kmon Wrote:I think I am about to pull the trigger on a Grendel Ruger Ranch for the use of a suppressor or hunting in tight blinds or if the Wife is hunting with my CZ.
I have not shot a Ruger ranch rifle yet but some friends that have and it impressed them for accuracy and value.
I've got the ranch in Grendel and mine is a MOA rifle at 100 yards using 123 grain Hornady HPBT handloaded for my 12.5" Grendel AR SBR. It would probably do a bit better with loads specifically designed for it. At least I would hope so.
I picked up my RAP from the LGS today. The bolt appears to be polished to the point of minimal zipper noise if any, it does have a lot of play however. I am happy with the polymer stock, it is stout for what it is. I plan on painting it or maybe hydro dipping it.
There is one thing I will have to call Ruger about and that is the trigger adjustment screw was missing. I tested the trigger pull and it a little over 5lbs. This seems high especially with missing trigger adjustment screw.
May get a chance to shoot it next week. I'll start of with 123 grain American Gunner then I am going to test some of my go to loads and see how they perform.
I do have several hundred Hornady 129 Spire I may try and do some load development with and see how they shoot. If I can get it to shot I may just use it as my go to hunting projectile till some 120 Gold Dots hit the market.
Shot my first rounds today. No load development just trying the only factory load I have (Hornady AG) and my AR pet loads. All were 3 shot groups at 100 yds.....
Started off with 123 Hornady American Gunner.
2429 FPS, ES 28 and SD 14.
.6" group.
Then shot some of my AR pet loads,
123 SST, 27.2 8208, 2474 FPS, ES 31, SD 18.
Had one shot that was 2400 fps that opened the group up. I did not count this in my ES, SD or average FPS because there had to be something wrong with the load. It was 1.4" group with it and not counting it the group was a .6" group. Would have brought my ES up past 80.
This is a hot load for the RAP. Observed some shinny extractor marks. I'm going to have to reduce this. Will try 27 grains and see how it does.
120 Gold Dot, Wolf Steel case and Wolf primer. 29.2 grains of AA2520.
2493 FPS, ES 14, SD 7.4
1.24" group.
Fastest load of the day and looked promising. I just purchased a new 1lb of AA2520 (made in US) and will do some load development once I find some 120 GD's somewhere.
129 Nosler ABLR, 26.9 ARComp (5 shot).
2404 fps, ES 60, SD 26.
2" group
Not so good for this load. This is the best shooting load in my 18" AR.
I am also in search of a bolt gun in 6.5 Grendel. Im wondering what would be a good platform to have one custom. built. I would think a short action Rem 700 would work.
tracker12 Wrote:I am also in search of a bolt gun in 6.5 Grendel. Im wondering what would be a good platform to have one custom. built. I would think a short action Rem 700 would work.
Used a .223 short action 700 for the donor w/BDL hinged fore plate. Replaced the internal box with one from.308/.243 to help with the feed issue because of the larger dia. case. and then made a sort of spacer block to hold the shorter cartridge. Also required a little work on the feed ramps.
If anyone wants some pics? Send me cell number via PM and I will text some pics. Or email.
Kosh65 Wrote:Used a .223 short action 700 for the donor w/BDL hinged fore plate. Replaced the internal box with one from.308/.243 to help with the feed issue because of the larger dia. case. and then made a sort of spacer block to hold the shorter cartridge. Also required a little work on the feed ramps.
If anyone wants some pics? Send me cell number via PM and I will text some pics. Or email.
I wanted to give an update on the trigger adjustment screw issue. After thinking about it I checked again with a light and the adjustment screw was bottom out inside the trigger housing. I screwed it out and only could get the trigger down to 4lbs. Changed the spring out now running 2.5lbs. Also started working on the mag to help improve the action and increase the max coal. Cut 2.5 coils off and the action improved 200%. Also was able to increase coal from 2.6 to 2.7. May keep working on this.
grendelnubi Wrote:I wanted to give an update on the trigger adjustment screw issue. After thinking about it I checked again with a light and the adjustment screw was bottom out inside the trigger housing. I screwed it out and only could get the trigger down to 4lbs. Changed the spring out now running 2.5lbs. Also started working on the mag to help improve the action and increase the max coal. Cut 2.5 coils off and the action improved 200%. Also was able to increase coal from 2.6 to 2.7. May keep working on this.
My C Products Defense mags allow loading out to 2.295-2.300 with Gold Dots. Have some ASC mags out of CT that also allow that length. Not sure if either one are still in business though.
Big_John Wrote:I'm late to the convo... but I have one and I love it.
Howa Mini Action 1500, 22" barrel, 6-24x Vortex
It is my Economy 1,000 yard shooter and it is dead, ass accurate.
Love it! Highly recommend it.
Heck yeah.
Sounds great.
I'd like to have that same Howa Mini-Action heavy barrel in .223. Sure would be an economical plinker on range days....something to shoot while the other guns cool down.
