Ruger Freebore

[Moose Masher]

I have a Ruger 77 MkII in .300winmag made around 2003. I have been using 180gr Accubonds over 69.0gr of H4350 for 2975fps.The magazine will only allow for a cartridge length of 3.375" but in order for these bullets to be close to the lands I would need a c.o.l. of about 3.480" . With this load I get around 1.5 moa. The rifle is used mainly for moose and 6" @ 400yds is ok for me given the size of a moose's vitals.
I really haven't experimented much with other loads yet and I'm just wondering what others with the same rifle have experienced.
Do all Ruger MkII's have such a long throat?
What kinds of bullets are you using with what over-all length?
Do you crimp?
I've read that Weatherbys have the freebore set-up to allow for less pressure, therefore more powder and velocity.
I'm interested in hearing what works for you.

 

[Whelen B]

I don't have your same rifle now but I used to own one - a buck rogers stocked Ruger77 in 300WinMag.
However a few general comments.
The long pointed ogive shape on the Accubonds contribute to that .105" jump to the lands. A RN bullet or a spitzer which has a different shape may eat some of that up. For hunting guns it doesn't matter about being up close to the lands. Too close can be bad. You are no where near a Weatherby type freebore which can be in the order of .500". However many of my hunting loads (Ruger77/350RemMag and Rem600/350RemMag) jump approx. .300" to the lands with acceptable accuracy. More freebore essentailly acts like a larger case capacity enabling (requiring) more powder for performance.

You don't need to crimp. If there is a canelure exactly where it should be for your preferred COAL then I might crimp in that case. Otherwise no.

 

[Gatehouse]

It seems to me that most Rugers have some freebore. I usually just seat bullets so they have decent magazine clearance. I've had very good accuracy with my Rugers, so I dont' worry about it.