Redemption: Ruger American Ranch 450 BM

[earlthegoat2]

Bought this rifle new and it shot buckshot patterns at 50 yds. Sent it back to Ruger for a new barrel and it’s been sitting in my shop for months now.

Finally went out yesterday to try it out. I used Winchester 260 gr Power Points that I had found a few months ago and it shot pretty well all considering. 1 1/2”-1 3/4” at 100.



I had some other ammo stashed away so I got that out for today. First was some Federal 300 gr Power Shok. Still OK but a little worse than the power points.



Then I switched to some Winchester Deer Season XP 250 gr Extreme Point. Basically Winchester’s version of 250gr Hornady FTX.

This stuff printed the very best 3 shot group I have ever had.



The target on the right was my first three shots. I doped the scope a bit and shot the target on the left. The target on the left is three shots. It is barely bigger than one hole. I couldn’t believe it. I shot another group that looked like the first group just to confirm it was stacking bullets consistently. Lost that target somewhere.

450 BM is known for this kind of accuracy but I was left nearly speechless.

And yeah I know, it’s just a three shot group. This is a hunting gun so that is what I shoot.

 

[Armored farmer]

Wow, huge improvement.
Nice group, too.
I like my two Americans.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Here is the last group I shot. There were two bullet holes from before but the three holes on the far left are my last three shot group.

Though I would prefer to use a heavier bullet, I guess I will go with the ammo that will hit exactly where I am aiming.