I had posted pics of my 416 Ruger previously, and had mounted a 3X Weaver on it that I had to spare. With Reno SCI and all, I never had an opportunity to try it out. Got a deal on a couple Vari-X III's in 1.75x6X and 2.5x8X yesterday for $300 each, so I switched to the variable. I loved it on my 375 H&H in Namibia. Put the higher one on my buddy's 375H&H. Picked up some 350 grain Barnes TSX's from Connie at SCI and figured it might be a good elk killer here in Idaho also, so 6X should be the perfect top end. Loved the field of view at 3X, and that is where the barrel just starts to disappear from the view, so figured that would be optimum for my buff and ele hunt. Andrew Dawson with Chifuti advised me to sight in for 50 yards, and then know where it shoots at 100.

I couldn't stand it anymore - I had to shoot my rifle today, even with the snow and wind. Our weather has just been the pits. Couldn't get to the range and use benches, so we just went out into the desert and shot off fence posts with my target frame. It is about knee deep snow and 20 MPH wind, so I wasn't hoping for much but enjoyed getting a feel for it.

Bore-sighted at home, and took 4 shots to get it centered good at 25 yards. Recoil is stiff, but no worse than my 450/400 1-H, with the stock black Ruger pad. That one is just over 9#, and the 416 is 9 lb 7 oz. with 4 rounds, the Butler Creek sling, and the Leupold scope. The recoil pad on the Alaskan is much thicker and lots softer, so it was not uncomfortable at all.

Moved out to 50 yards and started tweaking. Two shots touching, adjust-two shots touching, adjust again. Wow, that was easy - it is in the middle with the factory DGX load. Think I will save some money and call it good with this one.



Thick as the barrel is, it did not heat up much and cooled quickly. Switched to the solids to see how they would fare. Boy, what a surprise! I think the half inch difference left was probably me and the wind as much as the gun, but I was stoked. Called the flyer on #3 (as the jerk behind the trigger jerked the real one) but it put 5 shots into 3/4" at 50 yards. Will see what difference a rest on a bench makes, but it is definately "minute of elephant". Will nudge it to the right just a tad.



Quit for the day to get back for Super Bowl festivities, but I must say I am quite pleased with my choice. Can't wait for nicer weather and lots more range time. I think we will have tons of fun in Zim this summer.

That's just awful. Definitely need one click up and one click left -- or half of that anyway. (don't know how to do the little smiley face).

Has anyone experienced any high pressure loads with the new 416 ruger with Hornady factory ammo? Heard a wisper and not sure what to make of it!