Max Effective Hunting Range for Ruger Mini-14 in 6.8spc?

[Mattole]

I have been curious about buying the new Ruger Ranch rifle in 6.8spc. I am considering it as both a defensive weapon and a deer and hog hunting rifle. Seems like a good bet seeing as I live in California..

Assuming good accuracy out of the rifle (yes, it can be had in the new incarnation of the Ranch Rifle, just ask Jeff Quinn at Gunblast.com), the right hunting round, and proper shot placement, what would you consider the maximum effective range of the Mini in 6.8 on deer-sized game? Thanks.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I consider hunting performance for 6.8 and 7.62x39 to pretty much overlap given high quality hand loads. So see my sig links to see what can be done with cartridges of this type with similar ballistic performance.

 

[Bigfoot]

300 yards or so.

Launch tha 110 Accubond or V-MAX at 2600 and they are still going 1900 at 300 yards. Plenty of velocity for good bullet expansion especially with the V-MAX.

Since Ruger gave the Mini both the tight chamber and the 1:10 twist that strangles the cartridge by around 200 fps I agree with Krochus. No huge advantage over the Mini-30 that has much better ammo availability and cost.

Since both are outstanding defense cartridges you might make your decision based on which one gets high quality capacity mags. Good luck there, C-Products reneged on thier promise. Pro-Mag and Thermold are still promising mags for both guns. Still waiting, waiting, waiting.

 

[Mattole]

Well, the advantages of 6.8spc seem to be diminishing by the moment..

 

[3pairs12]

68forum.com has a lot of info. There was a thread here (krochus may remember) comparing x39 to 6.8 and a gentlman claimed that a bull elk was taken at 400yards with the 6.8.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

I would reccomend a shotgun instead. If you're going to get a rifle, I wouldn't get one of those, as they only have 5 round magazines.

Pro-Mag

I hear pro-mag produces a lot of jam-o-matics.

 

[Mattole]

Hmmm... a shotgun for that 200 yd deer - can you recommend a special barrel and load?

 

[Mattole]

One of the reasons I am asking about the Mini 6.8 is to find out if the lower velocities (as compared to some of the AR versions) from the Ranch rifle equals diminished capacity in the field.