SmallCaliberCentral

Got this rifle about 4 weeks ago and finally got to try it out. Rifle is a Ruger KM77VT MKII in 204 Ruger with a BSA 6-24x40mm target scope on top (I have had good experiences with BSA in the past, so thought I'd give another one a try and I'm cheap, so give me a break). The rifle was used (very little and I got a good deal on it), but I have no idea how many rounds had been put through it by the previous owner. I know this isn't the greatest shooting in the world, but I ain't the greatest shooter either. First 50 rounds I have loaded and shot for the 204. 20 rounds were used up getting the scope on paper at 25 yds then moved out to 100 yds and adjusted again. Next 30 were spit up into 6 5-shot groups. Shot the first 10 and gave the barrel a chance to cool down for 1/2 hour. Next 20 were shot in succession and I could tell by targets #5 and #6 that the barrel might have needed a cool down period, but it was hot here and I needed a cool down, too and kept shooting. All in all, I was fairly pleased with the results for my first time out with this rifle. 7/8" to 1 3/8" groups ain't too bad for these old eyes. Grids on target pics are 1" x 1" . . .

Mostly sunny, and low to mid-sixties for humidity. Temp was about 85 when I started and in the low 90's when I finished up. Targets were shot from a bench with Caldwell front shooting bag (I loaded it with sand, so it's HEAVY) and supported butt with my shoulder. Bullets and loads listed on target.


Target #1


Targets #2 & #3


Target #4


Targets #5 & #6

Looks like minute of squirrel shooting to me! Gary

I wonder otter did you happen to clean the barrel while doing all that shooting it can help the groups.

Ryan,

I did not do a thorough cleaning until after I ended my shooting session, but I did run a patch or two between 5-shot groups. To be truthful, I was not shooting for the smallest groups attainable, but just trying to get the scope dialed onto a close proximity at this time. I have much load development to do with a new to me caliber before I get real serious about getting one hole or nearly one hole groups. My eyes are getting older and sometimes do not see absolutely the clearest (due to some medical issues in addition to aging), even with a scope. Also, I have no idea how many rounds had been run through this rifle prior to my obtaining it, but judging by the shape it is in, it had to be very few. I do feel that 1/2" and maybe even 1/4" groups are attainable from this rifle, even with me shooting it.