Ruger 77 in 7X57 w/ pics

[Ray P]

Hi all just got back from a gun auction ...........and nope, did come home with out something. Brought home an older Ruger 77 with tang safety, blued action and barrel. barrel length is 22", nice wood red recoil pad. What might this puppy like to shoot 120, 135, or 140 grain tips. because of the shorter barrel I don't want to get carried away with heavier bullets unless thats what it may like? Any idea what twist it might have. The rifle looks the be unfired from what I can tell. Thanks for any input. I don't have a 7X57 in my collection, untill now!
Later
RayP

[glenn asher]

Try some 140s with a stiff charge of 4350 or 760, and see what that does. I used to shoot a M70 FWT in 7x57, and it would really shoot with those powders and Hornady 139s or Speer 145 BTs. If those don't work, try some 150s, they're middleweight bullets in .284" and usually shoot pretty good.

I ran 139s up to 2850fps and it killed deer just like any old .270 ever did.

[Guy M]

I'll bet that's a sweet handling, good looking rifle. I'd be tempted to try something around 140 grains, and not push it all that hard. Should make a dandy general purpose deer rifle!

Can you post a photo of it?

[Ahab]

Mine loves 160gr Sierra BT's. Tried lighter weights and the groups just get larger.

[Ray P]

Ahab Thanks! So far I got 57 rounds thru her. Nosler 140 BT might work .966 for 3 shot group @ 100 yrds. My best bullet for group so far is Sierra 175 gameking with H-4350 by 43.0. this prints .599 3 shot group. This rifle with a sporter weight 22" barrel does not like light bullets...........2.5" groups for 120 Nosler BT and Hornady 120 flate base spiral point. Will try to post some pics soon.
Thanks for sharing.
later
Ray P Enjoy the pics!