Compact Ruger 243 ballistics.

[GlennGTR]

I own a Ruger 77 compact stainless 7-08 and love it for a hunting rifle. What Im looking at is having a easy to carry tack driving 243 as a predator and walking varmint rifle. The 16.5 inch barrel was something I am a little concerned about might go to a 20 or 22 inch barrel. Having said that bullit weight will be in the 70 to 80 grain weight maybe with something heavier for extended range. I have seen pistol data for the 243 and lots of loads still were over the 3000 FPS mark . Will this have enough poop at say 400 and 500 yards for coyote and even cougar sized game? Should I just get a semi heavy barrel walking varminter?

[Karl Blanchard]

I shoot a 58grain Hornady v-max out of my 243.  It is going about 3700fps at the muzzle.  I haven't shot it past 400 yards but at that distance there is about 16 inches of drop.  It is a very destructive bullet though so if pelt damage is an issue than I don't recommend it.  The v-max also comes in 65,75, and 87 grains so the heavier might not be as destructive.  Super accurate as well.

[jdb]

If I were you I'd take a look at the ruger ultralite. very svelt rifle. easy carrying and easy on the eye.

[GlennGTR]

I have the ultra lite in 204 but I have to admit that the compact handles and actually feels lighter than the ultra lite. Just wondering if I was going to get a flat enough trajectory out of the compact to still use it at 400 yards and possibly 500.

[jdb]

I think ur fine to 400  but 500 is along ways with any rifle

[Little John]

GlennGTR, how do u like your 7-08??? I have been looking at one for yote and b-tails. Looks so nice to carry, Is the long range stuff still god???

[GlennGTR]

My little Ruger has worked great on Blacktail. However my furthest shot has been sixty yards and my closest twenty six feet. Did one penetration test using a piece of left over trex dex to simulate bone and two wet Olympia phone books taped together. 140 Federal Premium Accubonds factory ammo easily penetrated that. My feeling is any Deer or Elk within 250 yards is mine as long as I keep placing the shots. I guess my problem is that I'm in the market for the ultimate predator rifle in 243 and might need a slightly longer and heavier rifle for the kind of accuracy that I'm dreaming about. As far as my love of the 7-08 in the compact I cant say enough. The rifle handles like a dream. Some times I wonder how it got into my hands so fast. It is easier to carry than the ultra lite and handles way better. I call it the micro rifle because I tend to head up into some really nasty steep places like Mt Skokomish wilderness. When  hunting in dark dense timber for elk I have held the rifle by the grip with the muzzle pointing up while moving through the brush. I feel I can sneak within a couple of hundred yards of anything and would push the range out to 300 yards on deer. Every animal I have taken has been in that range and Ive taken more than my share of big deer and elk. It is an awesome hunting tool. I have the laminate stainless model 77 MK II and now you can get it in the Hawkeye compact with a matt finish and the new improved trigger. Buy this rifle you will not ever regret it.

[Little John]

Thanks allot Glenn, I'm sold. I'll let you know how It shoots. I'm going to hand load some rounds for it.  Thanks again.