I have a Ruger 44mag bolt action with a fiberglass stock and a Leupold scope that is giving me accuracy fits. It seems to want to shoot good at 100 yard ( 3 shot groups can vary from 2 to 5 inches but are very inconssent) with the same load on the same day. I have tried multiple factory 240gr and several hand loads also with 240gr.
I free floated the entire barrel length and that did seem to help some.
Tried a different scope and all screws are tight.
Has anyone had any experience with this firearm that could help me get more consistent groups.
I would be real happy with consistent 2 inch groups at 100 yards. Thank You. John

John,
If you have already eliminated two variables (scope and barrel fit) then you should look at the third and the most important variable of all, the barrel itself. Have a gunsmith look at it with a bore scope or just replace the barrel.

Before changing the barrel you might need to check the action screws. Sometimes very tight action screws can be a problem too.

John, Harris is right. Assuming the scope is good(test it by mounting a different one that you know is good), the remaining variables are bedding, ammo, and you. Work your way thru them, one by one.

I would not be too quick to change out the barrel before the other issues, if any, are dealt with. I have the same rifle and it routinely shoots sub MOA with a red dot sight and 300 grain paper patch bullets. It is a bit flakey with 240gr factory ammo, especially the Fiocchie stuff, but does well with my handloads with 180 and 240 gr bullets. 100 yard groups of 3-5 shots with jacketed bullets, from a rest, average in the 1.5-2" range(handloads), while factory stuff is in the 3" range, sometimes more.

Make sure you evaluate the scope, that's what I'm thinking at the moment.

How many shots have been down the barrel ? Plus reload and see how far out you can get the bullets, I know that magbox will not let you seat them out to far but you can single load them for accuracy and have factory rounds in the mag for 2nd and 3rd shots..

IIRC the max OAL for the 77/44 is 1.68", that for my bullets with a Round flat nose design having a .25" meplat. The limit is the magazine, not the chamber.