Ruger M77/357

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02bigdogs17

New member
I just purchased a new Ruger M77/357 bolt action gun for my son to deer hunt with next year. I reload for my .357 revolver but just wanted to know if anyone had done any loading for this particular rifle and what kind of loads you like for it. Thanks.
 
No, not that particular rifle, but I like the .357 magnum in a carbine. It opens a whole 'nuther level to the cartridge. Enjoy your rifle. I bet it will become one of your favorites.
 
With any luck I'll test out three different XTP loads with max charges of H110 this weekend.

Scroll down a bit and you can see my thread with my targets with Remington factory ammo.
 
If possible, try the Corbon Hunter brand 200 gr hard cast if you can work them in along others. I'm especially curious to know what you think of the rotary magazine and if you experience any problems feeding rounds out of it.
 
I bought a 77/357 afew months ago. I put a relatively inexpensive Bushnell scope on it.

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With a 158 gr XTP and a near max load of H110 it shoots groups like this at 25 yds.

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I don't have a photo, but at 100 yards it shoots 3-4 inch groups.

I've never shot a deer with a .357 mag because we can't hunt deer with rifles in Ohio. I have to think the load I'm using (when fired from a rifle) must be approaching a .30-30 in terms of power and therefore adequate for deer hunting. Some may suggest a 180 gr bullet for deer hunting however.
 
still undecided on my brothers 357m77. he has such serious shifts in point of impact depending on the ammo he uses that I don't even know hwy he still bothers tinkering.
 
Neat little rifles! Sorry, I don't have one (yet?), just had to post.

Some thoughts though:
I had a Ruger 96/44 for a while, the rotary magazine works great for feeding rimmed cartridges. Never had a bit of trouble with it. It does limit your OAL range, but no worse than one of the little Marlin lever guns will.

Don't "load hot" or whatever else it is people think you can do with it just because you're using your "pistol cartridges" in a rifle. Max .357 pressure is max .357 pressure, irrespective of barrel length. That said, H110/WW296 should get you good velocities and accuracy.

tahunua001 said:
still undecided on my brothers 357m77. he has such serious shifts in point of impact depending on the ammo he uses that I don't even know hwy he still bothers tinkering.
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100% normal in my experience with different .44 Mag and .357 carbines. The pistol calibers come in wildly varying power levels. It's really best to try them out for groups, find what it shoots best for your intended use and sight in for that ammo. I distinctly remember my 96/44 would shoot my plinking loads 12-15" low at 100-yards when zeroed with full-power 240gr XTPs. My dad had a Marlin in .357 that exhibited the same tendencies as well, depending on what bullet weight and velocity you were feeding it.
 
my brother has a 77/357. For him the Winchester White box 110 grain was the most accurate but its too light (both bullet and velocity) for deer.
 
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