Huntin-In-Heels
Spike
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Post by Huntin-In-Heels on Mar 15, 2010 23:53:29 GMT -5
Hey there! Does anyone know anything about the rugar .300 rcm? Anyone shot one?
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Post by LongSpur39 on Mar 17, 2010 0:40:26 GMT -5
Haven't shot one yet. But ghost or KT could probably tell ya something about them. Pretty knowledgeable on rifles.
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Post by Kt29 on Mar 17, 2010 9:03:17 GMT -5
I really don't have any first hand knowledge of this new caliber. It appears to be somewhat of a compromise cartridge. That is a compromise in performance along with rifle and action design. I believe it is built on a short action. That for sure does not make it a bad caliber, just a knew one. Wish I could say alittle more about it, but just don't have the info. Would be fun to be able to shoot one though, just to get the feel of it.
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Ghost
8 Point Buck
"Friendship must never be buried under the weight of misunderstanding."
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Post by Ghost on Mar 17, 2010 13:59:38 GMT -5
Yes I do know about them. Give me a little bit and I will tell you all you all you want to know.
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Ghost
8 Point Buck
"Friendship must never be buried under the weight of misunderstanding."
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Joined: May 15, 2024 20:32:12 GMT -5
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Post by Ghost on Mar 18, 2010 12:25:33 GMT -5
As the .300 RCM was a collaborative effort between Ruger and Hornady (one of many such joint projects)
Capacity of the .300 RCM falls halfway between that of the .30-06 (67 grains in Remington brass) and .300 WSM (79 grains in Winchester cases). Hornady did its initial testing with Ruger bolt rifles.
A closer look, however, revealed the legitimate value of these new cartridges: they meet or exceed the Winchester .300 and .338 magnums, respectively, and do so with a 20″ barrel. They also do it with a considerably shorter case length, enabling a more compact rifle action and quicker reloads.
Now Ruger are bang up to date with a pair of cartridges not unlike Winchester’s WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) series; called RCMs (Ruger Compact Magnums) they follow the same dumpy (short/fat) case style and are available on both 300 and 338 options. Here’s what Hornady say about them: “The Hornady 300 and 338 Ruger Compact Magnums (RCM) outperform the 300 and 338 Win Mag cartridges, but in a short action rifle with a compact 20” barrel. This package delivers what all the short fat cartridges don’t – superior ballistic performance in a truly compact firearms platform that achieves velocity and performance as advertised!” Pretty impressive no doubt and all this from a 20” tube. But there’s more, as we are also told: • Optimized case geometry, delivers more velocity with 10-15% less powder • Longer barrel life • Less recoil • Less muzzle blast • Superior temperature stability from -15°F to 140°F (reduced climactic related point of impact change) As a long term devote of the WSM series I had yet to be convinced, but was looking forward to seeing what the real deal was. However, if they worked as stated the advantages would be a short, light and user-friendly rifle that punched well above its weight. A nice pair For the hardware side of the test Ruger sent me two M77 Hawkeye rifles – a stainless synthetic in 300 RCM and the more traditional wood/satin blue in 338. Hornady backed this up with two loads – 165-grain SST (300 RCM) and a 225-grain SST (338 RCM). Though there is one more in 338 – a 200-grain SST and three more in the 300 – 150 grain GMX and SST and a 180-grain SST. Data states the ammo gives the following at the muzzle: 300 RCM (165-grain) 3030 fps/3363 ft/lbs 338 RCM (225-grain) 2710 fps/3669 ft/lbs Now if either of these could produce anywhere near those figures in what on initial inspection is a case with slightly less capacity than a comparable 300WSM and from a 20” tube, I was going to be seriously impressed. However, reloading seemed to be at odds with these figures! Hodgdon already offer RCM data and their top end loads with 165 and 225-grain bullets were coming in around 150/200 fps under the Hornady factory quote. It could be another case of 204 Ruger syndrome; here factory fodder hits the quoted figures, but try as you might you can’t push them that fast even with the largest, quoted reload. Don’t get me wrong I’m really into this short/wide case thing and know for a fact that some really do bring home the bacon. My 6.5 Grendel is of that ilk and with around 30% less powder - in most cases - can out perform a 243 Winchester. It makes no sense to me but real time testing shows it works. So maybe the subtly different RCM might do the job better? Or were they just ways of re-packaging old favourites like 30-06 Springfield and 338-06? Based on The RCMs are based on the belt-less 375 Ruger case, which is yet another Hornady creation and a good one! My tests have shown it offers significantly more than the old 375 H&H Magnum and is far better behaved too. This to my mind boded well for the RCM as it comes from the same design ethos. Comparisons to the WSMs show a few differences; the RCM has a gradual taper on the main body as opposed to the parallel build of the Winchester. Oddest of all is the fact that the 338 is around 1/8” shorter than the 300 at both neck and shoulder, though the cartridge overall length (COL) is the same. The WSMs all show the same length with just the neck diameter changing to accommodate the specific calibre. This initial test would be simple as I would shoot for group and manners at 100-yards then chrono the results and run them through my Sierra Infinity 6 ballistics programme to see what the real time data was. As I now have RCM dies, bullets and brass from Hornady, I will at a later date see what reloading can achieve with these two. But first let’s look a bit closer at the hardware? Short ‘n’ sweet I own a lot of Ruger bolt-actions in both rimfire and fullbore, and apart from their M77 Mk II Varmint Target (VT), which is a cracker, I would have to say that the new Hawkeye version of the M77 is the best yet. The changes are subtle as the basic layout with its floor plate, top-loading magazine, 3-positon safety, action and scope mounting system remains the same. Stocks are slightly fuller with the synthetics being noticeably more stable, By far the biggest improvement is their LC6 (light & crisp) trigger unit! Until the introduction of this; the first thing you had to do with an M77 Mk II (VT excepted) was to replace or get the mech sorted! The RCMs are identical in terms of layout and available in the matte stainless/synthetic (All-Weather), which unusually had a dark green stock and the matte blue/walnut (Standard) versions. The 20” barrel is of light/medium profile and shows a high, ramped, brass-tipped front blade and an adjustable, Williams U-notch unit at the rear. Capacity is 3+1 (either calibre) and the rifling pitch is 1-10”. Weight un-scoped is 6 ¾ lbs with the Standard running 39 ½” top to bottom and the All-Weather 40”. This is down to the length of pull (LOP) and is noticeable when you shoulder each model. Both guns show a rubber recoil pad and QD sling studs as standard, plus a set of Ruger’s 1” rings. Barrels are unfloated and a tight fit in the forend, with both stock styles showing effective chequering. As I am now into driven game shooting I really liked the compact and handy nature of the design, with the iron sights being a useful feature for close encounters. Given the potential; either one could make a fine choice for wild boar, or where you just needed a small/easy to carry but hard hitting hunter. Related articles • Umarex Ruger Hawk & Air Hawk Elite • Ruger M77 Hawkeye • Ruger M77 Compact • Ruger M77/22 Magnum All-Weather In keeping with the rifles I fitted two different scopes. The 300 got a NightForce NXS 2.5-10x24, with its illuminated, Mil-Dot reticule it seemed to suit the calibre well, with enough top end mag to reach out if required. The 338 got the new Leupold VX3 3.5-10x50 in this case with their Boone & Crockett illuminated reticule. Both were fitted up in sets of Warne, Ruger-dedicated QD rings, again an essential consideration as iron sights were standard and could be needed. Let’s play First up the chrono and I have to say that though not hitting the exact figures the RCMs came pleasingly close: Chrono results: Calibre Average Velocity Extreme Spread Energy 300 RCM 2976 fps 24 fps 3244 ft/lbs 338 RCM 2670 fps 32 fps 3561 ft/lbs Factory figures: 300 RCM 3030 fps/3363 ft/lbs 338 RCM 2710 fps/3669 ft/lbs However, neither can compare to Hornady’s 300 and 338 Win Mag factory loadings. Lopping off around 50 fps, which is probably what you would lose through a standard rifle still puts the Win Mags ahead of the game, but it also shows the RCMs in a good light too. I think it is a bit naïve to suppose that either could out perform the Win Mags, given their larger powder capacity Factory figures: 300 WM (165-grain SST) 3100 fps/3520 ft/lbs 338 WM (225-grain SST) 2785 fps/3874 ft/lbs Now onto manners. Both RCMs are certainly punchy in the shoulder with the 338 being the more energetic of the two… Though liking the compact package; maybe a bit more weight and perhaps a 22” barrel would have been more sensible! Both are rifles you need to be hanging on to and also aware of the potential of getting scoped if you don’t take charge of them. However, as hunters the biggest problem as with all calibres of this type is zeroing, as in the field one or two shots is not an issue. Accuracy-wise I found the 338 was perhaps a tad more precise with it pushing one inch at 100-yards. In its 165-grain loading the 300 was turning in 1 ½” at best. Though far better than the M77 Mk II trigger I found the LC6 unit could have done with a bit less weight. Naturally both get very hot, very quickly and with un-floated barrels you need to keep an eye on thermal distortion that will open up groups. For me, and as with my 8.5x63mm which is a slightly improved version of the 338-06 and my 300WSM, it’s not just about raw power. I load for both of these with shooter comfort, control, correct bullet choice and ability in mind. Sure they are not churning out maximum figures but they do the jobs I ask of them and that includes some big and tough animals. This is how I see and would approach the RCMs, by taking advantage of their compact size and weight with slightly more sensible handloads. After all there is not much on the planet that’s going to stand up to the right 300 or 338 bullet pushing around 3000-3300 ft/lbs… However, where these two cartridges fit into the UK scene remains to be seen. Of the two and though preferring the 338 I feel the 300 would be the better choice; we shall see if either catches on… We reckon: Neat and handy rifles Punchy and powerful calibres Guns maybe a bit light Technical Specifications Name Ruger M77 Hawkeye Compact Magnum Calibres 300 and 338 RCM Capacity 3+1 Barrel 20” Stock walnut and synthetic Finish blued and stainless (satin) Sights Y Weight 6 ¾ lbs Length 39 ½ to 40”
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Ghost
8 Point Buck
"Friendship must never be buried under the weight of misunderstanding."
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Post by Ghost on Mar 18, 2010 12:29:01 GMT -5
I have never shot one nor do I know anyone who has. But, logic would indicate that the magnum round with a light weight gun would ultimately equal a strong recoil. I will look for the figures and post them if I can find them.
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Ghost
8 Point Buck
"Friendship must never be buried under the weight of misunderstanding."
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Post by Ghost on Mar 18, 2010 12:30:23 GMT -5
Hornady’s New Ruger Compact Magnums are Extreme Cartridges for Extreme Hunting
Hornady knows that hunting elk, bighorn, brown bear, musk ox and African game can land you in some fairly extreme environments. And until now, hunters have used gear that hasn’t evolved much in the past 100 years.
The paradigm has shifted. Hornady’s new Ruger Compact Magnum cartridges afford hunters a rifle/cartridge combination that will allow them to take their hunting to new levels of performance.
Based on the beltless 375 Ruger case, the 300 and 338 Ruger Compact Magnums match 300 and 338 Win Mag performance. The kicker is the RCMs do it in a well-balanced quick-handling rifle.
Anyone who has spent much time in the woods with a long barreled rifle knows they can be ungainly, heavy, and not too quick inthe hand. But shorten the rifle a few inches and you immediately feel the difference. Plus, a shorter barrel is more rigid, making the gun stronger and more accurate.
To that end, Ruger® has made a number of modifications to the M77® Hawkeye® to create the perfect mate to the new RCM Cartidges. These new rifles are built around Ruger’s rock solid short action and feature 20" barrels, crisp LC6 triggers and updated stock dimensions to improve handling. All in a compact, fast-handling package that tips the scale at just over 6.5 lbs.
• Exceeds 300 & 338 Win Mag performance from a compact 20" barrel • Optimized propellants and case geometry deliver more velocity with 10-15% less powder • Longer barrel life • Less recoil • Less muzzle blast • Superior temperature stability from -15°F to 140°F • Extreme cartridges for extreme hunting!
Magnum performance in a package you don’t need a gun bearer to carry!
Any veteran big game hunter will tell you the 30-06 and 300 Winchester Magnum are the standards by which other cartridges in the class are judged. And the 300 Win Mag is a great cartridge. But to be efficient, it requires a 24" barrel - a 26" barrel is better.
Hornady’s new 300 Ruger Compact Magnum, available in 150, 165 and 180 grain offerings, deliver 300 Win Mag level performance, but do it in a much shorter package. The new 338 RCM, in 200 gr SST and 225 grSST, provides a compact, quick-handling alternative to the 338 Win Mag.
The new Ruger Compact Magnums deliver this performance using 10-15% less propellant than other magnums. This means longer barrel life. The new RCMs also produce less recoil and muzzle blast due to smaller propellant payload, and best of all, the efficient case geometry delivers exceptional velocities from 20" barrels. Hornady’s propellant technology allows for VERY little temperature sensitivity from -15ºF to 140ºF.
reff: Chuck Hawks
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Ghost
8 Point Buck
"Friendship must never be buried under the weight of misunderstanding."
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Post by Ghost on Mar 18, 2010 12:36:35 GMT -5
www.hornady.com/store/300-RCM/Above is a link to Hornady's e-store. This will give you an idea of the cost for a box of .300 rcm. I must say for the cost of the ammunition, it ranks up there with Weatherby in cost comparison, although it is at the lower end of Weatherby. Basically it is high priced and it will be hard on ones pocket book.
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Ghost
8 Point Buck
"Friendship must never be buried under the weight of misunderstanding."
Posts: 465
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Post by Ghost on Mar 18, 2010 12:39:58 GMT -5
When I first started to look at this round there were rumors floating around the the rcm's would out perform the Weatherby .300. This is nowhere near the case. The Weatherby .300 is still the king of the 30 calibers and probably always will be. Below is a link to the ballistics of the 300 Weatherby. cpcartridge.com/300wby-b.htm
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Ghost
8 Point Buck
"Friendship must never be buried under the weight of misunderstanding."
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Post by Ghost on Mar 18, 2010 12:42:09 GMT -5
If there is anything else you need just let me know and I will try my best to help you out.
Your Friend, Brian Spillman aka "Ghost"
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