I recently bought a Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle in 308, mainly because it had a VX-6 Leupold 1-6x CDS scope on it. It's the newer version that's got the light synthetic stock, only weighs 6.2lbs. It has the XS sight systems long rail so the scope is mounted in the normal place, not out front. I also got a 3rd magazine with it that doesn't stick way out the bottom. I planned to re-sell the rifle but after shooting it a bit I found it was delivering 1.25-1.5" groups with cheaper Winchester or Hornady 150gr loads. I had the trigger worked over and shrank those to 1-1.25" groups consistently. I'm sure it's capable of better with more than a 6x scope or more ammo experimentation.
I have a mule deer hunt planned this fall where there is a lot of thick timber. Those I've talked to about the area recommend going into the thick stuff after the deer, doing a lot of still hunting to find those early October bucks that are holed up. I am thinking of taking this rifle along for that, as well as my 300WM. If normal glassing and spot and stalk hunting don't work, I might pack the short 308 for going in after them.
I'm thinking I will likely try to work up a load for the rifle before taking it, try to improve a bit on groups and go with a little more aerodynamic bullet. I'm thinking maybe like a 150gr Accubond. Shots in the timber might be rushed and angles might not be ideal so a tougher bullet might be a better choice. If I get a load worked up I'll chronograph it and have the CDS turret built to match it. If a 300-350yd shot does present itself I'd feel better dialing range with the limited velocity the short barrel will provide.
Anyone have any recommendations on what bullet or powder I should try for this experiment? Or even if I should try, or just stick with the 24" barreled 300WM and use it everywhere? It has a 3.5-18x Swaro so the field of view isn't bad on the bottom end.
Thanks for the advice.
I have a mule deer hunt planned this fall where there is a lot of thick timber. Those I've talked to about the area recommend going into the thick stuff after the deer, doing a lot of still hunting to find those early October bucks that are holed up. I am thinking of taking this rifle along for that, as well as my 300WM. If normal glassing and spot and stalk hunting don't work, I might pack the short 308 for going in after them.
I'm thinking I will likely try to work up a load for the rifle before taking it, try to improve a bit on groups and go with a little more aerodynamic bullet. I'm thinking maybe like a 150gr Accubond. Shots in the timber might be rushed and angles might not be ideal so a tougher bullet might be a better choice. If I get a load worked up I'll chronograph it and have the CDS turret built to match it. If a 300-350yd shot does present itself I'd feel better dialing range with the limited velocity the short barrel will provide.
Anyone have any recommendations on what bullet or powder I should try for this experiment? Or even if I should try, or just stick with the 24" barreled 300WM and use it everywhere? It has a 3.5-18x Swaro so the field of view isn't bad on the bottom end.
Thanks for the advice.
