Ruger GSR 18" Hunting Load

[<*(((><]

I have a Ruger Gunsight Scout rifle (w/ suppressor) that I want to develop a good hunting load. First a description of my rifle as well as my qualifications:

Rifle: Ruger Gunsight Scout
Model: 6822
Caliber: .308 WIN
Barrel Length: 18.70” Bead Blasted Stainless Steel
Twist: 1:10” RH

Muzzle Device: Silencerco ASR Muzzle Brake 5/8” x 24tpi
Model: SLC-AC591

Suppressor: Silencerco Hybrid 46
Model: SU1532

Scope: Leupold VX-3 CDS Windplex
Magnification: 3.5-10 x 40mm
Model: 120600

Scope Mount: Leupold Mark 2 IMS 1”
Model: 110290

Scope Rail: XS Sight Systems Rail with Ghost Ring Rear sight for Ruger Gunsight Scout
Model: RU-5000R-N

Criteria
I’m not expecting this rifle to have extreme accuracy, but I do expect with my load development to find a hunting load that is 1.5 MOA or better, which I understand might be a challenge as these Rugers can be tempermental. The game this load will be potentially used on is Elk up to 300 yards max, Mulies and White Tail, Antelope, Black Bear, Coyotes, Pigs, etc. The obvious main concern would be the load being suitable for Elk at a max range of 300 yards.

I think I’ve narrowed it the bullets down to a few contenders, but am open to any suggestions. I’m not concerned with price of the bullet as and don’t mind paying a premium for a good load. And I'm open to any other suggestions, these are just the bullets that seem to have good results. The Accubond has a great following and seems to have very few people that have bad experiences, the Barnes for the most part has a great following but there seems to be some that have issues. Would appreciate any first hand experience on either of these bullets.



Next would be weight. Given the shorter 18.7” barrel with the 1:10” twist, in my research it seems it would be prudent to start with the 150gr Barnes TTSX to keep velocity up for expansion, and the 165gr Nosler Accubond.

Seems like an 18.7" barrel should be able to hit 2,700-2,800 fps with a 150 gr. and with a 165/168gr around 2,600 fps. By my reasoning given the 300 yards and under on the largest game, the 150gr class of bullets make sense to increase the impact velocity for reliable expansion. But I like the idea of an additional 15-18gr for Elk. It seems to me that I would want to keep the impact velocity to around 2,100 fps or greater.

I'm open to any and all suggestions as well as those who think my numbers or ideas are in error. But don't want suggestions of another caliber, please don't clutter the thread with a caliber war. I don't mind peoples experiences with a bullet in a different caliber, but keep it on the subject criteria listed above please.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm sure the Barnes bullets are good choices but I have not used them so I can't comment. I do however have experience with Nosler AccuBond bullets and they perform very well. I would load a 165gr bullet because I feel its the best choice and compromise when one bullet weight is used.

 

[<*(((><]

I'm sure the Barnes bullets are good choices but I have not used them so I can't comment. I do however have experience with Nosler AccuBond bullets and they perform very well. I would load a 165gr bullet because I feel its the best choice and compromise when one bullet weight is used.

I'm honestly leaning more towards the Accubond in 165gr., it seems that would be the best all around for what my criteria is, and they have a solid reputation of just plain working.

 

[jmr40]

I have an 18" Ruger Predator. Those speeds are reasonable. My 18" Ruger is only 50-60 fps slower with the same ammo than my 22" rifles. I bet you can find a load that is closer to, if not under 1MOA than 1.5 MOA. With that in mind the round should be good to go on elk at 400, but I can understand limiting the shot to 300 if that is where your comfort zone ends.

If I were going to use Barnes bullets 150's would be the heaviest I'd use in 308 or even 30-06. The 165 and up are better suited for magnum speeds. Those bullets, even the light ones, will penetrate deeper than anything with a conventional lead core. I've loaded some of the 130's at 3050 fps in my 308. That is about the same speed as 180's from a 300 WM, and they give about the same penetration.

And despite Barnes claims that they expand down to 1800 fps most people who have actually used them recommend no less than 2000 fps and 2200 is better. Just look at the photo they provide. The 2175 impact looks good, the 1800 and 1500 not so good. But if they do impact fast enough they do have a reputation for working.

I think the 165 Accubond will work just fine. But Nosler redesigned the Ballistic Tip a few years ago and made it much tougher. There are a lot of people claiming there is no longer any real difference between the 165 Accubond and the 168 Ballistic Tip. The BT's are a lot cheaper. I just bought 2 boxes of factory Blems for $16/50. Just a thought.

I've been shooting the 178 Hornady ELD-X lately and it has become my go-to 308 and 30-06 bullet. I'm getting 2620 from my 22" 308 rifles and 2570 from my 18" Ruger. While it starts slower than 165's, at 300 yards it is the same speed and faster than 165's at 400. With an 18 gr heavier bullet. Just to confuse you more.

 

[<*(((><]

Thank you for taking the time, I know you have a lot of experience with .308 WIN even though you've moved on to greener pastures with the 6.5 Creedmoor, but I'll forgive you. In all seriousness, you've helped with stating your experiences, and I'll appreciate any more you have to give.

I have an 18" Ruger Predator. Those speeds are reasonable. My 18" Ruger is only 50-60 fps slower with the same ammo than my 22" rifles. I bet you can find a load that is closer to, if not under 1MOA than 1.5 MOA. With that in mind the round should be good to go on elk at 400, but I can understand limiting the shot to 300 if that is where your comfort zone ends.

I think and hope that I can find a load that's at least hovering around 1 MOA with a good velocity, and if so I'll consider it a success. That will be more than enough accuracy for my desired purposes for the rifle.

If I were going to use Barnes bullets 150's would be the heaviest I'd use in 308 or even 30-06. The 165 and up are better suited for magnum speeds. Those bullets, even the light ones, will penetrate deeper than anything with a conventional lead core. I've loaded some of the 130's at 3050 fps in my 308. That is about the same speed as 180's from a 300 WM, and they give about the same penetration.

And despite Barnes claims that they expand down to 1800 fps most people who have actually used them recommend no less than 2000 fps and 2200 is better. Just look at the photo they provide. The 2175 impact looks good, the 1800 and 1500 not so good. But if they do impact fast enough they do have a reputation for working.

So on the Barnes do you think it would be prudent to go with the 130's based on your assessment on their errant claims on expanding down to 1800? I'm with you looking at the pictures I know I wouldn't want to hit any game with a bullet that is only expanding to what the 1,835 fps picture shows above. And it seems your experience is that the penetration is still good on them.

I think the 165 Accubond will work just fine. But Nosler redesigned the Ballistic Tip a few years ago and made it much tougher. There are a lot of people claiming there is no longer any real difference between the 165 Accubond and the 168 Ballistic Tip. The BT's are a lot cheaper. I just bought 2 boxes of factory Blems for $16/50. Just a thought.

I just ordered 200 rounds of Nosler 165gr Accubonds last night, I found a really good deal on them through Wideners, they were $25/50ct or $0.50ea., and shipping was really reasonable as well. I will try and find a load with them, but I still think I'm open for trying the Barnes as well as some other suggestions if someone can convince me of it. It's going to take me a little bit to get my reloading setup back up and running as we moved this last year and it's been packed away.

I've been shooting the 178 Hornady ELD-X lately and it has become my go-to 308 and 30-06 bullet. I'm getting 2620 from my 22" 308 rifles and 2570 from my 18" Ruger. While it starts slower than 165's, at 300 yards it is the same speed and faster than 165's at 400. With an 18 gr heavier bullet. Just to confuse you more.

Do you have any experience with the 178gr ELD-X when hitting bone? Hows the penetration? I've heard really good things about their accuracy and BC's but haven't heard of their results on game.

 

[<*(((><]

Here are a few charts on velocities on the 165gr Nosler Accubond. The first chart is assuming a 2,700fps MV @ 5,000ft above sea level, the second is assuming a 2,800fps MV. I think either would be fine for my criteria.

So with a 2,700fps MV the velocity at 300 yards would be 2,248fps and 1,852ft./lbs. with a ~14" drop (100 yard zero) which would still provide reliable expansion according to Nosler's pictures.

If I can achieve 2,800fps MV the velocity at 300 yards would be 2,338fps and 2,004ft./lbs. with a 12" drop (100 yard zero) which I hope I can achieve with the right powder and using the suppressor but we'll see.

 

[greg_r]

I shoot the same rifle as you, only mine is not suppressed.

I shoot the Hornady 155 grain pushed by IMR 4895. Never been scoped, just using the factory peep, it's 8" plate worthy out to 200 yards.

From a rest, if I do my part, it will put shots in a 1 1/2 - 2 inch group at 100 yards all day.

These are the same loads I was using in my FR-8. Shot well in it too. These are not max loads, but come out of the muzzle at about 2700 fps.

 

[<*(((><]

I shoot the same rifle as you, only mine is not suppressed.

I shoot the Hornady 155 grain pushed by IMR 4895. Never been scoped, just using the factory peep, it's 8" plate worthy out to 200 yards.

From a rest, if I do my part, it will put shots in a 1 1/2 - 2 inch group at 100 yards all day.

These are the same loads I was using in my FR-8. Shot well in it too. These are not max loads, but come out of the muzzle at about 2700 fps.

Thank you for the real world velocities and accuracy. Do you feel your accuracy would tighten up with a scope? I ask because some can shoot irons nearly as accurate as a scope. I may be a little optimistic about my velocities, I need to leave room for an accurate node that I may be passing up chasing a velocity figure.

I know you said your rifle is the same, just wanted to confirm you have the 18.7" SS barrel?

 

[greg_r]

Yes, same rifle.


I am sure my groups would tighten with a scope, but I am happy with what it is, which in my mind's eye is a modern FR-8.


I could also load the 308 a little hotter, but why? The performance is entirely adequate for deer and hogs where I hunt.

 

[<*(((><]

Yes, same rifle.
View attachment 786171

I am sure my groups would tighten with a scope, but I am happy with what it is, which in my mind's eye is a modern FR-8.
View attachment 786174

I could also load the 308 a little hotter, but why? The performance is entirely adequate for deer and hogs where I hunt.

Yes, the GSR is a lot like a modern FR8, I would have loved to pick an FR8 up when they were cheap and readily available.

I mainly am wanting close to top performance from the load to get used to one load and stick with it. I want to be very proficient no matter the game I’m going for, so the load needs to be adequate for a potential 300 yard shot on an elk.

Once I get this supersonic load developed I will be working up a subsonic load as well.

 

[Keyfer 55]

I've got three, 308 win. 1:10 rot. Nosler 165 grain Ballistic tip and imr 4895. I've had really good accuratecy fron that combination I mostly hunt hogs on peanut fields. Good Luck!!

 

[<*(((><]

@Keyfer 55, you have three Ruger GSR's? What barrel lengths?

If you don't mind me asking what was your load for the 165 Nosler Ballistic Tips with IMR4895? What velocities were you seeing with the barrel lengths if you chrono'd them?

 

[Keyfer 55]

S&w 16.5 1:8 and two BM 20 inch green mountain 1:10 barrel . Imr 4895 43 grain . 165 ballistic tip 2640fps. I don't shoot much over 150 yds.
Also like nosler partitions 180 gr. Imr 4895 42.5 2510 fps. Just got the s&w had BM's close to 20 yrs. I've found 4895 to work great in my autoloaders 4064 seems to be a little dirty,

 

[<*(((><]

Well just dropped my Ruger GSR off to my gunsmith for the following:

1. Remove some laminate stock material from the side of the action to allow for equal reveal of the stock along the sides of the barrel, the action and barrel were at a very slight angle from factory (more aesthetics than anything)
2. Glass bed the action
3. Lap the bore (I only had about 50 rounds through it, he normally only laps new barrels but he said anything with less than 100 rounds he will do)
4. Trigger job to 3.5-4#
5. Attach ASR brake mount

Should have it in a week or so and then hope to fine tune a load on the Nosler 165gr Accubonds.

 

[dh1633pm]

Luke, did you get your GSR back yet? I have the synthetic stock for mine. Was wondering how the work went?

 

[<*(((><]

Yes, I received my rifle back about a month ago and haven’t got a chance to take it out yet. Between finishing a busy time at work and family from Michigan being in town for a week I haven’t had time yet.

As far as visually, the action and barrel are a lot better in the stock with even gaps around it. The trigger while it was already from factory about 3.5 lbs, is now 3 lbs and all the creep and the little bit of grit has been taken out and it is glass smooth.

I’ll try get some time tonight and take some pictures for you’ll, and I’ll be sure to post again when I take it out which may be this next week if I can find some time.

 

[dh1633pm]

Replaced my trigger tonight. Mine was pretty heavy and creepy of course. All gone now.

http://www.spec-tech-industries.com/m77-hawkeye-triggers.html

I have two loads that I shoot with the Ruger. I didn't comment about them since they are not exactly hunting loads. Did you settle on a load yet or at least have something you are going to try? I use 41.2 with the 168 SMK's. I get middle 2500 fps with my Milspec. It seems to like them loads on the slightly slower level. The Ruger likes the load as well.

 

[<*(((><]

I’m going to try and work up some loads with the Nosler 165gr Accubonds and see if I can get the velocities around 2,700 FPS that should provide a pretty good load on elk sized game to my max distance of 300 yards. I don’t envision needing to take a 300 yard shot that often but want to have confidence in the load if the need arise.

I may be thinking too optimistically with my figures but it’s something to strive for.