The Ruger Precision Rifle has become one of the most highly sought after firearms of 2015 and 2016. A big part of this soaring popularity is the fact that these rifles come standard with many features that today’s rifle shooter has come to want or even expect in a new rifle. One of these features is a 5/8″ x 24 threaded muzzle (and thread protector). With a threaded muzzle you can easily install a muzzle brake or a suppressor. That’s the way things should be!
Recently, I had the opportunity to try out a Coastal 30 caliber suppressor with my 6.5 Creedmoor Ruger Precision Rifle. Wow! A suppressor is a really nice rifle accessory to own for multiple reasons. First and most obviously, there’s the sound suppression. In some cases these rifles can be so quiet that you can go without hearing protection for a small number of shots (you still have the sonic crack unless you are loading a cartridge like 300 BLK sub-sonic). There’s also a nice reduction in felt recoil, and accuracy is typically not affected (can be enhanced in some circumstances). I want to share some of these experiences, first hunting with my friend Jim, and then shooting at 100 yards at the “Ultimate Reloader Outpost” (my range).
If you look closely in the video, you can actually see the difference in recoil shooting off the bench with the suppressor. When I took the suppressor off, it was a night and day difference in recoil. One of the things I’m going to try next is a muzzle brake. On the 6.5 Creedmoor Ruger Precision Rifle, I expect that to make a big difference in shootability, without quite the same mirage effects you tend to get with a suppressor (now I know why some rifle shooters use insulators for their suppressors).
Here’s the cold-bore clean-bore 5-shot group mentioned in the video:
And full load data for the loads used to produce this group:
6.5 Creedmoor 120 grain A-MAX load
- Bullet: Hornady 6.5mm 120 grain A-MAX
- Primer: CCI Large Rifle #200
- Powder: Hodgdon H-4350: 43 grains
- Brass: New Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor
- COL: 2.670″
Note: This load data is for reference only. Always cross-reference with manufacturer’s load data. Ultimate Reloader is not responsible for errors or possible issues you may have when using this load data. Use at your own risk.
Shooting the Ruger Precision Rifle suppressed was both really fun, and really practical once you get used to the extra weight and length a suppressor ads to your rifle. I would definitely recommend purchasing one if you want to hunt without hearing protection, or you just want to minimize your impact on your surroundings. A 30 caliber suppressor is a great choice because they work well with calibers like 30, 6.5mm, 6.0mm, and even 22 (such as .223). Note that you may need a thread adapter depending on what rifle you are using with a 30 caliber (5/8″ x 24) suppressor.
Do you have suppressed shooting experienced you’d like to share? Please leave a comment!
Thanks,
Gavin
I have seen ads for this rifle and it looks interesting, more so, to me, in 308.
I cannot, for the life of me, understand why people want suppressed firearms? It’s a lot of money for one, plus the tax stamp, plus the cost of a regular re-build.
Someone please enlighten me.
thx
Bob- I agree it’s a total pain to get a suppressor, but once I started shooting with them it was clear I needed one. I have 55 acres with my own range, but the noise is still an issue with the neighbors. A suppressor is a great way to shoot more without bothering those around me (including my family!). I also really like the idea of hunting with them- I don’t like to shoot rifles without hearing protection AT ALL. A suppressor provides good hearing of animals, plus hearing protection. But- to each his own!
Gavin, you nailed it. I need a suppressor for all of the reasons you have mentioned above. Mainly……….the neighbors, even on an 86 acre farm outside of Meridian, ID. I have the RPR in .243 and it is LOUD! Scares the hell out of my wife, even when she knows I’m shooting. But man, it is a rock chuck killer! Most of my kills have been in the 400-500 yard range. The .243 is a tack driver. You’re videos are one of the main reasons I purchased the RPR. Killing Chucks at long range is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. Great website Gavin and thanks.
sad i live in a state that the “law” makers believe suppressers are tools only for gangbangers, murders, and cops.
it would be grand to have the use of my right to protect my hearing, in the best way possible.
.
A good suppressor makes even the hottest rifles a joy to shoot & you’ll notice that you can shoot longer & are less fatigued after a long shooting session. I wonder if even the air pressure & blast don’t have a cumulative effective in shooter fatigue.
As a side note, after 35 years of shooting mostly 7.62×51 bolt guns the 6.5 Creedmoor has turned me into a for real, consistent 1000 yard threat when I wasn’t real solid beyond 700 yard before.
There is no reason to “rebuild” a centerfire suppressor. I might even suggest that once you shoot suppressed, you won’t want to go back. In fact, there are some people at my range that would support a law that would require the use of suppressors because it makes shooting so much more pleasant for other range users.
People at the range who would support a new gun law… negative. I am required by law to have a suppressor, or what?
HAVE YOU DONE A LADDER TEST WITH YOUR POWDER/BULLET CHOICE FOR BARREL HARMONICS? IF SO DID THE SUPPRESSOR CHANGE THE BARREL HARMONICS?
I have a RPR in 6.5 on order, but as I live in the UK it has to go through one of our 2 proof houses to be stamped as safe. (Literally an old guy with a hot load and a pice of string on the trigger). Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
You may know our gun control laws are much tighter than yours in the USA. Our one saving grace it that our police force actively encourage use of a sound moderator. Quieter and less recoil! With a reflex mod. you’re adding about 100mm to barrel length. What’s not to love?
Andrew
I’ve been firing my RPR 6.5CR with H4350 at 39 gr. using Nosler 140 gr BTHPs and no muzzle brake. Have not yet measured velocity but expect to need to speed it up for the 1k range. At 100 yds, boringly accurate, but with a surefire suppressor the group spreads open. New loads with Norma URP will be tried for higher velocity this week as I can’t find any more H4350 whatsoever, but according to the Hornady reloading manual, the Norma URP shows a bit more latitude in the maximum velocity for the 140gr bullet. Have you experimented with any muzzle brakes at this point?
-Mike
Shooting with a suppressor is the only way I want to shoot my firearms (pistol and rifle), although I do shoot them “naked” to work up loads and compare POI for tuning purposes.
Tuning the POI is easy with proper shims you can obtain from McMaster-Carr to fit the ID and OD of your barrel and adapter dimensions.
At the range beside someone that has a rude muzzle brake blowing my data collection notebook about is annoying.
Fellow shooters can be rude with their muzzle brakes, and I have read articles where hunting guides will not permit their clients to use a muzzle brake.
Hunting suppressed in Ohio this year is finally legal, and I appreciate the efforts of others who paved the path to this intelligent change.
I have had the pleasure of being complimented by fellow shooters because of the courtesy my firearms present.
So there is a real benefit using a suppressor and yes it’s a hassle to buy and obtain a stamp.
Yes its an added cost, but you and your bystander’s hearing is not replaceable.
Go the GUN TRUST route NOW, its less hassle until July 13, 2016.
The Department of Justice (ATF) has finalized a rule change which, affects all gun trusts and corporations which seek to acquire NFA items after the effective date of the change. The rule, once effective, would require notices to CLEO of submissions of Form 1’s and Form 4’s by trusts and corporations and also fingerprint cards, photos and background checks for all trustees and responsible officers. At present there are no such requirements. The proposed change set forth in 27 CRF 479 is to become effective July 13th, 2016.
Hi Gavin,
Ill be picking my RPR 6.5 this week and I can hardly wait for it! This is my first owned rifle and I have shot a few rifles over my Military carer but I have no serious scope experience just shooting.
I wonder if you can give me a direction in a scope. First off my budget was cut do to family stuff so I have about $300 to $400 spend. I would like to reach out about the 1200 yard mark and still be able to hunt from 200 yards which will be my zero yardage. I prefer Mil-Quad or Mrad reticle and Mil turrets. Zoom or no zoom is fine. I am am not sure of the power range I should be looking for.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
SWFA OR VORTEX NOT SURE IF UR GOING TO BE ABLE TO KEEP IT THAT CHEAP IF U WANT TO GO TO 1200 YDS. SWFA SS FOR $800 WILL GET U THAT FAR VORTEX IS ABOUT 5-600
Vortex Viper HST 6x24x50. If you are a Vet or current Military you can get a DEEP discount buying directly from Vortex. Contact their customer service to get the offer. I heard as much as a 30%-40% discount!
That’s awesome, thanks for the tip!
Shooting without a suppressor is just rude. The NFA is out dated infringement that needs repealed.
Suppress all guns! Hearing safety should not be restricted with regulation or law.