I'm pretty much in the dark about this, and would really appreciate some direction. From what I've read, it seems that Ruger 77/ .22 lr, .17 hmr, and .22 mag barrels can be changed fairly easily. So, my question is, has anyone done this?
I have a Ruger 77/17 hmr that I'd like to swap barrels out to .22 mag. I don't care for the lighter cartridge for knockdown and (it may be my imagination) the .17 seems to suffer accuracy probs related to wind speed. Also, I'm also having probs with split cases - I have tried cleaning with "Bruces Bright Bore Cleaner" between shots and still have the split cases... I know .17 hmr is subject to accuracy / fouling just because of the small diameter of the bullet. Bottom line for me is that I would sure like to dump the .17 and go with the .22 mag.
At this point, a barrel change out to different caliber seems like a good, practical solution, if it can be done. It's a nice rifle, but unlike other Rugers I've had, it functions like a turd. It's a bummer having a rifle that I wouldn't think about trading or selling (I know, we all get a piece every now and then that's less than satisfactory).
Thanks for reading,
Marc Price
I have a Ruger 77/17 hmr that I'd like to swap barrels out to .22 mag. I don't care for the lighter cartridge for knockdown and (it may be my imagination) the .17 seems to suffer accuracy probs related to wind speed. Also, I'm also having probs with split cases - I have tried cleaning with "Bruces Bright Bore Cleaner" between shots and still have the split cases... I know .17 hmr is subject to accuracy / fouling just because of the small diameter of the bullet. Bottom line for me is that I would sure like to dump the .17 and go with the .22 mag.
At this point, a barrel change out to different caliber seems like a good, practical solution, if it can be done. It's a nice rifle, but unlike other Rugers I've had, it functions like a turd. It's a bummer having a rifle that I wouldn't think about trading or selling (I know, we all get a piece every now and then that's less than satisfactory).
Thanks for reading,
Marc Price
