Scott S
Member
Thinking about a Ruger American Predator in 308win. Will be using it for deer/elk and mostly target shooting. Also what kind of optics. Talk me out of it. Thanks!
Ruger American Predator in 308
- Thread starter Scott S
- Start date
Just do it.
For optics that are going to do double duty as hunting a target, I would recommend something with a low end of 2-4X and and upper end of 12-20X as that'll give you a good low power for hunting in closer quarters and the ability to zoom in if you take a longer shot or are at the range.
My latest new optic is the Swampfox Kentucky Long in 4-24X. I haven't gotten it out to the range to really try it out yet but just looking through it I have no complaints about the quality, and if you happen to qualify for their LEO/Mil discount you can save 25% off MSPR by ordering from them.
https://www.swampfoxoptics.com/kentucky-long-series
For optics that are going to do double duty as hunting a target, I would recommend something with a low end of 2-4X and and upper end of 12-20X as that'll give you a good low power for hunting in closer quarters and the ability to zoom in if you take a longer shot or are at the range.
My latest new optic is the Swampfox Kentucky Long in 4-24X. I haven't gotten it out to the range to really try it out yet but just looking through it I have no complaints about the quality, and if you happen to qualify for their LEO/Mil discount you can save 25% off MSPR by ordering from them.
https://www.swampfoxoptics.com/kentucky-long-series
My brother has one that he bought used. The short barrel definitely makes it bark pretty good. However, it is very accurate. I haven’t even got a load completely tuned up for it, but with very cheap factory ammo, it was sub Moa. It came with a Cabela’s branded scope on it. As far as optics go, I agree with what was said about the variable power. Personally, I would go no smaller than a 44 mm objective. I’d rather stay with 50 or bigger. But that’s just me.
irishlad
Contributing Member
Go for it!! I'm gonna be ordering a left hand one soon.
If you like Vortex, check this site out. I've bought 5 or 6 here.
https://aaoptics.com/Riflescopes-_c_115.html
InTheSwamp
Member
Elk? So, you're planning to shoot longer distances? I would get the 6.5 CM, or the 7mm-08. Both smoke the 308 at longer ranges...Trying to talk you out of it.
gotboostvr
Member
At the distances most people are capable of shooting, the 308 is still plenty for Elk.
Do it!
I've got a thing for short, light 308's though.
InTheSwamp
Member
Physics matters. At those same distances, the other two trump the 308, while being easier on the shoulder.
db_tanker
Member
308 is fine for all that and if you handload even better.
Burris won't break your bank for glass. Got an E1 2x7 on my 23" Contender 25-35 that is a sweetheart to shoot and a 4.5x14 on a Ruger American 556 bolt.
D
Burris won't break your bank for glass. Got an E1 2x7 on my 23" Contender 25-35 that is a sweetheart to shoot and a 4.5x14 on a Ruger American 556 bolt.
D
Hugger-4641
Member
Very happy with mine. Sub Moa with Precision Hunter and my handload duplicates. Killed a buck with it in Dec.
As for optics, I had a Burris E-1 on it when I shot the deer, just swapped it with a Crossfire II 4-12x44 and moved the E-1 to my new CVA Optima.
As for optics, I had a Burris E-1 on it when I shot the deer, just swapped it with a Crossfire II 4-12x44 and moved the E-1 to my new CVA Optima.
Hugger-4641
Member
Forgot to mention, I also shot the doe he was chasing with it.
FL-NC
Member
I had one. Not a fan- it was very loud and had some kick to it with that shorter barrel. I have the pred in 6.5 CM and it has none of those problems, and is more accurate.
I've had several Predators. All shot a lot better than a rifle in that price range should. In fact they shot better than some rifles costing 3 times as much. I did however have some magazine issues with the standard 4 round magazines. If you get one make sure it is the one that takes the AI style mags. Those are available in 3, 5, and 10 round configurations.
45/30-06OKIE
Member
Paging @JmacD for enabler of the month for March!
He praises the Ruger rifles a lot on the reloading forum. Edit, I saw you commented already, sorry.
These are just one that far outshoot their price tag.Paging @JmacD for enabler of the month for March!
Edit, I saw you commented already, sorry.
45/30-06OKIE
Member
I want a RPR in 300 PRC so bad... Must resist urge to spend money on crap that isn't an extra credit card payment...
WisBorn
Contributing Member
Talk you out of it????
This is THR the biggest group of enablers on the internet.
Now after you buy the Ruger American Predator in 308 with a entry-level Leopold 2-7 scope. Add a standard Length in 7-08 rem or 6.5 cr with a nice 4-12 or 4-16 Leopold (I like Leopolds)
This is THR the biggest group of enablers on the internet.
Now after you buy the Ruger American Predator in 308 with a entry-level Leopold 2-7 scope. Add a standard Length in 7-08 rem or 6.5 cr with a nice 4-12 or 4-16 Leopold (I like Leopolds)
WisBorn
Contributing Member
You got this buddy!!!!
300 PRC coming! Then a 308 predator for woods walks
I'm not an enabler
45/30-06OKIE
Member
Actually since I have a SR-25 Okie-Redneck Edition™ in 308 I'm actually looking at this thing if I get another "basic" rifle. And that's our cost as an FFL through Chattanooga so idk if that trash or not...You got this buddy!!!!
300 PRC coming! Then a 308 predator for woods walks
I'm not an enabler
Thats one hell of a high intensity round for a 16" tube lol......course I despise short barrels, specifically for that reason. Had I the ability to own a supressor my tune would likely change.
One of the nice things about the Go Wilds, is that the cerakote fills some of the machining marks they tend to run smoother than the others with less elbow work.
One of the nice things about the Go Wilds, is that the cerakote fills some of the machining marks they tend to run smoother than the others with less elbow work.
45/30-06OKIE
Member
Haha, what's funny, is I was wanting a 16in 6.5 PRC for a bit, but quickly realized that would be stupid and a waste of powder lol.
It WOULD be kinda cool.....fireball would be stupendous lol.
IME, you do still get a performance gain from the larger cases in short tubes, they just become much more obnoxious.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
I was thinking that 350Legend might be a nice addition. Or 7.62x39 with that 16" tube.
Ive been considering gettting a legend bolt gun as well, the only thing that kinda turns me off the RAs in .350 is they use sticky out AR mags.....and im hoping ruger will release a Mini in .350....
