Ruger Hawkeye Predator

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pyscodog

Active member
I got to look and touch one today in 6.5 creedmore.I like the looks, like the feel, like the caliber but....how do they shoot? My luck with Ruger rifles is far from stellar. Most on line reviews are from gun mags writers and their reviews aren't always truthful. Are there any hands on opinions. Price is getting close to $800 after Uncle Sam gets his so I don't want to make a pricey mistake.
 
I recently bought a new unfired Hawkeye in 257 bob. I was skeptical until my first time to shoot it. I have a target once sighted in, but not sure how to post. But it shot far better than expected after reading multiple reviews. I would try another if was in market for another new rifle.
 
I have a Model 77 All Weather Stainless in 6.5 Creedmoor. It is an excellent shooter with Hornady ammo and with handloads.

I was going to provide a link, but I noticed that the Ruger web site does not list the Creed in 6.5 at the current time in the All Weather Stainless. They only show it in two variations of the Model 77 - the Ruger Hawkeye Predator and the Hawkeye Varmint Target. Not sure what that's about?

As an aside, I bought a standard weight walnut/blued Ruger Hawkeye 77 in 220 Swift early this summer, and it is the best shooting Swift I've ever owned.
 
Not much help today, but I just ordered a M77 Predator in 6.5CM and it should be in my hands in about 7-10 days. If you decide to wait, I'll try my best to let you know a few days after I get it. I got tired of looking and trying to find a American Predator. They don't exist anywhere around here and my online sources don't have them either.

I'm a definite Ruger fan, and I fully expect the gun to shoot well under an inch with my handloads. All of my Rugers have done that so far.
 
I have a Ruger Hawkeye Predator in 22-250. When I first got it, I wasn't all that impressed and thought about selling it. Had it sold to a guy and he backed out, so I though I would play with it a little more. I worked up some loads for it, and found some that started to make me rethink what I had. In short, I've got a rifle that's a shooter, at least with the reloads I'm using. I'm not a big fan of two stage triggers, but it's a nice setup. Also, it's not a lightweight rifle, but then if it was, it might not shoot as well. I like it and would recommend it.
 
I have one and think they're pretty nice factory rifles. Another one I considered when buying was a Savage Predator 10 max 1, which should be close to the same price and seemed to be well liked, they come in 6.5CM or .260. I picked the Ruger.

I shot several groups with factory Hornady 120 and 140 amax and had a lot of groups with 2 touching and 1 off a bit. I though about selling it also as I was a little underwhelmed but kept it and took it to a gunsmith and had him skim the recoil lug area. He's a very good shooter, and sent it back with a target showing 5 shots into just under an 1" with 140 amax decent for factory ammo, and a group of 3 shots right on top of each other with 129 Hornady SP. He said it's GTG and should be a shooter. I sold the scope I had on it and haven't got it going again yet as I keep changing things around on it, as I'm apt to do.

I like the L6 Target trigger, and the rest of the gun is bulletproof like all M77's. The stock is pretty nice if you like laminates, I've come to not like them a whole lot, but this one is decent as it's a sporter style with checkering and looks pretty good with the target grey metal finish.

So, I'm not gonna say whether you should or shouldn't try it, but I feel like they are a well built rifle for a pretty good price.

 
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I don't know about the predator model but I have a couple of M77 mark ii Target models in .243 and .25-06 and they both shoot great. Would not hesitate to add another
 
I have one in .223. It is a bit fussy about what loads it will shoot, but when you find one it likes it can shoot. I love the look and feel of the rifle. It feels so much better made than many other brands.
 
I don't have one but my coyote hunting partner has one in 204. I have shot the gun quite a bit and even killed a coyote with it. In my opinion, it is one of the more comfortable rifles I have shot. I am not a huge fan of the trigger but its not terrible. I believe he has recently had a trigger job done on it so it could be better now. Using factory hornady ammo, it will easily shoot under an inch and I have even seen it shoot 1/2" or less (not in my hands though hah). Sorry I don't have info of the 6.5CM but just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. Good luck!

Shelton
 
Originally Posted By: Bernie P.While not the Predator version my Hawkeye AW is ultra accurate.The trigger is a definite improvement over the one on my old M77.

Remember, the Hawkeye Predator has the 2-stage trigger like the M77VT models. Totally different trigger than the regular Hawkeye.
 
This is how my Hawkeye 6.5 Creedmoor shoots.


The only metal work I did to mine was snip 1 1/4 coils off the trigger spring at this point. And, filed a little on the recesses of the mag box. That has been found to cause flyers. Tight mag boxes that is. Where the escutcions of the bottom metal hold the mag box in place. Disrupts the actions vibration harmony it is thot. Mine also likes a dirty bore. Clean it real good and it takes several fouling shots to settle down. Then its right on for at least 400 rounds.
 


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