I picked up a ruger predator 223 (it was cheap, I wanted to get the ranch in5.56) for shooting paper.  My friend wants to get into long range shooting.

Should I get steel rings or is 223 mild enough to use aluminum rings?

Later, I plan to get a 20 Moa rail.   Should it be steel or is aluminum ok?

We plan to load but it may be a few months till we can get everything.  So I have to buy ammo for now.  Do any shops sell 77 grain sierra tipped match king ammo?  My understanding is the aol is short enough to allow it to fit in the magazine

Tnx in advance!

I picked up a ruger predator 223 (it was cheap, I wanted to get the ranch in5.56) for shooting paper.  My friend wants to get into long range shooting.

Should I get steel rings or is 223 mild enough to use aluminum rings?

Later, I plan to get a 20 Moa rail.   Should it be steel or is aluminum ok?

We plan to load but it may be a few months till we can get everything.  So I have to buy ammo for now.  Do any shops sell 77 grain sierra tipped match king ammo?  My understanding is the aol is short enough to allow it to fit in the magazine

Tnx in advance!

For my purposes, I only get aluminum if weight is a factor for the gun. In other words am I going to stand and shoot or is it going to be a bench gun. If the gun is light to begin with I may still consider steel depending on my weight requirements. If I can hit my maximum weight requirement with steel I will use it. Otherwise I will use aluminum. If a bench gun I get steel because weight is usually not  a factor. Also, steel rings are generally cheaper.

Companies that I know load ammunition with Sierra 77gr Match King bullets is Federal Premium, Black Hills (probably some of the best ammo around), ASYM Precision, Norma and Gorilla. However, since I don't buy centerfire ammunition any more I don't know what is available locally. You will more than likely find the Federal Premium on island as I have seen YG's, WGS and SEC all carry Federal Premium in other calibers. Also, check with Henry at Prime Sports.

Also, be on the lookout for ammunition that is loaded using the Sierra 69gr Match Kings. I think more companies load that bullet and may be more available locally.

Tnx Dave!

Thanks also for fixing the Kokohead website!

Id get steel.
In my experience alum tends to stretch.
I like Badger, Leupy and TSW rings.
I've seen the IMI Razor core 77s load at WGS awhile ago. I read that they are pretty good. Atlanta Arms loads 77s which is the best I've shot so far with factory loads. It is pretty hot - up there with issued Mk262.

Id get steel.
In my experience alum tends to stretch.
I like Badger, Leupy and TSW rings.
I've seen the IMI Razor core 77s load at WGS awhile ago. I read that they are pretty good. Atlanta Arms loads 77s which is the best I've shot so far with factory loads. It is pretty hot - up there with issued Mk262.

I would just like to add that YG's carries Warne Rings which I have also used.

Wouldn't aluminum rings be easier for lapping? Also, I've never noticed the bore heat transferring to the scope rings.

As long as it is quality items, steel or alum don't matter.  I have both, I see no difference between them.  Key is a quality product.  No imported cheap ebay/amazon crap, and you'll be fine.

Also to add, if you decide on steel, be very careful when torquing.   Those steel rings will crush a scope without mercy. 

The main problem I've had with cheap rings is the stripped aluminum. I've also had the screw freeze up on a decent quality ring, actually it was a riser.

Thanks guy!   Appreciate all your help!

Since Heavies has scared me, I'll probably go with aluminum rings for now.

For your 20 moa base do you go with steel or alum? 

Thanks guy!   Appreciate all your help!

Since Heavies has scared me, I'll probably go with aluminum rings for now.

For your 20 moa base do you go with steel or alum? 

I have an aluminum 20 MOA rail on mine and steel rings on top of that.  I would have gone aluminum rings, but I got these at a good price.
I bedded the rail to the top of the receiver with JB Weld and used wax or something as a release agent. It was a while back, don't remember exactly.  I kept it pretty clear of the bolt holes, as to not weld the bolts in.  I then removed the rail after cure, then cleaned it up, and secured the screws with blue loctight.  The rings are secured with blue loctight as well.

Tnx Heavies!  I had not thought of bedding the rail.

I probably won't try it, since I'll probably screw it up :-)

I have an aluminum 20 MOA rail on mine and steel rings on top of that.  I would have gone aluminum rings, but I got these at a good price.
I bedded the rail to the top of the receiver with JB Weld and used wax or something as a release agent. It was a while back, don't remember exactly.  I kept it pretty clear of the bolt holes, as to not weld the bolts in.  I then removed the rail after cure, then cleaned it up, and secured the screws with blue loctight.  The rings are secured with blue loctight as well.

Haven't seen that rifle in a while. I liked that one

Haven't seen that rifle in a while. I liked that one

#GreenRiflesMatter  #IdentifiesAsABowlingball  #ftRus