SmallCaliberCentral

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??

Factory ammo is heresy!
Glad you are happy, looks like classic Ruger groups!

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

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?

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

I agree!