Looking into purchasing a ruger M-77 Mark II 25-06 all weather rifle. By looking at bulistic data it seems to be one of the best long rang rifles out there for varmits.(better than 22-250) what can I expect for accuracy with this kind of rifle. and how far out could you shoot accuratly with say a 18power scope, with this caliber? good caliber? thanks

 

Polarisman3- the ruger m-77 mark II is a great gun, that should give you years of enjoyment. As far as the 25-06 goes, I really dont have much data on them. I have shot one before and was pleasantly surprised with the caliber. I do know that they are getting some great ballistics from some of the newer calibers such as the wssm series. The accuracy is only going to be as good as the shooter. It is very capable of 1"groups at 100 yards. The 18 power scope depends on what brand it is. Different companies use different glass for they lenses, which improve clearity. I would say you could comfortably and accuratly shoot out to 350-400 yards with practice. Again the accuracy part depends more on the shooter than anything. IMO. I really enjoy shooting my .243 or .223 at coyotes.

 

ok, thanks...good info....i was looking at getting a BSA platinum target scope.....6-24x 44mm....i have another bsa scope it is a catseye and i cant say that i like it....you have to look straight on or you dont see the whole view...if you move just a little the view is gone...i would just hope this series of scopes is better from them...and BTW the one i am looking at is a mil dot scope for the objective...now what is that? good for shooting accuratly?

 

If you're getting a Mark II sporter weight barrel then the rifle will be your limitation at longer ranges rather than the caliber. The 25-06 will make a very good long shooting varmint caliber though.

 

I dont want to diss on anyones stuff, but I have heard that some of the BSA scopes have plastic lenses. IMO you should spend about the same amount or more money on the scope than you do the gun. I'am a Leupold man myself, and have spent way to much money on the scopes I have, BUT they are some of the BEST scopes I have ever used. Just my opinion

 

Polarisman3,

I have a Ruger M-77 in stainless/black syn in 25-06... great gun. I bought it for wife and son to deer hunt with, as 25-06 is far superior to .243, with same recoil. Not to dis the .243 - good gun, but 25-06 is much stronger and I shot them back to back, same model gun, with factory shells, and recoil is same. I have also used it to varmit hunt a little, but have not played with loads much for this gun.

My dad has the target M-77 and has loaded several different loads... he gets to shoot a lot, as he is retired and some of us have to work. I am shooting 3/4" at 100 yards with a 80 grain ballistic tip. Does a great job on deer also. I have not really stretched this out much, but I agree with others, barrel and shooter will limit this gun. It is a great light weight gun to carry though!

25-06 is super load, lot of bullets and different ways to load it. Dad has his at about 3/8" off bags, and really holds well down range.

I also agree about scopes... spend the money one time on a Leupold, and never spend money again. It is worth is. Even if you go with VXII rather than VXIII I have on my guns, it is worth it.

Good luck.

Ken

 

well thanks guys for the input it helps alot.....but as far as the barrel lengh as you were talking about it has a 24" bbl...no fluting or anything though....i have also made an adjustable rest the holds the gun front and back so it holds it pretty good....as long as the trigger isnt rough i would hope for sub inch groups at 100yds...but would you say the kick is like at 22-250?but honestly i have had much better luck with the cheaper scopes...like on my mini 14 i was always buying 200 dollar plus scopes and the cross hairs keep breaking and now i went cheap (on the 4th scope) and no problems...but that varies as you are probably better with a spendy scope on on a bolt rifle...ok thanks...

 

I havent shot a 22-250 in years, but would say its about same as 25-06... heavier bullet, and if hot handloads, then 25-06 is going to be a little more, but not much. Just not enough recoil here to cause any problems in my opinion. Wife shoots a 20 ga. Rem 1100, gas auto shotgun, and says it kicks more than the rifle... and she will shoot 150-200 rounds a day on clays range with shotgun without a problem. She loves to shoot, as long as I will reload or buy shells!

Scopes are a place where you get what you pay for in the long run. If you are going to put a lot of shells through the gun, then spend a little more. Optics are better, especially if you are going to be shooting 300-500 yards. For stuff like that, I like a fine duplex reticle, and make sure you get a adjustible objective lens. The longer range and more accurate you want to shoot, the better the scope and mounts need to be... the Ruger comes with good rings, just need a good scope.

The 24" barrel will do a good job, just not like a bull or fluted target barrel. I think you will be happy with this very versitle caliber. Bullet is a little heavier, and better stability down range in wind or even thermals, than some of the light weight stuff, at extreme target ranges.

Good luck,

Ken

 

The recoil is going to depend greatly on the final weight of the rifle and scope combo. I've not shot any .243s that I would consider unpleasant to shoot, and the 25-06 should be very much the same. On the same note, just for comparison I've got a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .270 with a Bushnell Scopechief 6 1.5x -4x mounted, and it is not a pleasant gun to shoot for long. After about 10 rounds my shoulder has had enough fun for one day. Nice light rifle to carry though.
In my opinion Ruger makes an excellent product, if I had been able to find a synthetic .270 in a Ruger bolt action, the Winchester would never have stood a chance. I have to admit that I like the looks of the Winchester better, but looks aren't everything.
Remington makes some decent bolt actions as well, not to mention Sako or Colt-Sauer. Again in my opinion, the European gun-makers have it all over the North American crowd for elegance and function. I looked at a Steyr-Mannlicher 6.5 x 55 Mauser recently that's enough to make a grown man drool. Sadly the old geezer that owns it has no intention of ever parting with that sweet little rifle, or I'd be knocking on his door every day.