ruger mk II M77 .223

G

gfe76

Inactive
1st post here. I have this rifle (780 series, manuf 1991) in stainless with 22" barrel. 1:12 twist. zytel (boat paddle) stock. I want to cut barrel to 16.5" and add peep sight and banded front sight. I know I can probably only shoot 50 gr bullets with this twist (regardless of bbl length), but will shortening the barrel noticeably affect ballistics? I only plan on shooting/hunting a max of 125 yds. I know velocity will probably drop 50 fps per inch lost, but will that really affect accuracy? If not 16.5", what about 18"? All my rifles have short barrels.
thanks for all your thoughts...
 
Shortening the barrel should not hurt the rifle's accuracy, assuming that the barrel is shortened and crowned properly. You already know that the shorter barrel will result in lower muzzle velocity, though it might be more like 35 fps per inch in MV loss. As for how long you want the barrel, that's your call. I have one rifle with a 16.5 inch barrel, and it shoots great but I'd probably prefer an 18 inch barrel.

As for the bullet, the 55 grainer should do just fine, but I've gone to the 40 gr Nosler BT for smaller pests (coyote and smaller) and it does a great job and is very accurate. Even with the short barrel, you'd get plenty of bullet speed with that 40 grainer.
 
thanks. I have a few Rem 600's with 18" barrels, but most of my other rifles are cut to 17"....so I will probably "compromise" and go with 17.
Are those 40 gr BT loaded by you or "off the shelf?" I don't reload, so factory ammo is all I shoot. thanks for help.
 
I'm a reloader, and haven't shot a factory round in one of my rifles in this century (and even longer than that). If you shoot a lot, you might consider getting into reloading. You don't really need to spend a ton of money to get into it at the basic level. Only problem these days is getting the powder, cases, primers and bullets.
 
Please don't do this to that rifle. I know you are going to do as you please, but I would implore you to do some research into the following these rifles have. They have nearly doubled in value as they have been out of production now for 14 years. This is not a panic induced value increase either. The prices on a serial number correct skeleton stock short action Ruger are near 4 digit range. I have watched many 22-250's bring over a grand and a few 260 Remingtons bring that as well with one going as high as $1500.
Now that I have voiced my opinion of tearing your rifle apart, in the interest of adding something constructive to your post, I would encourage you to try 40 grain bullets with W748 powder. I have had great luck with that combo. If you want the exact powder charge weight, pm me. I don't want to provide that advice on the open forum out of respect for the forum itself.
 
MDD, thanks for your thoughts. I am a little hesitant since it is a really nice rifle, in very good condition. MOst of the rifles I have shortened haven't been this nice....one reason I have kept it so long in orig condition...but because of the long barrel (22"), I just don't like to carry it and I am normally stomping around in thick, heavy brush in Florida.
 
22 inches isn't long. I have a .223 rifle with a 24 inch barrel. It doesn't get tangled in the brush and I have a scope on it too (VX3 2.8-8.5 x 36). I do know what you mean about how the shorties handle with open sights though and I am looking for one like that myself. However if you want to make that caliber scream without burning out the throat in short order, the longer barrel is the way to go.

Also why do you need a brush gun in .223 as opposed to a bigger cal? not criticizing just wondering. I do like the look of those New England banded sights on a bolt gun. I'd probably put one on if my eyes were better. I put the VX3 on because I wanted something sturdy... as sturdy as irons.

-SS-
 
22" is long for me. I like 223 for almost everything, although I do have my share of 308. I'm trying to simply my calibers and downsize my inventory of rifles. Plus, 223 is so prevalent and relatively inexpensive to shoot. I'm also not a big fan of scopes, almost all are Burris.
 
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