Ruger American 308

[The Black Prince]

Just put a Ruger American Compact in 308. While I'm waiting the 10 days I thought I'd do a little research since I've read that they can be picky about ammo. Anybody with experience with this rifle that can recommend some good ammo that it will like?

 

[.308 Norma]

Three quick questions:
1. What do you intend to use the rifle for?
2. What do you mean by “picky about ammo?”
3. Why are you waiting “10 days?”

Three reasons for the questions:
1. If all you’re going to do with the rifle is punch holes in paper targets or make steel ring, you probably won’t have to be as particular about the ammunition as you would if you were going to use the rifle for big game hunting or something like that.
2. I don’t have a Ruger American, but I seriously doubt it would meet my definition of being “picky about ammo.” I mean, it’s a bolt action - it’s not like it’s going to malfunction a lot if you don’t feed it the right kind of ammo.
3. Is there some kind of “waiting period” before you can take possession of a gun you bought where you live? My wife and I have been invited over to a friend’s ranch to shoot ground squirrels. We’re “waiting” until Monday because we have a lot going on this weekend - it being Easter and all. That’s the kind of “waiting periods” we’re familiar with here in Idaho. Well, those and the “waiting periods” caused by the weather.

 

[The Black Prince]

Three quick questions:
1. What do you intend to use the rifle for?
2. What do you mean by “picky about ammo?”
3. Why are you waiting “10 days?”

1. Mostly paper and steel, may see some deer hunting this year maybe not
2. I've read that some ammo groups horribly in the rifle while other ammo is amazing, but I've also read conflicting information on this.
3. Same reason I may not see any deer hunting with it. I live behind enemy lines in California. Have to wait 10 days before taking posession (unless DOJ decides a delay is in order, then it's 30.)
Thank you for the reply, you make some good points. May just have to put some stuff down range and see how it goes.

 

[LoonWulf]

If you're not shooting far, start with the cheapest flat base hunting ammo you can find. I generally found those to be "accurate" in most rifles. They may not be the best at anything, but they generally shoot well.

 

[.308 Norma]

May just have to put some stuff down range and see how it goes.

Yeah, that's probably what you're going to have to do. When and if you do get to do some deer hunting though, I used a 308 Winchester for years, so did my dad, and we both used good ol' Remington CoreLokt factory ammo - 150gr for deer, and 180gr for elk.
Sorry to hear you're "behind enemy lines" in California. My wife was born and raised in San Diego, and her brother is still there. It can be tough on freedom loving people.

 

[jmr40]

I currently have one of the American 308's in the Predator configuration. I've had, or at least shot 4-5 more in a variety of cartridges. All rifles shoot better with some ammo than others, and the Ruger is no exception. But I've not had any disappointing experiences with any ammo that I've tried. Of course I don't shoot bargain basement loads from unknown sources either.

One trait that I've noted with several of the Americans is that the chambers tend to be cut on the tight side. That probably contributes to accuracy, but the bolt is sometimes a little hard to close and some of my reloads won't chamber in the Ruger while they will in my other rifles.

Overall I think you'll be happy with it.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I just bought the Predator 308, 18" barrel. I haven't tried a bunch of different ammo yet, but it loves this ammo, 1/2" groups at 100yds:

 

[Hugger-4641]

Here's a video I took last week, thats half of a clay pigeon actually about 95 yds. I had already shot the top half twice while it was still sitting on its edge..

https://youtube.com/shorts/-qzf6ddba80?feature=share

 

[Olympus]

All rifles will have brands and bullets that shoot better and those that shoot worse. You typically see this more with 308 because there are a lot more FMJ "practice" rounds available that are not nearly as consistent shooting as other non-NATO rounds. If you plan on shooting a lot of the lesser expensive FMJ ammo, just know that you're not going to be shooting tiny groups but the gun should group those rounds well enough for banging steel at intermediate distances. If you're wanting to get out beyond those distances, then a better ammo would be recommended. And you can always reload your own.

And as Loonwolf already said, for hunting at distances of under 200 yards any flat-based cup and core bullet should shoot well and perform well on game too. Good luck and congrats on the new rifle. Take a look at the Magpul Hunter American stock too.

 

[nipprdog]

my 18" predator likes the federal 150 grain power shock

100yds

 

[DMW1116]

That Federal 150 grain load seems like it’s just a good load. Not to knock the Rugers, but my 308 shoots it well, several reviews of different rifles also shoot it well, and the Rugers seem to as well, by your pictures.

 

[The Black Prince]

Thanks for all the input everybody will have a good starting point now.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Just put a Ruger American Compact in 308. While I'm waiting the 10 days I thought I'd do a little research since I've read that they can be picky about ammo. Anybody with experience with this rifle that can recommend some good ammo that it will like?

Congratulations on your new rifle. As mentioned ammo shoots differently in all rifles, try as large a variety as you can and stick with the best one. Only thing better is to load your own,

 

[FL-NC]

I recommend a good set of well fitted ear muffs.

 

[sparkyv]

My RAR 308 seemed to prefer 180 grainers. Hornady SSTs in particular. One usually has to try various loads to find out what any particular firearm prefers.

All rifles will have brands and bullets that shoot better and those that shoot worse.

 

[Caplock]

I bought a compact/youth model RAR 308 for my son. So far we mostly shoot plated bullets at reduced velocity.
This is because he is not ready for full powered loads. They kick pretty good out of this light weight rifle.
Even for me it kicked hard enough that the bill of my cap hit the scope turret driving it into my forehead. Take hat off or turn backwards. LoL.

I think this gun is awesome to hike/hunt with. So light and compact. Target shooting from a bench with factory ammo for fun, I'd probably pick something else.

 

[Turkeytider]

I know it may be apples to oranges, but my .223 bolt gun shoots flat base bullets more consistently and accurately. Those are hunting rounds ( Nosler, Hornady and Barnes ). Really wish somebody would come out with a good flat base target round for range fodder.

 

[Scout21]

I have a Ruger American in .308, and it has only eaten 150 grain Winchester Power Points, nothing else. I don't know if I just got lucky or not, but I got a solid cloverleaf group at 100 yards the first time I shot for groups. I haven't tried any other ammo, but considering right off the bat I was getting such great accuracy I'm inclined to believe that it is just a damn finely tuned rifle from the factory.

You truly don't have to spend much money for a factory sub-inch rifle nowadays.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

Either mine is not picky about ammo or it's just been an accident it likes everything I've ran through it.

 

[lightman]

As the others have said, every rifle can have its favorites and its sometime hard to guess what that load will be. But 2 that always seem to preform good are Black Hills Match and Federal Gold Metal Match, both with the 168 HPBT bullet. Good Luck with your new rifle.