New Rifle

[Flatbush Harry]

Yesterday I had an opportunity to pick up a NIB Ruger M77 Hawkeye African in 6.5x55 SE. Several years ago I got a Ruger No. 1A in 6.5x55 SE and really liked the cartridge. Great accuracy and really high BC and Sectional density make it a wonderful hunting round and the No. 1 is a wonderful rifle. I have a Stainless Ruger M77RSI in .308 (2012 Lipsey's Special) and as a lightweight stalking rifle it has been great. Given my affection for CRF actions, Ruger as a manufacturer, nice express sights, and the 6.5x55 SE cartridge, this was an easy choice. It's a beautiful gun. I'm going to mount a scope on it this afternoon and, hopefully, get to the range tomorrow or Tuesday. Stay tuned for range report.

I confess to really enjoying classic cartridges. Back in 2013, I picked up a High Grade Winchester Mod. 70 in 7mm Mauser and really enjoy it. The modern ballistic twins are fine (.260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmor, 7mm-08), but as an old phart, I get a kick out of the old calibers. I wish that I had picked up a Ruger M77 in .275 Rigby last year (who was that guy, WDM "Karamoja" Bell, and he did what with a .275 Rigby?)...now I'll just have to get some .275 headstamped brass to load for my Winny. It really likes 175gr bullets, really close to the original 173gr loads. They're a stone killer on deer.

As a handloader, I can optimize these rounds in modern, super strong rifles. I heartily recommend the .264/6.5mm and .284/7mm family of cartridges. Fun, accuracy, exterior and terminal ballistic effectiveness and nostalgia for the oldies...what's not to like?

 

[js8588]

I have one. I love it.

 

[SwampWolf]

I confess to really enjoying classic cartridges.

Another interesting Model 77 (MKII) rifle is one chambered in 7x64 Brenneke (a ballistic and case size/shape configured twin to the .280 Remington).

 

[Nature Boy]

Well, how about a picture or two?

 

[DDDWho]

Here is a Ruger 77 Hawkeye in .280 Remington. I'm not sure .280 chambering is offered by any manufacturer these days. Luckily I have a dear friend that has reloaded a lifetime supply of .280 for me.

 

[If1HitU]

It is a beautiful Ruger rifle DDDWho.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Winchester and Remington have made them. The Win M70 Featherweight and the REem 700 Mountain Stainless both came in .280 Rem in the last two years. The .280 Rem only gives up about 100-150 fps to the 7mm RM so it's a terrific cartridge.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I like .280 Rem and 7mm in general. I use less popular rifles though. I have a Remington 7400 in 280 and a Remington 7600 in 7mm-08.

 

[p5200]

Yesterday I had an opportunity to pick up a NIB Ruger M77 Hawkeye African in 6.5x55 SE. Several years ago I got a Ruger No. 1A in 6.5x55 SE and really liked the cartridge. Great accuracy and really high BC and Sectional density make it a wonderful hunting round and the No. 1 is a wonderful rifle. I have a Stainless Ruger M77RSI in .308 (2012 Lipsey's Special) and as a lightweight stalking rifle it has been great. Given my affection for CRF actions, Ruger as a manufacturer, nice express sights, and the 6.5x55 SE cartridge, this was an easy choice. It's a beautiful gun. I'm going to mount a scope on it this afternoon and, hopefully, get to the range tomorrow or Tuesday. Stay tuned for range report.

I confess to really enjoying classic cartridges. Back in 2013, I picked up a High Grade Winchester Mod. 70 in 7mm Mauser and really enjoy it. The modern ballistic twins are fine (.260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmor, 7mm-08), but as an old phart, I get a kick out of the old calibers. I wish that I had picked up a Ruger M77 in .275 Rigby last year (who was that guy, WDM "Karamoja" Bell, and he did what with a .275 Rigby?)...now I'll just have to get some .275 headstamped brass to load for my Winny. It really likes 175gr bullets, really close to the original 173gr loads. They're a stone killer on deer.

As a handloader, I can optimize these rounds in modern, super strong rifles. I heartily recommend the .264/6.5mm and .284/7mm family of cartridges. Fun, accuracy, exterior and terminal ballistic effectiveness and nostalgia for the oldies...what's not to like?

Congratulations on your new gun!

 

[cdb1]

I think Kimber might currently sell rifles chambered in .280AI.

I’m not a Ruger fanboy but I’d make an exception for the African in 6.5x55.

 

[Dr T]

Will you sight it in with the express sights as well as the scope?

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Will you sight it in with the express sights as well as the scope?

Yes I will, but first with the scope.

 

[DannyLandrum]

The Ruger 77 is on the heavy side, so the bigger calibers make more sense to me. I'd love to have one of the gorgeous stainless &-wood Int'l / mannlicher 77s in 6.5x55, weight and accuracy issues notwithstanding.

.280 Rem is my favorite big game chambering, and .280 AI would be in my top five. I drool daily over the Kimber Mountain Ascent in .280AI that we're trying to sell at work. Up here, very few people even know about that chambering.

But that African Hawkeye sure is beautiful.

 

[edapp]

Pictures!!

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Pictures!!

See the Old School Guy with Old School Rifles thread.

Cheers,

 

[94045]

I didnt know Ruger still chambered the 6.5x55. Had an acquaintance once that had two Rugers a M77 (?) .250-3000 and M77 Mk II (?) 6.5x55. He also had a Remington M721 in .300 H&H. I get the feeling some guys just like to be different.

 

[cdb1]

The Safari 6.5x55 is a limited run rifle.