Carbine-length barrel in a Ruger 77 .308?

[Col. Plink]

Hey y'all,
Got a line on a model 77 ("International") .308 with the 18" barrel and mannlicher stock (very pretty, pretty attractive caliber).

I was wondering if that barrel length on that model presents any performance concerns, or if this configuration of M77 is particularly well-known. Thanks!

 

[critter]

I have an itty bitty Ruger with a 16" barrel and an M1A with a 16" barrel (both in .308). Both have taken deer and performed quite well. No complaints here.

 

[dprice3844444]

i got one in 45/70 . just check the front metal piece and make sure it clears the barrel

 

[jmr40]

I was wondering if that barrel length on that model presents any performance concerns,

If you look at published factory ballistics they are from 24" barrels. You will lose some velocity from a barrel that is 6" shorter. Exactly how much is impossible to say unless you actually chronograph some loads. A 308 is better than many in that they perform better than average with shorter barrels. I'd guess you will lose somewhere between 15-30 fps for each inch. Somewhere between 90-180 fps would be my guess based on other rifles I've chronographed with shorter barrels.

It would be an issue at extreme range, but for most hunters, at typical ranges, you'll never notice the difference.

 

[juk]

The Internationals, or any other full stock rifle, really isn't made to be a long range type of gun. There are several that will do the job, but most were meant to be handy, aesthetically pleasing carbine length hunting rifles. You will lose some velocity, but how much will be impossible to tell. The good thing is that the 308 will do pretty well out of a shorter barrel, so it will still retain most of it's capability. Take in mind that these are just my opinions. I want an International or a 550FS something fierce. Only two calibers I would consider for those would be 308 or 6.5x55.

 

[browningguy]

I have an older 77 RSI in .308 and would not hesitate to shoot game at 250-300 yards with it. Mine wears a 4.75x40 Weaver Grand Slam and will keep the first three rounds in under 3/4" all the time using the factory 150 gr. SST loads. After three it starts walking the groups a bit but that's good enough for a hunting rifle, in fact I think that's exceptional for a lightweight full stocked rifle from any manufacturer. This pic is before I put the Weaver on it.



Yes you do lose some velocity but I don't feel that this is much of an issue at normal hunting ranges.