Ruger M77 MkII 7mm rem mag trouble

[AgentP]

2" groups don't inspire confidence unless you're absolutely certain shots will be close.

Yeah, that’s why I’m on this thread because I’m not happy with them haha

 

[WeiserBucks]

Check all your hardware for proper torque and start over. If it's not gonna cut it just take the Sako.

 

[AgentP]

Yeah, that’s why I’m on this thread because I’m not happy with them haha

Also, after talking to my dad he said he hasn’t put more than 10 rounds in the rifle since owning it because of one shot kills so I bet fouling isnt the culprit. I think this rifle wasn’t made for the elk rounds I’m using due to the rifle twist. I’ll make sure everything is tight before I shoot again maybe even bring my ammo I have for deer to see if that shoots better. It’s starting to look more and more like the Sako is going to be the best option

 

[AgentP]

Check all your hardware for proper torque and start over. If it's not gonna cut it just take the Sako.

Think one month is enough time to shoot it before my hunt? I’m a good shot normally so this 7mag has thrown me for a loop

 

[Gen273]

Check the front-angled action screw. It needs to be very tight on the 77 to make it accurate. Also, check the scope mounts to make sure they are tight. Sometimes, poor accuracy in a 77 is due to the magazine box being too tight and binding the action. You can fix this by slightly shaving the box with a file. A Google search will provide more info and how-to examples. I have had a bunch of Ruger 77s and have never seen one inaccurate after some tinkering.

 

[Schmo]

I would torque action screws to 65 in lbs

 

[AgentP]

Check the front-angled action screw. It needs to be very tight on the 77 to make it accurate. Also, check the scope mounts to make sure they are tight. Sometimes, poor accuracy in a 77 is due to the magazine box being too tight and binding the action. You can fix this by slightly shaving the box with a file. A Google search will provide more info and how-to examples. I have had a bunch of Ruger 77s and have never seen one inaccurate after some tinkering.

I don’t have a torque screwdriver. Is that necessary to make this correct? Or just hand tighten it is fine

 

[Gen273]

I don’t have a torque screwdriver. Is that necessary to make this correct? Or just hand tighten it is fine

A torque wrench is nice, but it can be done without it. Just ensure you have the correct size screwdriver or even a bit that goes in a socket. Just get that angle screw really tight.

 

[AgentP]

A torque wrench is nice, but it can be done without it. Just ensure you have the correct size screwdriver or even a bit that goes in a socket. Just get that angle screw really tight.

Gotcha, I’ll go ahead and try and hand tighten. It seems like it’s pretty hard to overtighten the screw by hand with a screwdriver. I might ask the gunsmith at the shooting range if he has a torque wrench too and if he could tighten to spec before I shoot

 

[Shortdraw]

Your story is rather familiar! I also have a Ruger M77 in 7mag. Two years ago I was getting ready for a sheep hunt in Colorado and I started having the same inconsistent groups, regardless of ammo. Checked scope, cleaned gun, etc and no better. So I took it to my gunsmith (who's a darn reputable smith) and he said the barrel was shot out. Pitted etc. I guess the factory barrels were inconsistent and magnum loads put an additional stress on the metal. Long story short, I replaced the barrel with one from Preferred Barrels. He said it would be cheaper to buy a Tikka and ditch the Ruger but like others I just love the action the scratched up stock and the history I have with that rifle.

Took my 7-08 on the sheep hunt. Did the job just fine.