Ruger GSR-Woohoo!

[mark5pt56]

Well, I've been on the fence for a while now about getting one and decided to get one, although I really want to get the 18" SS when I have extra funds and one is about. I'm really happy with this, it's fun and a nice light quick handling rifle. Ruger did a fine job with this one. I do have an Armalite A2 FH on the way and will run irons for the time being. As mentioned in another thread-I would like to see a new rear sight.

I loaded up some training rounds with 3 powder types(Varget/H4895/IMR4064), used Fed brass, CCI primers and Hornady 150 grain FMJBT #3037 and also fired three groups of match loads for validation. It is an accurate rifle considering it's not considered a "match rifle"
Goal was to develope a reasonably accurate practice round and know what various powders will do so I have choices if one isn't available.
I noticed with all three powders, it was an extreme with a 1/2 grain spread, although I attribute a tad to called shots on the large groups.What I did like was the general consistency of impacts with all of the loads.

Shot on the ground @ 100yards with Harris bipod, rear bag. Leupold 2-7x33 Rifleman scope.
Three shots fired per group, I know, I know, 5 and 10, blah blah.

Mark


Blackhills Match, 175 grain- .508(the grease ring is present indicating two in the same spot)
FGMM 175 grain-.825
43 Varget/175SMK- .450 ( I made this load for a Ren 700 I had and it just shoots in everything I try it in)

H4895
43 grains- 1.9
43.5- .865
44- 2.350

Varget
44- 2.1
44.5- 1.125
45- .795

IMR4064
43- .460, yes, .460
43.5- 2.650, wew!
44- 2.5

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/mark5pt56/062_zpsfe03d03c.jpg
The unmarked low one is from the 25 getting it tweaked.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/mark5pt56/063_zps58a7b31d.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/mark5pt56/061_zps7fbfb942.jpg
H4895
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/mark5pt56/064_zps049b1d5b.jpg
Varget
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/mark5pt56/065_zps9e84aecc.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/mark5pt56/066_zps8e4cbeaa.jpg
IMR4064
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/mark5pt56/067_zps1e6ad322.jpg

[High Tower]

Hey that looks pretty good!

Have you spent enough time with it to develop an opinion on the mags? Metal vs. poly vs. AI etc?

[mark5pt56]

Hey that looks pretty good!

Have you spent enough time with it to develop an opinion on the mags? Metal vs. poly vs. AI etc?

I only used the 5 round polymer and the 10 round Accurate Mag. Both worked well so far, the AM was a pain to load at first but seemed to get better. The interior felt and sounded rough to me. I have to get some AI mags from the safe to try them out. The Polymer is light and easy to load, I wonder about longevity though.

[brushy bill]

Thanks for posting this. I'm on the fence due to competing priorities, but really like the concept. This answers some of the concerns I had with accuracy. Hope you post more as you get more time with this rifle.

[mark5pt56]

I'm debating on running an Aimpoint on the Scout rail or install the full rail and still have the rear iron with a QD scope in the traditional mount. Maybe a 1-4/5 Leupold. I need to find a couple 8lb jugs of Varget!.

I don't know how other Ruger rifles mount into the stock, this model has the front action screw at an angle which draws the lug and action rearward into the stock, which requires 90 inch pounds of torque. The rear which secures the bottom "metal"(polymer) is at 10 along with a cross screw.

[High Tower]

Thanks for the info! I have a few other irons in the fire, but sooner or later the GSR will be mine. It was even more tempting when they brought out the stainless model.

[decodeddiesel]

Man I want one of these badly. Might have to trade or sell some other toys to pick one up.

[okie john]

You might try some RL-15 if you can find any. It and Varget are my first two choices for the .308, followed by H4895 for youth loads.


Okie John

[mark5pt56]

You might try some RL-15 if you can find any. It and Varget are my first two choices for the .308, followed by H4895 for youth loads.


Okie John

I have a tiny bit, but need to save it for the 600 yard line. I'm happy and for the most part am not going to beat my head against the wall doing much more. Just load a hundred with 45 grains of Varget and will just start pulling the trigger now. I can see doing some with H4895, do have some loaded with 35 grains, reduced load and a bunch with 125 Sierra Pro Hunter for my daughter.(2275 fps)

Oh, actual AI mags, work like you would expect.

[Armati]

So, in general, are people finding the Ruger GSR to be a sub-moa rifle?

[cinco]

What sort of performance (accuracy, velocity, recoil, noise) difference might one see between the blued 16.5" and stainless steel 18" barrel?

Does this become an issue of preference of appearance or is there a utilitarian component to consider?

[skipper49]

Good review and good performance, Mark. I like my Ruger Scout and it probably has a "long term" home here.

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