Ruger American Ranch 7.62x39

[Kent Goldings]

I took a break from virus panic to practice a little social distancing up at Sheepdog Warrior in Catskill. That distance was out to 400 yards.

I took my new Ruger to stretch its legs. I don't have a proper range report yet because I'm still breaking it in. But, I seem to be getting 1.5-2 moa from the cheap stuff and a solid 1 moa from premium ammo. I'm working to some handloads yet. But, in haven't had any remarkable results.

The gun is a shitload of fun to shoot.

 

[Bananabandit]

Nice color stock.

 

[Kent Goldings]

I think all the American Ranch rifles come with this color stock. The comb is a bit low. But, I want to keep the rifle light as possible. I put a 1/4 inch neoprene comb riser under the Ruger cheek pad. It works nice.

 

[Depick]

Very interested in your range report I’ve been eyeing up the exact rifle.

 

[turbobike]

After much experiment with the 7.62x39 in my CZ527, The best accuracy is with +P full load of CFE-BLK (for Bolt action not whimpy semi's) Hornady 123 SST bullet and right behind that is a full-load of CFE-BLK and the .311 Speer 150gr SP....sub MOA seeing over 2600fps with the 123gr

 

[Kent Goldings]

I couldn't find any SSTs. I've been loading Hornady 123 gr. Interlock SP over 25 gr of Hornady H4198. I clocked in a hair under 2300 fps.

I've ordered some of that CFE BLK. I'm pretty intrigued by your results.

 

[turbobike]

Hodgdon reloading site has a max of 29.7gr of CFE-BLK, 40,000psi for the 125gr. But I’m using 31.5 slightly compressed. Remember 7.62x39 is loaded max, 40,000psi, for semi. BUT Saami max pressure for 7.62x39 is 51,488psi, Quickload software calculates a pressure of 46,000psi for the 31.5gr of CFE-BLK. Easily safe for our Bolt action guns...

 

[Gardnaaa]

I had no idea this place existed! I’ll have to try it out.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I have one in 5.56 and LOVE it!

 

[BDinPutnam]

Sheepdog is open?

 

[Kent Goldings]

They opened only for weekends on Saturday.

 

[Beah]

I have one in 5.56 and LOVE it!

I have the 5.56 version as well and also love it. Got it since it takes AR mags and wont be banned in the near future but was pleasantly surprised how fun it is.

 

[Kent Goldings]

I hear you can swap the Mini-14 mag well for the AR mag well. This can be useful if you have an AR chambered in 7.62x39.

 

[Gardnaaa]

Is it $40 an hour per shooter or per lane? The website was pretty vague. I’d love to go since I live in Kingston. No ranges past 100yards here.

 

[Kent Goldings]

So here is a mini range report. I got the Hodgdon CFE-BLK from Fed-Ex yesterday. I had some primed brass ready, so I loaded it.

Hornady 123 grain Interlock SP, Federal brass, 30 gr. Hodgson CFE-BLK, CCI large rifle primers.

The results were notable. Muzzle velocities around 2460 fps and great accuracy. I had a few fliers. But, if I fix the roll-out, that will be less of a problem.

Here is the first page. 5 round groups at 100 yards.

I'm pretty happy with the results. The cases show no sign of over-pressure. If I can push the muzzle velocity to 2500 fps, It will maintain that magic 1000 ft-pounds out to 180 yards.

I also shot these Winchester 123 gr. Polymer tipped points. The results were good.