My "Budget" Long Range Rifle Project: Can It Get It Done?

Published on December 24, 2023
Duration: 36:12

This video details a budget-focused long-range rifle build centered around the Ruger American Predator in .308 Winchester. The project involves upgrading key components like the stock and optic to enhance accuracy and usability for long-range shooting, hunting, and preparedness scenarios. The presenter shares insights on component costs, performance, and overall value, concluding with accuracy testing and final thoughts on the build's effectiveness.

Quick Summary

The Ruger American Predator in .308 Winchester serves as the base for a budget long-range rifle build, upgraded with a Magpul Hunter American stock, Harris LM bipod, and Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 FFP optic. This configuration aims to provide enhanced accuracy and capability for hunting and preparedness, with total costs approaching $2,000.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Budget Long Range Rifle Project
  2. 00:31Project Goal: Long Range Capability on a Budget
  3. 01:31Base Rifle: Ruger American Predator .308
  4. 02:08Ruger American Predator Barrel Specs
  5. 03:36Ruger American Predator Magazine System
  6. 04:06Ruger American Predator Stock Assessment
  7. 04:46Stock Upgrade: Magpul Hunter American
  8. 05:53Ruger American Hunter Configuration vs. Separate Parts
  9. 06:54AICS Magazines with Magpul Stock
  10. 09:28Bipod: Harris LM
  11. 10:15Muzzle Brake: SilencerCo ASR
  12. 11:44Sling: Magpul MS1
  13. 12:08Accessory Mounts: M-LOK QD Sling & Bipod Mounts
  14. 12:38Optic: Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 FFP
  15. 13:22Alternative Optics: Primary Arms SLX
  16. 16:09Optic Mounts: Vortex Pro Precision Rings
  17. 17:20Total Build Cost Breakdown
  18. 18:49Accuracy Testing Setup
  19. 19:22Ammunition Tested: Hornady, Federal Fusion, AAC
  20. 20:14Hornady 178gr ELX Precision Hunter Groups
  21. 21:36Federal Fusion 165gr Bonded SP Groups
  22. 23:32AAC 150gr JSP Groups
  23. 26:14Accuracy Results & MOA Analysis
  24. 28:58Final Thoughts on the Ruger American Predator Build
  25. 30:05Cost Considerations: Gas Guns vs. Bolt Actions
  26. 31:10AR-10 vs. Bolt Action for Preparedness
  27. 33:21Project Accomplished: Budget Long Range Rifle
  28. 34:24800 Yard Capability Assessment
  29. 34:59Viewer Questions & Budget Rifle Selections
  30. 35:45Support Magic Prepper & Channel Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the base rifle used for this budget long-range build?

The project utilizes the Ruger American Predator rifle chambered in .308 Winchester as its foundation. This model was chosen for its affordability and the features it offers at its price point, making it a suitable starting point for a long-range build.

What upgrades were made to the Ruger American Predator for long-range shooting?

Key upgrades include replacing the factory stock with a Magpul Hunter American stock for better ergonomics and stability, adding a Harris LM bipod for a solid shooting platform, and mounting a Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 FFP optic for enhanced targeting and ranging capabilities.

How accurate is the Ruger American Predator build with different ammunition types?

Accuracy testing showed that Federal Fusion 165-grain and AAC 150-grain ammunition performed well, achieving sub-MOA groups (when excluding flyers). The Hornady 178-grain ELX rounds were less accurate in this specific rifle, indicating ammunition preference can vary.

What is the total cost of this budget long-range rifle build?

The complete build, including the rifle, upgraded stock, bipod, muzzle brake, and optic, totals approximately $1,918. While starting with a budget rifle, the cost increased significantly with component upgrades.

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