Ruger American Ranch Rifle Review Part3: Final

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Part1
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4781

Part2
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4815

One of the largest independent 300blackout load tests - 65 loads tested across 4 rifles
http://www.dayattherange.com/?page_id=3817

Part3:
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4872

If you happen to believe in the 300 Blackout or not there is one thing for sure, it’s growth and popularity has continually been on the rise. Most popular is it’s use in subsonic applications with SBR’s and suppressors. Almost every ammo manufacturer is loading this close relative of the 300 Whisper in multiple offerings to fit just about every scenario. Even new comers like Sig have tooled up to produce a 300 Blackout offering.

When paired with the Ruger American Ranch Rifle in 300 Blackout, testing has proved to be some of the most fun I have had on the range in a while. To date the 300 Blackout hasn’t proved to be as accurate as some of my 223 or 308 loadings but the thrill of the chase has been very rewarding. With ammunition producers like Sig and handloads produced with 220gr Sierra Match Kings on top of A1680 powder, things are starting to look really positive. Sig’s first 300 Blackout offering begins with a 125gr and 220gr loads.



Loads Tested
Loads Tested:

125gr SST – 18gr Lilgun
110gr Nosler – 19.5gr Lilgun
220gr Sierra Match King – 11.5gr H4198
208gr Hornady AMAX – 11gr H4198
245 Missouri Bullet – 11gr H4198
203gr Palmetto Bullet – 9.7gr A1680
150gr Hornady – 15.5gr H110
Hornady Whisper Factory 208gr
Remington 220gr Factory
125gr SST – 17.5gr IMR4227
150gr Hornady – 18gr A5744
220gr Sierra Match King – 11.3gr A1680

The most accurate load of the day was with my reloads of Nosler’s 110gr on top of 19.5gr of Lilgun, it was capable of a 0.751 group. The most accurate subsonic load of the day was the 220gr Sierra Match King on top of 11.3gr of A1680 at 0.805.


Full Review and Testing
http://www.dayattherange.com/?p=4872

 

[Jason_W]

What is your assessment of the durability and reliability of the American as a whole. I've read a number of not so great reviews.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Mine has been flawless. This is a well made firearm so I have no doubt durability will be long lasting, so I am not sure what anyone could say negatively about the durability. Every now and again a lemon gets by QA for every manufacturer.

As for reliability mine has been 100%, what most are saying about this was early on. The magazines feed lips were to tight and there were problems. Most took a razor blade to the sides of the magazine to trim off just a small bit of material. But as I understand from Ruger they have fixed this and you can send your old mags back and they will send you new ones. Many are reporting call Ruger and they will send you new ones without wanting the old ones back at all.

On this rifle it was ready to go out of the box no issues.

 

[jmr40]

I've read a number of not so great reviews.

Where?

I've read nothing but positive reviews. There were some issues with the 1st run of 223 magazines that Ruger replaced, but that is it. Some people complained about the forend being flexible, but it has zero effect on accuracy. Ruger has addressed even that issue with a modified stock design on more recent rifles.

I bought one of the Compacts in 223 and a standard rifle in 308. Both were good shooters, the 223 a tack driver. When one of the Predators became available I bought one of those in 308 and gave my nieces boyfriend a sweet deal on the standard 308.

So far the Predator 308 has not turned in a 100 yard group where all holes were not touching with anything I've fed it. All 3 rifles have functioned perfectly after getting the replacement magazine for the 223. I think they are by far the best value in a rifle today. Not the most aesthetically pleasing, but darn good shooters and values.

 

[gamestalker]

I sent one in for a repair, nothing to do with the rifle really, as I had a primer seal blow out, which blew the extractor out, and a small piece of the bolt that supports the extractor. When I got it back from Ruger, which was only about 10 days after they received it, and It came back with a new stock, and a different magazine that had a metal follower. So it appears they've made some changes from the first generation models.

Prior to the new magazine though, they didn't feed very reliably, and I have a lot of experience with them in 3 different calibers. But accuracy has been exceptional. But I did some tuning to the original magazines and got all of them to function more reliably, though I still experienced a few failure to feeds. As for the new magazines, they feed flawlessly, much better design.

As for problems, I've had none, except for the older magazine issue. I really like the 3 lug bolt, it reduces bolt lift by quite a bit. I also like the steel bedded stock design, which might be something new and the reason why they replaced the original one.

Great budget rifles, better than the other one's out there IMO. I would buy another if I needed to. But if you happen to buy a used one or the original model as it were, just send it in to Ruger and they'll probably treat you, the same as they treated me, which is to say, they took care of everything at no charge.

GS

 

[bannockburn]

Mr.Revolverguy

Nice review and load data compilation on the RARR in .300BLK. Thanks for posting.

 

[Manny]

I'm an unabashed Ruger fan, though I also recognize they can have uneven build quality. It sounds like Ruger is addressing the issues some had with early models and I was suitably impressed with a new RARR I had a chance to handle recently. A handy little rifle about the same size as some of my 10/22's with a cartridge that's effective without being overpowering. For the reasonable price of admission, I may be joining the 300 Blackout club before too long.