What is the effective range of a Ruger

Re: .204 ruger-maximum range?

2brothers, can you explain the extra powder capacity, smaller bore size, and significantly higher velocities to have the same barrel life as the 223? I am coming up on 1000 rounds down mine, and I expect to see 2000 without much trouble, not over 2500 though.

I highly doubt I'll see 4000 in the 204, but then again, I know of several hide members who have said 4500-5000 with a 300 WM was where they started going MOA+ with it.

I would not choose the 204 for anything, even steel shooting beyond 800y. The bullets are certainly much less expensive for it compared to a similar quality 30 cal. The 40gr bullet in 20 don't see much beyond a .33 G1 BC, so the 3850 fps muzzle velocity degrades rather rapidly.

To the original question, the 300 WM is going to reach much longer distances. The 204 will be cheaper to shoot, neither are known for great barrel life when compared to something like a 308 or even a 30-06.

Taking that in mind, I generally suggest a 308 or 223 for non-reloaders that are starting out because quality ammo is available from several sources in both calibers. For reloaders I suggest the 30-06 or something based on that case, like the 280 or for short action something based from the 308 case like 243, 260, 7mm-08. The 30-06 will outrun a 308 by several hundred yards, it has the case capacity to shoot the 210gr class bullets in the upper 27's through the 2800's depending upon barrel length. Brass is abundant, it works well with about a dozen different rifle powders, and off the shelf ammo that's well suited to every game animal on the continent is available with relative ease.

Z06sid, A typical out-of-the-box vanilla 10/22 will be hard pressed to shoot decent groups at 75 yards. You have several things working against you. First, standard Ruger barrels have a generous chamber so they will feed reliably but the chambers are notorious for accuracy issues. 10/22s have standard bore. Add to that ... normal 22 LR bullets are not very aerodynamic ... plus the cartridge's velocity can vary quite a bit. When you add these characteristics together ... you will find groups are quite good at 50 yards but start spreading out considerably at longer distances ... especially if there is the slightest wind. I guess everyone has their own definition of accuracy but if you are looking for anything under 4~5" at 100 yards, you may want to upgrade to a target rifle with a tight chamber and a polished match grade bore. With expensive match grade ammo, 1" groups at 100 yards are possible.

The industry standard for 22 LR scopes is 1X per 10 yards. If you plan to shoot as far as 100 yards, 10X would be the optimum magnification. Because of optical limits, most scopes have a 1:3 zoom ratio ... meaning 3~9X, 4~12x, etc. The most practical plinking / hunting scope would be a 2~7X, which would be very effective for a 22's range of 20~70 yards. For a 22 target rifle, a 3.5~10X (35~100 yds) would be optimum. You can always extend the range of the scope but you can't extend the useful range of the rifle.

Z06sid said:

How far is the normal shooting distance and what is considered to be a long?

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ZommyGun said:

Iowegan is spot on...

IMO for a factory 10/22 a good scope to start with is 2-7x28mm rimfire...although not ideal for 100 yards it is passable...my gun has modifications like barrel, trigger, stock... and shoots 1.75" to 2.5" groups at 100 meters from bench rest under best conditions on a good day it is the tighter of the range...but it still has to be a good day to get even the 2.5"...I didn't select my barrel/ammo for punching the smallest hole in paper from a rest...I am sure the groups would be better if that were my goal...

I will say that I get the exact same results at 100 yards with both scopes I use...one is 2-7x28mm Leupold vx-1 rimfire with fine duplex...the other is a Simmons 4-12x40mm AO-EFR TT-1/8moa...both have 80moa adjustment range...

However...at 100 yards with my 2-7 the lack of AO is noticeable...close in at min power it is not a problem at all...

Here is some perspective for you...and remember...a good bolt action 22 out of the box can be better than a highly modified 10/22 at 100 yards...

Some people on this forum have mega bucks into their scopes alone and are master shooters...don't expect to get that from your basic 10/22 even if you are one of the world class shooters on this forum...

Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Match Instructions

Long Range Target Shooting - Smallbore Rifle Silhouette - YouTube

small bore rifle competition - YouTube

You definitely want to learn from Ryan Cleckner...

ryan cleckner - YouTube


Especially this one getting started with putting a scope on your gun...the cheek rest is what you should be taking seriously in this video...

Set up Your Scope for Success - Rifle Shooting Technique - NSSF Shooting Sportscast - YouTube

If I was going to be hunting at 100 yards I would want a bolt action rifle and a better flying bullet with more velocity than a 22 and at least a 9x zoom with AO...however...small bore silhouette doesn't allow even hyper velocity ammo...22 high velocity is the max allowed...two reasons...flat trajectory makes it easier and it is supposed to be DIFFICULT...and bigger/faster rounds destroy the targets...

Trust me on this...even with a much better gun than a basic 10/22...and a big scope with all the adjustments...and tons of practice...it is still considered to be a challenge to hit a pop can at 100 yards consistently standing up with nothing to rest the gun on...

Finally...I am not a member of this forum...but everyone on their is heavily invested in long range shooting standing off hand competition for both high power and small bore... Welcome to the Steelchickens Frontpage

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