223 and it is very accurate (sub MOA) for what it is. If I needed a hunting rifle I probably would buy one.

My 2 cents
 
yea what he said.

I really want to like this rifle. it has EVERYTHING I want in a predator rifle, but this guy has not had good success with his.

I am currently using this rifle to form brass for my upcoming 6.5 CM rifles. It works, things go bang and unlike the rifle in the video, mine actual ejects the cases very well.

Compared to my first American, my predator has more trigger creep (aftermarket trigger exists to resolve this) and heavier bolt lift (I think this is the luck of the draw). They both went bang, and both extract/eject the cases very nicely. Accuracy on my first was only sub MOA.... haven't put a bullet through this one so can't say.

The predator is a light rifle and balances very nicely. Yes, it would make a very nice predator type rifle.... even if I feel the 6.5 CM a bit big for coyotes and such.

The stock has drop typical of a standard hunting rifle so not the type of comb if going with a big target scope but a smaller objective with low rings... fit just fine.

I very much liked the American when they came out and though about building a tactical rig based off the action... Ruger thought it a good idea too and has done a great job with their RPR.

Is the action the "best", nope... but it works and can be had for moderate dollars.

Some nice "tikka" type features and certainly better looks then some entry level rifles.... but it could certainly use some TLC to reach full potential.

Jerry
 
Jerry, what all needs to be done to it to make it great?

I suspect a good stock will be a big start.

I wouldn't be going with a huge scope, probably not more than a 44mm objective lense, and in .223 for sure.
 
A stock rifle they just purchased, set up and fired for the first time using FACTORY AMMO?
Sighted in the scope @ 100.
Fired 5 shots @ 500 for a 3 1/2" group.
Certainly looks very impressive to me.
 
Jerry, what all needs to be done to it to make it great?

I suspect a good stock will be a big start.

I wouldn't be going with a huge scope, probably not more than a 44mm objective lense, and in .223 for sure.

If keeping the orginal stock, I would open up the forend ALOT... like honking big gap on the sides and under the barrel. There really isn't anything wrong with the plastic stock per se, and they are immune to water which can be useful, but the forend will flex and any contact with the barrel is bad. Open it up and then twist or pull on the stock as you might when hunting and just make sure no contact.

The recoil pad used is really good and helps to soften the kick very nicely.

I would touch up the bedding. The block concept is sound except for the gaps which really negate its value... so like most every stock on the market, proper bedding will help form a better fit and keep things from rattling around.

Trigger creep... not something you can adjust in the factory trigger so aftermarket trigger like a Timney will do wonders. But you might get lucky and have a good one out of the box.

Lapping the bolt/action to stop the zip sounds and smooth up the bolt lift. Big problem with 60deg bolt lifts is potential for heavy effort needed to cycle. The predator I have has a heavy lift.... but it does work fine.

Beyond that, the accuracy of the barrel is a toss up and hopefully, you have a good one.

Jerry
 
A stock rifle they just purchased, set up and fired for the first time using FACTORY AMMO?
Sighted in the scope @ 100.
Fired 5 shots @ 500 for a 3 1/2" group.
Certainly looks very impressive to me.

To measure group size, it is general practise to measure the widest shots in the group. He didn't.... the grouping at best would be sub MOA and sub MOA with factory ammo, it about what I would expect.

As a note... I would suggest that shooters not put their finger inside the trigger guard on a cocked and loaded rifle until ready to break the shot. Not good practise to load a rifle, finger inside the guard, keep yapping and mucking about with getting into position. Sooner or later, there is going to be a shot well outside the intended group.

YMMV....

Jerry
 
Back
Top Bottom