Ruger American Predator Review

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 10/30/2018 | J Watt

[w1n1]

1000 Yard Rifle for less than $500
There are many rifles that can shoot at 1000 yard, here’s a few popular ones thats out there:
.300 Winchester Magnum
338 Lapua Magnum
408 CheyTac
50 BMG
Oh, wait a minute, we’re looking for something under $500 range.
Well, check out Ruger American Predator rifle.
Its true that most F-class shooters rigs are customized and goes well into the thousands of dollars.
With the Predator, you can customize it till your broke or you can just get this at the bare minimum. This Predator can reach out and touch something at 1000 yard out.

Here's the Predator specs:
-Barrel Length: 22 inches. 1:8”RH Twist. 5/8”x24 Muzzle Threads
-Overall Length: 42 inches
-Length of Pull: 13.75 inches
-Trigger Pull: Ruger Marksman Adjustable Trigger™
-The rifle tested measured 3# 6.5oz from the factory
-Capacity: Detachable Rotary Magazine: 3+1
-Weight: 6.6 Pounds. As tested with scope and muzzle brake: 8.4 pounds
-Stock: Lightweight synthetic with Power Bedding® integral bedding block system and soft rubber recoil pad. Also includes sling swivel studs.

Here's the overall impression of shooting a Predator from a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the best:
Ergonomics – 4/5
The rifle has a very trim feel to it. There are some raised and textured ridges on the forearm and grip that provide for a positive grip. The recoil pad is very soft and grippy so it doesn’t slip on your shoulder. The bolt is easy to operate from the bench or other positions without lifting your head off the stock.

Accuracy – 5/5
Ruger fans can attest its reputation that this this gun shoots very well out of the box. Whatever else Ruger is doing, they are building great barrels for the American Predator series of rifles. To have a box stock rifle shoot ½ MOA groups with factory ammo and no break in is incredible. ?Read the rest of this Ruger American Predator Review.

[Dogbert41]

Wow!

[right way right]

6.5 or 6mm?
I guess I’ll buy both.

[eastexsteve]

There are/were several rifles under $500 that would shoot 1000 yds. The problem these days is the shooter, optics, steady rest and ammo and not the rifle. Though, if given the choice of 6mm Remington vs. 6.5 Creedmore to shoot 1000 yds, I’ll take the Creedmore. After 500 yds, the 6mm really starts to run out of gas.

[Dusty Road]

Since Ruger is one of the sponsors for our show along with Hornady I've had quite a bit of experience with both. I shot the Predator model in 243 using Hornady 58 grain Superformance, they hammer Yotes! One of the smartest things Ruger did was put the damn safety back where GOD intended it to be and the Ruger American series proves it. The 100 yard group on left was shot with factory Winchester 58's, on the right was Hornady 58's. es it.

[Disambiguator]

No mention of the chambering in the specs. What gives?

[allwrong57]

The caliber is a 6mm Creedmoor, not Rem. It comes with a 7.7 twist and will shoot the 108’s etc quite well. They will easily go past 1000 yards, probably the majority of 1000 BR shooters are using various 6mm like the Dasher, etc.

I bought two of the Ruger Americans, one in .243, the other in .30-06, gave them to my son and oldest grandson. Both will shoot in the .5 MOA range, I think I paid $349 for the new one.

[frog in a pot]

Thanks! BFL

[riverrunner]

There are many rifles that can shoot at 1000 yard, here’s a few popular ones thats out there:
.300 Winchester Magnum
338 Lapua Magnum
408 CheyTac
50 BMG

---

These are calibers not rifles.

[eastexsteve]

I bought two of the Ruger Americans, one in .243, the other in .30-06, gave them to my son and oldest grandson. Both will shoot in the .5 MOA range, I think I paid $349 for the new one.

I've owned two .243 Win caliber rifles. Ballistically speaking, their doesn't seem to be a dimes worth of difference between the 6mm Creedmore and the .243, other than the fact that 6mm Creedmore rifles have a bit faster rifling twist to stabilize the 108 gr bullet better. You made the wise choice with the .243 rifle. But, the ballistic coeffcient of the 6mm Ceedmore round isn't nearly as good as that of it's 6.5 bigger brother.

[allwrong57]

I shoot a 6.5 a lot. The BC isn’t as good on a 6mm but you can push it 3000 fps instead of 2800 for a 140 6.5. All the 6mm rifles should be made with at least 1 in 8 twist. There isn’t any ballistic advantage to the 6 Creedmoor over a .243 other than that, and that it’s easier to load.

[allwrong57]

https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/benchrest-shooter-1000-yard-group/

Here’s an interesting story. This guy just set the world record shooting a 6mm 103 Vapor Trail bullet. These bullets are made by Tom Jacobs, who is a farmer that lives about a half hour from me.

[DungeonMaster]

I love Ruger, I’m wanting a long gun and I’m kind of cheap. Thanks for the post.

[litehaus]

I shoot a 6.5 a lot.

The SWEDE ?

[allwrong57]

No, 6.5 Creedmoor. The Swede is nice also.