Ruger American 30-06

[zacii]

I picked up a Ruger American in '06, last week. It came with a 3X9 Redfield scope. I figured it was a good deal and I've read nothing but good reviews on it.

I finally got out yesterday to mess with it. I had 2 boxes of Hornady Superformance; one in 165 gr SST and one in 155 gr SST.

The gun is super light and easy to carry. I would shoot a round, walk down to the target 100 yards away to verify the shot and allow the barrel to cool.


I'm kind of disappointed [emoji45]

No matter what I did, I'd get a couple rounds about an inch from each other and the next one would be off in no man's land, 3" away. I was alternating between a Caldwell bag and Harris bipod.

There is a lot if flex in the forend of the stock; comparable to my Stevens 200 .223. I suspected that the barrel may be hitting the stock erratically giving me the extreme flyers, although my Stevens shoots very well even with the same amount of stock flex.

Maybe it just doesn't like Superformance ammunition? :dunno:

The only reason I bought this rifle is because so many on line commented on how accurate it was. Maybe I should reserve judgement until I try some more ammo, but until then I'm filled with chagrin.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Just remember one thing....not all rifles (even the same Mfgr. caliber & model) shoot off the shelf ammunition well. In my experience (reloading for over 50 years), each rifle will have a load that it shoots well. it is up to the shooter to find it!!!

 

[zacii]

Just remember one thing....not all rifles (even the same Mfgr. caliber & model) shoot off the shelf ammunition well. In my experience (reloading for over 50 years), each rifle will have a load that it shoots well. it is up to the shooter to find it!!!

I've got sufficient components to start loading for this rifle.

Going to try IMR 4831 with 200 grain Nosler Accubonds,

4000 MR with 178 grain Amax,

Varget with 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips.

Should keep me busy all summer.

I may try some IMR 4064, also.


I suspect that this rifle may not like the Superformance loads at 2900+ fps.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have had good luck with Sierra 150 gr Game King boat tail. I use 4895 and shoot it right at 3000 fps. If you have a chronograph, they are really helpful.

Good luck....if you have other questions, PM me. I'll be happy to share information any time.

 

[zacii]

I have some 4895, maybe I'll get some of those Gamekings. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Elkhunter96]

Maybe try a different stock. If the stock is causing the problem, may be the easiest fix. The only Ruger rifle I've owned was ok, wasn't a tack driver, but wasn't bad either.

 

[Tim McCoy]

I've tried the superformance in 3 rifles. All shot other factory loads into an inch or less. None liked the superformance. The regular Hornady loads with interlocks and federal fusion have both shot well for me in the same rifles. But if you have the components, more factory ammo may be unnecessary. The American I shot was a 308, it shot 150 gr Nosler BT very well in a Fed Premium load.

 

[stevevan]

Hate to be negative but the best thing you could do is to get rid of that Tupperware stock. I've had a couple buddies who had those molded stocks and they gave them fits. They were temperature sensitive and would actually warp if they were in the hot sun for any length of time. Both put on decent after market stocks with layed up fiber composite and the problem was solved.

 

[zacii]

Hate to be negative but the best thing you could do is to get rid of that Tupperware stock. I've had a couple buddies who had those molded stocks and they gave them fits. They were temperature sensitive and would actually warp if they were in the hot sun for any length of time. Both put on decent after market stocks with layed up fiber composite and the problem was solved.

Do you know which stocks they went with? I've seen some of the Boyd's replacements online, but they don't look much better.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

If I was going to replace the stock, I would go with something like a Bell & Carlson with the aluminum pillors/bedding. More money, but really stable and will do the job.

 

[zacii]

If I was going to replace the stock, I would go with something like a Bell & Carlson with the aluminum pillors/bedding. More money, but really stable and will do the job.

I don't believe that B&C makes a stock for the American. At least not yet.

 

[Tim McCoy]

I think Boyd's makes a laminated stock, those are stable, but heavy.

 

[stevevan]

Actually I lead you astray as they did not have the Ruger American rifles. They did have rifles that came with the molded stock such as those that are used for the Ruger American. I should have said I would stay away from any plastic, molded stock as they are not that dependable. Having said that you'll have to do some research to find out what company is producing a good replacement stock. Tim mentions Boyd's does a laminate. I'd prefer that over a molded stock even if it is laminated and heavier. I just couldn't hunt confidently not knowing my rifles stock was stable and remained spot on with the shot.

 

[6mm Remington]

Curious if you have ran a piece of paper down the barrel channel to see if there is contact anywhere? I would also check the torque specifications on the action screws and torque those to the recommended setting. Do both of those things and try it again.

My load for a couple 30-06 rifles has been IMR4350 - 57.4 grs. - 165 gr. Accubond or Partition

 

[zacii]

Curious if you have ran a piece of paper down the barrel channel to see if there is contact anywhere? I would also check the torque specifications on the action screws and torque those to the recommended setting. Do both of those things and try it again.

My load for a couple 30-06 rifles has been IMR4350 - 57.4 grs. - 165 gr. Accubond or Partition

Yes on both points. A piece of paper will fit between the barrel and stock, but there is significant flex in the stock that may be hitting the barrel while firing.

The manual states 60-80 inch-pounds for the action screws. I have them at 60 right now. I could run them up to 70 and see what happens.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Another way to create more space between the barreled action and stock is small pieces of plastic, pieces of old credit cards with a hole for the screw, nylon washers, etc. Use them as spacers between barreled action and stock where the screws go. Just need to be sure screws have enough length to secure things. Fire and if problem goes away, get out the dremel and reassemble w/o spacers.

If spacers do not provide an answer, I wonder if backing off the action screws may not be a good idea, if going to 70 does not help. If things are not in perfect alignment, too many inch-pounds can create flexing issues. Hate to go below factory specs, but for a few shots, it may tell you something. If backing off works, relieve the holes in the stock just a touch, then retry at 60 or so. If you have tried everything else, may be worth a shot if you have not already decided to trade it in.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

It might be possible to strengthen the stock by glass bedding it. Hard for me to tell without looking at it. I've glass bedded lots of stocks and sometimes it helps a lot with plastic type stocks as it makes them more rigid. I would use a hard type compound like JB Weld.

 

[shootbrownelk]

My ruger American rimfire came from the factory with the scope mount bases loose & no Loctite. Sounded like your problem with unexplained fliers. 15 minutes later and a couple dabs of Loctite & it shot great. Check there and the action screws.

 

[Musket Man]

I really considered getting a Ruger American or Savage Axis for my niece but I just couldnt get past the cheap feeling stock on either and I have not bought it yet but after a little more research and seeing all 3 guns side by side I have decided on the Savage 11. For just a little more money you get a much nicer gun and by the time you change the stock on the Ruger you will have more into it then the Savage.

 

[Murdy]

I looked at the Ruger seriously a year or so ago when I was in the market for a rifle. Ultimately bought a Savage, but read plenty of good reviews on this one. I recalled one reference to problems with factory ammo:

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nuts/2012/03/review-ruger-american-rifle

Outside of noting the problem, this review is generally positive as well. You might want to experiment with your ammo before you start spending money on something else.