M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

General discussion and information about the 204 Ruger.
johnhenry
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.204 Ruger Guns: M-77 Hawkeye Predator .204
Location: East Lyme, CT

M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by johnhenry »

Just picked up an M77 Hawkeye Predator .204 a couple weeks ago. Put a Burris Full field (E-1 reticle) 6.5 x 20 x 50 on it and hit the 100 yd range Sunday. 45 degrees, lite 3-5 mph crosswind.

Using factory ammo only........ Winchester X204R 34 gr 5/8" group....... 32 gr Hornady V-max 5/8" group.......24 gr Hornady NTX cloverleaf group
I was really suprised the NTX "wannabe lead" shot so well.
Shoots way better then I can hold.

What kind of results do other folks get with factory ammo??
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Darkker
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.204 Ruger Guns: Ruger Predator
Location: SE Washington

Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by Darkker »

Factory ammo is heresy! :P
Glad you are happy, looks like classic Ruger groups!
I'm a firm believer in the theory that if it bleeds, I can kill it.
johnhenry
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.204 Ruger Guns: M-77 Hawkeye Predator .204
Location: East Lyme, CT

Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by johnhenry »

I`m a bit surprised it all shot well. Maybe ten minutes between groups for barrel cooling but it was still progressively warmer each grouping.

Going to have to repeat and repeat again to filter out any "operator error"effects to see what the rifle truly shoots the best. I also want to try Hornady`s 45 gr offering as it has greater wind resistance for long shots.

If anyone can offer up any experience on what I can expect please dont be bashful.
Thanks Johnhenry
johnhenry
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.204 Ruger Guns: M-77 Hawkeye Predator .204
Location: East Lyme, CT

Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by johnhenry »

After a couple quick range sessions the Hornady 24 gr.NTX still shoots better than other factor popular stuff Ive tried.
However. I have experienced a definite loss of accuracy after 50 shots which I attribute to copper and or carbon fouling. I`m hoping good cleaning with the Tetra bore cleaner and JB bore compound will straighten it back out. Cant wait for the next range session to try it.

Just ordered a Montana cleaning rod, brushes, and solutions. to make it easier next time.

Whats the preferred method of carbon/copper bore cleaning by members here?
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Sidewinderwa
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.204 Ruger Guns: Savages
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Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by Sidewinderwa »

Montana Extreme copper killer and Wipe Out are my go to cleaners. Wipe Out will get the carbon. Glad your Ruger is shooting so well. If you reloaded, I would recommend Sierra 39 grain Blitzkings.
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futuretrades
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.204 Ruger Guns: HOWA 1500 .204 Ruger Varmint, Bull Bbl, Lupy 6-18x40 custom

Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by futuretrades »

My preferred chemicals are: Shooters Choice w/30% mix Kroil for carbon and powder clean up, and good old CR-10 for that stubborn copper clean up. I have tried a number of different cleaners over the years I have been shooting, but I always went back to above mentioned chemicals. I also like to treat my barrels after cleaning with colloidal graphite. Since i started using the graphite, I have noticed its a lot easier to clean up after the next session out in the rat fields, where I go thru a lot of ammo in a day! :lol:
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HOWA 1500 Varmint 204 Ruger, Bull Barrel, Hogue Overmold Stock, Leupold VXII 6-18x40mm AO LRV Custom Reticle Timney Trigger
Cooper Mdl 21 20VarTargW/Leupold VXIII, 6-20x40AO Varmint Hunter reticle.
johnhenry
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Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 5:32 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: M-77 Hawkeye Predator .204
Location: East Lyme, CT

Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by johnhenry »

Image

Heres my best group so far. .204R Hornady factory 24 gr.NTX ammo. 4 shots @100yds. Will be trying other ammo soon to see what will work the best.
John Henry
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Sidewinderwa
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.204 Ruger Guns: Savages
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Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by Sidewinderwa »

That looks like a nice group. I would be checking out the heavier bullets for groups now. Looks like you got a great rat gun there!
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johnhenry
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.204 Ruger Guns: M-77 Hawkeye Predator .204
Location: East Lyme, CT

Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by johnhenry »

I`ll keep benching heavier weight bullets till the rifle runs out of accuracy. I`m curious where it will end up. If the wind dies down maybe this afternoon I can shoot some more.
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futuretrades
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.204 Ruger Guns: HOWA 1500 .204 Ruger Varmint, Bull Bbl, Lupy 6-18x40 custom

Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by futuretrades »

When I am testing loads, I always shoot 5 shot groups. In my opinion 3 shot and 4 shot groups do not tell the whole story about the loads I am testing. I can easily shoot really good groups with 3 shots, or even 4 shots, but that fifth shot tells the real story for me, about the load I am fine tuning. Just my 2 cents.
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HOWA 1500 Varmint 204 Ruger, Bull Barrel, Hogue Overmold Stock, Leupold VXII 6-18x40mm AO LRV Custom Reticle Timney Trigger
Cooper Mdl 21 20VarTargW/Leupold VXIII, 6-20x40AO Varmint Hunter reticle.
Spud
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.204 Ruger Guns: Ruger #1,Savage 12V,AR15-204
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Re: M-77 Hawkeye Predator range results

Post by Spud »

I agree!
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