Took the Ruger Predator Gen II .308 Out for Its First Shots — Ammo Test Video

[thehobbygunsmith]

Hey guys,




Finally got my Ruger American Predator Gen II in .308 out to the range for its first shots and wanted to share the video with anyone who’s interested.




I tested it at 100 yards with three types of ammo — Winchester, Remington, and Federal 150gr — just to get a feel for how it groups straight out of the box before I start swapping parts. Planning to upgrade the chassis, stock, and trigger soon, so this is kind of my baseline for tracking how much accuracy we can squeeze out of it as the build goes on.

https://youtu.be/e_b9Af3FSbY?si=ITZxkUSL7ocl5QHl

Would love to hear what ammo your Predator or other .308 bolt gun likes — or any upgrade recommendations. Appreciate any feedback!




– Alberto / The Hobby Gunsmith

[OLD-skool454#3]

Ruger Gunsite Scout here running powder coated 130 grain projectiles over unique in both .308 and 7.62 x 51 cases.

[splithoof]

Ruger Gunsite Scout here running powder coated 130 grain projectiles over unique in both .308 and 7.62 x 51 cases.

Interesting.
We just got back from RSA two weeks ago after using a pair of Ruger GSR’s shooting Barnes TTSX that I loaded. Most everything required only one shot, except for an insurance shot in a large Gemsbock that looked like it may have been ready to gore someone, despite a fatal initial shot through both lungs. Those things can be tough.
Now looking at a pair of Ruger American Gen2 Ranch models in 6.5CM and 5.56 for another hunt scheduled for next year.

I’d be interested in reading about your case prep methods for your GSR. I’ve had mixed results after reloading 2K rounds for a class in April we used three GSR’s for.

[OLD-skool454#3]

I load mine for varmint eradication around the ranch 50-75 yards, less noise/recoil than a shotgun and I can carry more rounds easier. I go through all the usual steps decap, anneal, resize, wet tumble, trim (if needed), prime etc. I size with either my SB .308 dies or Redding Type S dies depending on my motivation level that day. I cast my own Lyman 311410 130 grainers for my AK, but size and load them in my .308's. I load them over 7 grains of Unique for ease of shooting and to extend the life of the brass at just around 1200 fps +/-. This brass I found and had been buried in dirt, underwater, exposed to whatever nature dished out for a little over two years. I have about 40-60 pieces with 3 reloadings each.

[splithoof]

I load mine for varmint eradication around the ranch 50-75 yards, less noise/recoil than a shotgun and I can carry more rounds easier. I go through all the usual steps decap, anneal, resize, wet tumble, trim (if needed), prime etc. I size with either my SB .308 dies or Redding Type S dies depending on my motivation level that day. I cast my own Lyman 311410 130 grainers for my AK, but size and load them in my .308's. I load them over 7 grains of Unique for ease of shooting and to extend the life of the brass at just around 1200 fps +/-. This brass I found and had been buried in dirt, underwater, exposed to whatever nature dished out for a little over two years. I have about 40-60 pieces with 3 reloadings each.

Got it. For decades I have used RCBS “small base” dies for .308/7.62x51, but tried using a Dillon size-trim die with their electric trimmer to speed up production for a class we took in April. After some issues with adequately sizing some brands of brass, I spoke with a Dillon technician. When asked if their .308 size-trim die was similar in dimension to the RCBS small base die, in that it reduces the body of the case to minimum spec, his answer was “well, kind of”. This was after being placed on hold for ten minutes, while I suspect he asked someone else for an answer. After all was said & done, my 2K run of ammo functioned very well in three different rifles, although there were about four that wouldn’t chamber easily in just one of the rifles. Solution for the hunting trip ammunition was to load .308 cases of one brand only, using the RCBS dies, and trim in a separate operation. That took care of it, and our hunting ammunition functioned 100% on safari.

[OLD-skool454#3]

Yeah, I have a handfull of cases that just will not size properly, I can not get the bolt to cle on them even with the small base die. The necks don't even appear to size down at all even with the smallest neck bushing I own. I was thinking it was spring back with certain brands, but I have two Winchester cases that I just can't size and I have around 30 from the same lot that are perfect. I also have a few cases from another brand that I can not do anything with either. I trimmed them just a bit thinking that might help, but nothing. I took a couple and attempted to crimp them down in hopes that it was just brass thickness and again nothing. I looked at the rims, at the head, bulges, maybe I'm just pushing the metal down each time I size these...not sure what it is? I checked my dies etc. I gave up trying to get 5-6 sized when I have about 60 that cycle great.