Ruger American Ranch vs ?

[Erussell01]

Realize I'm 9 months late, but better late than never! I tried several types of expensive ammo but my 6.5 creed Ruger American Gen II Ranch randomly loves the Nosler Whitetail country 140 grain. As you can see here I was averaging ~2,440 this past weekend. Temps were in the 40s at roughly sea level

You're right on time... overtime pay is burning a hole in my pocket and a 6.5 shorty sure seems like a great early christmas present

 

[Ackley Disciple]

You're right on time... overtime pay is burning a hole in my pocket and a 6.5 shorty sure seems like a great early christmas present

Love that plan - good luck.

 

[SurfAMHuntPM]

I saw it mentioned elsewhere on here that Europtic had a few Tikka’s on clearance and sale.
I noticed a stainless option in 6.5 that is close to OP’s budget.
( fortunately- I’m not in the market, or so I am convincing myself )

No adjustable stock, but the compacts at the price options are worth a look

 

[Ackley Disciple]

That's dangerous information to be spreading... the only Tikka I own is a T1X in 17 HMR. 16 inch barrel suppressed and it's so cheap and fun to shoot. Makes me want more for sure.

 

[bnewt3]

You can increase your options a TON by considering rifles with longer and/or unthreaded barrels that you can have shortened/threaded.

 

[Ringbill27]

You can increase your options a TON by considering rifles with longer and/or unthreaded barrels that you can have shortened/threaded.

Agreed. If you watch around at the LGS they are dropping the prices on the unthreaded models. I recently picked up a new 24” 6.5 creed for $225 after rebate.

 

[Erussell01]

Agreed. If you watch around at the LGS they are dropping the prices on the unthreaded models. I recently picked up a new 24” 6.5 creed for $225 after rebate.

My gosh that is a steal

 

[BLJ]

Agreed. If you watch around at the LGS they are dropping the prices on the unthreaded models. I recently picked up a new 24” 6.5 creed for $225 after rebate.

Is $225 correct? The LGS had a 24” Tikka in 6.5 Creedmoor for $300 on the rack?

 

[Ringbill27]

Is $225 correct? The LGS had a 24” Tikka in 6.5 Creedmoor for $300 on the rack?

It is correct. With the discontinued discount because it wasn’t a thread model plus the bucket sale the store was having and the rebate. $225. Honestly felt like I was stealing it.

 

[BLJ]

It is correct. With the discontinued discount because it wasn’t a thread model plus the bucket sale the store was having and the rebate. $225. Honestly felt like I was stealing it.

They got any left? Steal me one.

 

[Ringbill27]

They got any left? Steal me one.

Nope was literally the last one. Walk in looking for motor oil walked out with another rifle I didn’t need for to good of deal.

 

[BLJ]

What kinda oil are you needing? I’ll do some trading.

Thanks.

 

[Ringbill27]

What kinda oil are you needing? I’ll do some trading.

5w-20. the LGS is a farm and fleet store.

 

[Ackley Disciple]

Pleased to report the Gen II Ranch in 6.5 CM works in the field, too...

 

[huntsman22]

Is there anyone who don't use them 'in the field'?

 

[Ackley Disciple]

Is there anyone who don't use them 'in the field'?

Ha - good point. These guns are certainly not designed to be safe queens. What I meant to say was that I had shared some information previously on this thread with range / ballistics data, but this was my first time using it on an animal

 

[Erussell01]

Ha - good point. These guns are certainly not designed to be safe queens. What I meant to say was that I had shared some information previously on this thread with range / ballistics data, but this was my first time using it on an animal

And what a whopper!

 

[River Reaper]

A relative has the RARE in 6.5CM and it shot sub moa 10 round groups with 140ABs, which I’ve found to be finnicky at times in other rifles, so I was impressed. I’d like to see what it does with 140 or 147 ELD-Ms, but he’s cheap and doesn’t shoot very much. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one.

 

[Ackley Disciple]

A relative has the RARE in 6.5CM and it shot sub moa 10 round groups with 140ABs, which I’ve found to be finnicky at times in other rifles, so I was impressed. I’d like to see what it does with 140 or 147 ELD-Ms, but he’s cheap and doesn’t shoot very much. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one.

For what it's worth I tried the precision hunters (143 grain), HSM game kings (140 grain), Norma Bond Strikes (143 grain), and Norma Whitetail (140 grain) in addition to the Nosler Whitetail Country. The only one that didn't shoot sub MOA in my gun were the Norma Whitetails, but honestly could've been user error.

The Nosler Whitetail Country was the cheapest and happened to group the best, so that's what I went with. For what it's worth I hit my deer last weekend in the back half of the lungs (4-6 inches back of where I'd want to) and he only went 20 yards, so I continue to be happy with those for the price

 

[Luked]

Some will scoff. But I have a 6.5CM in a Savage axis that shoots lights out.
10 round group is 1.18.
Cheapest rifle I have in the safe and its one of the best shooting.