Long distance gun help!

[TxMedic]

I have a Ruger M77 in 7 mm Mag. Already a tack driver. Great optics. What would you guys suggest to take this gun up to the next level as a long distance gun while remaining fairly economical?

[BigFoot]

A longer sendero

[cosmiccowboy]

Whats your definition of tack driver? 1 MOA? 1/2MOA? 1/4MOA?...If you are already 1/2 or better then leave the rifle alone and spend your money on top line target optics...

[DaveS903]

Hand loads, trigger job, bed the action, and float the barrel.

[LeanMachine]

trade it for something that doesn't kick so bad

[M16]

No

[TxMedic]

Ok, how far can I reasonably expect to be able to shoot with this gun? I know most of it depends on the shooter, but with the right optics and hand loads, could I get out to 800-1000 yards with a 7mag?

[Cajun Blake]

what is your current shooting setup from the bench ?

front sandbags , towels, bipods, a cheap Caldwell or Hoppes rest ain't gonna get it ... they will only magnify your groups at long range

if you're shooting at 100 , then try shooting for groups at 300

once your 300 yd groups are acceptable, then shoot at 500 yds .... followed by 600 yds and further


some basic suggestions : trigger job and hand load for top notch accuracy

invest in a quality front rest that has both windage and elevation fine tuning

shoot over wind flags and learn to dope the wind



shooting off a towel w/ no wind flags is wasting your time and will only make your frustrated


here's a basic HART rest (12 lbs) that you can pick up for < $70



one of the several rests I currently shoot from




sighting in my custom 17HM2 at the range




older pic (2004) , poor quality. Bald Eagle slingshot rest 17HMR



17 Little Nasty , same rest




shooting off a quality rest with wind flags is the only way I could have shot these groups in the 0's and .1's

[LeanMachine]

dang cajun, thats some fine shooting.

[Cajun Blake]

dang cajun, thats some fine shooting.

thank you sir that was with one of my 17 Little Nasty's shooting 25gr Bergers at 4000 fps

cyotes run the other way when they see this rifle






i bet you also have a sporter designed forearm stock

find a HART accuracy asset which will make the rifle more stable and repeatable when shooting .... 2~3" wide and flat

[Huntingnut]

Hand loads, trigger job, bed the action, and float the barrel.

X2 especially the hand loads.

[Buckrider]

I have a Ruger M77 in 7 mm Mag. Already a tack driver. Great optics. What would you guys suggest to take this gun up to the next level as a long distance gun while remaining fairly economical?

Better operator!

[Mike D]

A good rest and quality trigger will do wonders for your shooting.

In addition to what cosmic said above, what do you consider great optics? Past 500 yards, things are way different than under 500.

[bboswell]

what are some optics to consider?

Rifles in question are:

Custom 300 RUM that is an easy 1/2 moa gun @ 100

280-AI that is in the build process.

Will be shooting long targets and gongs for practice / fun but ultimately both are hunting guns not target specific.

[WyoHunter]

Mighty fine groups Cajun Blake!