getting more accuracy out of Ruger 77/17

[hamp287]

Hi all. I have a Ruger 77/17 which I wish to make more accurate. I have already installed a 2.5 lb Timney sear and spring in the rifle, which I feel made a big difference. The gun is fitted with a Leupold Rifleman 3-9X40 scope.

The gun shoots ok, but still will not group as tight as I would like. I was thinking about buying a Green Mountain barrel. Your thoughts on the best way to improve the accuracy of this rifle? Many thanks.

 

[NCsmitty]

The gun shoots ok, but still will not group as tight as I would like.

Do you have targets to show? What ammo have you tried, and what ammo seems to shoot best?
Are you cleaning the barrel and making sure that the barrel is not copper fouled?

Scope mounts tight and screws secure? (locktite)



NCsmitty

 

[rcmodel]

+1 on checking for copper fouling.

Also, the Ruger 77/XX 2-piece bolts are known to sometimes have more slack then desirable for correct headspace.
That can cause inconsistent ignition shot to shot.
Shimming the bolt head is used to correct it.
http://www.centerfirecentral.com/ruger22h.html

Also this from Lilja barrels:

Installation tips for best accuracy.

We turn the shank diameter on our Ruger barrels to a diameter of .687" - .688". This is on the large side as compared to the original barrels. This diameter is a slip-fit into the Ruger 77/22 and 10/22 receivers. We have found however that some receivers have an oversized hole in them which results in a slightly sloppier fit than is desirable.

There is a good indicator if you have a loose fit between the barrel shank and receiver.
With the barrel in the receiver and the screws holding the dovetail block tight, hold the barreled action up to a light and look from the side at the receiver and shoulder junction. If it is a loose fit there will be a gap on the top side between the two. If this is the case, some gunsmiths advocate using Loctite on the barrel. If you decide to use this procedure, do so without tightening the two screws and hold the barrel and action vertically while the Loctite sets up.

With Ruger 77/22 rifles check to be sure that both locking lugs on the bolt are engaging the receiver. It is not uncommon to have just one lug touching. If this is the case the lugs should be lapped for uniform contact.

Was it me, I would explore all of these things before buying a new barrel.
Your barrel may be perfectly fine, but it won't shoot if you have a sloppy bolt, excess headspace, or a loose barrel / receiver joint.

rc

 

[hamp287]

Thanks for the input. I do not have pictures of targets because it has been several months since shooting the rifle. I was getting groups around 1.5 inches at 100 yards. So far I have used both Remington and Hornady ammunition. They both seemed to shoot pretty similar groups. Next time I shoot the rifle I will plan on working with various ammunition brands in greater detail. The scope mounts are tight and screws are secure.

I will check the bolt for slack, and for a loose barrel / receiver joint as you have advised. It could probably use a barrel cleaning as well. I will report back my results when I get some time to go to the range. Thanks again

 

[hamp287]

double posted

 

[rem22long40x]

Look up Time Precision on Goggle an ck. out there Super Tuner , For about 110.00 you can buy a barrel tuner that you can tune the harmonics of your barrel to the ammo your shooting !! just a option you can check out.