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Ruger American .223 - first time out

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4K views 19 replies 13 participants last post by  68c15 
#1 ·
Back in March I decided to start looking for a 300 yard plinker. After much thought, I purchased the Ruger American in .223 in October and outfitted it with a Redfield Revenge 3-9 x 42 optic with Accu-Ranger. This was not the Ruger - Redfield combo.



Things became still around here this afternoon so I went to the range with it for a few hours, here is my take. Keep in mind, this is only the 2nd time I have shot beyond 200, the first time was with my 30-30 (not a pretty result) .

Outside temp 35 degrees, shooting S to N, range is tree lined with minimal wind, 55 grain Perfecta fmj's. I was shooting off the bi-pod with the buttstock shouldered. In total, I ran 120 rounds through her without a single function problem. Although the magazine fed without issue, the plastic magazine lips make loading frustrating at best. Perhaps I'll get used to it.

I had difficulty getting on paper bore sighting at 100 yards. After wasting too many rounds, I retreated to 30 yards, got in the 10 ring then reached out to 100, 200, and finally 300 yards (our range limit). I clearly need to work on my mechanicals and get quite a bit of practice. I am very happy with the performance of this rifle and it came in on budget - rifle $329 (LGS), optic $150 (Dunhams), bi-pod $20 (Amazon). This was my best group, I had a great time.

 
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#5 ·
That's not a bad group at all. It that at 300 yards? I love my Ruger American Rifle in .308.

On my RAR I just push the rounds straight down into the magazine and don't have any problem with them. I don't knows if that is the proper way but it works for me!



Ruger sent me two or those cheek rest/ammo holders. I gave one of them to a friend who bought a Savage Axis and got nothing!! I don't particularly care for it but it was free and I do have it on my rifle!
 
#6 ·
I took the Ruger out again today, looks like I'm getting better. This is my best 3 shot group at 200 on a bi-pod and rear bag with 62 grain Fusion. My 300 didn't improve, some friends are suggesting that I go to 69 grain Sierra Match King. Any thoughts?

I'm really happy with my 200 yard results, I'm still working on fundamentals.
 

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#17 ·
I shot competition service rifle matches at Camp Perry here in Ohio using only 69 gr Sierra Matchking reloads. I used that same round all the way out to 600 yards. I used IMR 748 ball powder with magnum primers. The group error is probably you fault but I did have a problem while working out the load with a single flier in the group. Don't know if it was me or the load but it went away with the 748 load.
 
#18 ·
I purchased the American in 22-250. Sure it is a "budget" rifle, but quality is not lacking at all. I got mine with the Redfield scope. That scope is going on my AR as I upgraded to the Mueller Eradicator 8.5-25x50mm.I adjusted the trigger to 3lbs and may go with an aftermarket Timney to bring it down lighter. I had my barrel threaded for a muzzle brake. I was shooting at about 450 yards and didn't like the muzzle rise, so we will see this weekend how well the brake works. I made up a buffet of ammo while it was at the gunsmith so I'm pretty excited to really start dialing this rifle in. I loaded various charge weights using Varget powder with 53 and 55gr Hornady vmax bullets. This weekend will be spent on the range enjoying these new upgrades.
 
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