Ruger SFAR 20" 308 Win

[USAF Ret]

With the anticipation of selling a rifle and me looking at Gunbroker late at night (probably not a good idea), I came upon a Ruger SFAR that the bid was about to end on and actually got it at a very good price. With it being light weight and having the 20" barrel, it will be added to my list of hunting rifles.

Anyone out there with one of these? How do you like it? Load recommendations?

[taylorce1]

Looks like an interesting rifle, can't help you with any of your questions.

[Shadow9mm]

Watched a lot of reviews. Looks like a really cool rifle. Let us know how it shoots!

[USAF Ret]

I reckon I will be giving reports. It is on the truck so hopefully will be here by the weekend.

[jetinteriorguy]

I’ll probably get flamed for saying this, but if they add 6.5CM as a caliber I’d be very tempted. Nothing wrong with.308, I just don’t like adding more calibers to my loading bench. If I wasn’t up to my neck in 6.5CM components I’d definitely give it a whirl in .308.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by jetinteriorguy

I’ll probably get flamed for saying this, but if they add 6.5CM as a caliber I’d be very tempted. Nothing wrong with.308, I just don’t like adding more calibers to my loading bench. If I wasn’t up to my neck in 6.5CM components I’d definitely give it a whirl in .308.

I would choose a 6.5 Creedmoor over the 308 if it was an offering.

[USAF Ret]

The one thing I am reading and seeing is the muzzle brake is louder than normal brakes and may cause accuracy issues. So, I ordered a radial brake from Ruger. I use these on quite a few rifles and accuracy is outstanding.

[Shadow9mm]

If there is 1 thing I have learned, its not to change things too quickly. Shoot it, see how it does. If the reports are correct and you feel its excessively loud, or the rifle is shooting poorly, then swap the brake. But you want to have a baseline for comparison.

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by Shadow9mm

If there is 1 thing I have learned, its not to change things too quickly. Shoot it, see how it does. If the reports are correct and you feel its excessively loud, or the rifle is shooting poorly, then swap the brake. But you want to have a baseline for comparison.

Will do Jon. Good point.

[bacardisteve]

I have the 16" version picked it up right after they were announced back in October. Mine is primarily used for hunting so only about 200rnds through it so far but it's been great. I took 3 deer with it this year and my son used it to take 1 as well. Easily a sub moa gun with my handloads( it's never seen a factory round) I swapped the charging handle out for a raptor for easier manipulation when scoped. The factory brake works great my 10yr old shoots it without complaint just make sure you have your earpro on!

[USAF Ret]

Originally Posted by bacardisteve

I have the 16" version picked it up right after they were announced back in October. Mine is primarily used for hunting so only about 200rnds through it so far but it's been great. I took 3 deer with it this year and my son used it to take 1 as well. Easily a sub moa gun with my handloads( it's never seen a factory round) I swapped the charging handle out for a raptor for easier manipulation when scoped. The factory brake works great my 10yr old shoots it without complaint just make sure you have your earpro on!

Thanks for the info. This is a hunting rig as well. I will be trying to break it in this weekend. Hoping it likes my hunting loads with the 165 Accubond that my other 308s like.

I am also looking at getting another charging handle for it. I will look up the Raptor.

[bacardisteve]

Mine wasn't at all picky to load for and I settled on the 168gr amax and max load of varget.