Ruger Forum

drover7 · June 25th, 2012, 08:42 AM

So after Ruger's repair of my 556, (they recrowned the barrel) I'm STILL getting horrible accuracy, 5" groups at 50yds using various 55gr fmjbt ammo. Ruger tests their guns using 68gr so when I called them about still having issues they said try heavier bullets. My problem is even IF that works I have over 7000 rounds of 55gr ammo. I believe a Ruger 556 should be able to shoot 55gr ammo decently enough. After all it is the standard weight for 556/223. What say you all? Don't you think this gun should be doing better than 5" groups at 50yds. BTW, I'm using both American Eagle and Federal ammo with the same results. I'm about to demand a new gun from them.

four70nitro · June 25th, 2012, 08:55 AM

Would it hurt to try heavier bullets? Might solve the problem.....then you know if it is the ammunition or the rifle or both.

Dave

drover7 · June 25th, 2012, 10:19 AM

I will try some 68gr for sure and go from there.

TMD · June 25th, 2012, 10:38 AM

Reguardless of twist rate and bullet rate 5" groups @ 50 yards isn't very good. The SR556 has a 1in9 twist rate and with the right bullet powder combination is capable of 1"-2" at 100yrds. While 55rg bullets should shoot ok in it it may prefer heavier. Try some 62 and 68 grain bullets and see if you get better results. Also what kind of groups did Ruger get with it after they recrowned it? Lastly, you need to be looking at other issues such as loose or damaged sights / optics and how you are shooting it.

drover7 · June 25th, 2012, 11:34 AM

They shot 1/2" groups at 50yds. I and a certified trainer have both double checked the sights and scope and mounting, all perfect. Both if us are getting the exact same results with benched shooting. No problem there. We'll see what heavier bullets do but as I said, even if the heavier grains work its no excuse for these types of groups with 55gr. in this gun.

ElevenBravo · June 25th, 2012, 08:15 PM

Hey Drover, Just for fun, what sights, or optic are you using? Oops, I see you answered that. Sorry. Mine seems to do fine with 55 grain, however, after the work they did, you and I don't have the same weapon. I'm thinking if you need to switch ammo, there are plenty of us that are buyers right now. I have a Colt LE6920, and a Red Jacket that love 55 grain. (and before anyone berates the Red Jacket, you need to shoot it. It'll stand up just fine)

Redleg · June 25th, 2012, 08:20 PM

Couple of questions.

What are your groups at 25 yards?
Did not see if you are shooting from the shoulder or with a bench rest.
What optics are you using?

If Ruger tested your gun it is hard to imagine that it is not OK. Keep us posted.

hightechredneck123 · June 25th, 2012, 08:44 PM

Have you let somebody else shoot it?

drover7 · June 26th, 2012, 05:18 AM

As previously stated a certified instructor has also shot this gun with me, benched and all and couldn't do any better. I'm currently using a nikon p223 3x9x40 scope with burris mount. I've switched out the scope, mounting rings and all with no change. After I try heavier lead I'll repost. I still think i'd rather have ruger replace the gun than try to unload and find 7000 round of other ammo!

Redleg · June 26th, 2012, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drover7

As previously stated a certified instructor has also shot this gun with me, benched and all and couldn't do any better. I'm currently using a nikon p223 3x9x40 scope with burris mount. I've switched out the scope, mounting rings and all with no change. After I try heavier lead I'll repost. I still think i'd rather have ruger replace the gun than try to unload and find 7000 round of other ammo!

Is it possible that it is your ammo? Can you try shooting some other brand of 55 grain? (I realize that you have an investment in whatever your current ammo is--the 7000 rounds or whatever.) I am just having a hard time understanding how one rifle without an obvious defect can be that much less accurate than its siblings.

TacticalKoala · June 26th, 2012, 06:24 AM

100 yards, Sierra 55 gr. FMJ boat tail, gun is more accurate than I am.

four70nitro · June 26th, 2012, 07:33 AM

Could simply be the specific brand of 55 grain bullets you are using - especially if they are steel core. In addition to heavier bullets you should try other styles/brands of 50-55 grain bullets to determine whether the problem is the rifle, the bullets, or both.

drover7 · June 28th, 2012, 05:26 AM

I'm shooting several different kinds of lead core ammo so its obviously the gun. Ruger is going to shoot it using my exact ammo this time, not the really expensive stuff they used to test it last time, Hornady 68 gr hollow points. They said if they can't get it to shoot right with 55gr they might replace the gun.

Therealmfngrinch · August 8th, 2012, 10:19 PM

have shot about 1500 ae tactical 55gr and recently got some 5.56 RORG swedish nato and on scale 556 weighs 5 grams more the ae RORG says 90 on rim so is it 90 gr. either way ihave had no problems with either this gun allows me to shoot holes in holes at 100 yds. there just seems to be a lot of bad apples with the sweet wine saps