The whitetail deer is the quintessential North American big game animal. Opening day of rifle season in many states is still hallowed ground–thankfully. For many, hunting touches our hard-wired primitive side when harvesting an animal meant the difference between life and death. Regrettably, the number of hunters is decreasing. For this reason, I make it a priority to respond promptly and supportively whenever someone expresses an interest in hunting, particularly among members of my growing clan. I will do my best to set them up for success. My most recent effort involved a Ruger American Gen II Ranch (G2 Ranch) model chambered in .300BLK. Let me explain the parameters involved.
Love It When a Plan Comes Together
My plan for the Ruger American G2 Ranch was to turn it into a tailor-made deer rifle for when one of my daughters-in-law (existing and pending) wanted to go out hunting. Ruger has equipped the American G2 Ranch with a removable section of buttstock. This was taken advantage of to better fit their small stature. By reducing the length of pull to around 12-inches the ladies can manage the rifle much better, including finding quarry in the Leupold scope easier by not having to crane their necks awkwardly.
This reduction of the length of pull did not affect the Ruger G2 Ranch as much as expected for my sons or me. I find no problem with it. The soft shooting .300BLK gets some credit for this. When not in use with the ladies, the Ruger G2 Ranch is a frequent partner of mine when on the WV property via 4-wheeler, ATV, and/or walkabout. It is always nice to have a rifle along.
Most of our local hunting is focused on WV and VA, where the terrain can be characterized as thick and undulating, also known as steep and rugged. A compact, lightweight, magazine-fed bolt-action weapon with a threaded barrel is an ideal candidate for use here. Remember, we are not looking for 300-yard-plus sniping capability. We want to deliver game killing payload out to 150 or so yards in a package configured so that it will be on hand when needed.
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Just The Ticket
The Ruger American Gen II is unrecognizable from its predecessor. A new stock features a Monte Carlo-esque contoured raised cheekpiece. Length of pull and comb height are adjustable. The ergonomics of the stock allow for a comfortable, repeatable cheekweld combined with hand/finger placement conducive to pulling the 3-4 pound Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger. As already mentioned, Ruger designed the G2 stock so that a section can be removed, reducing the length of pull down by 12 inches.
The Ruger American G2 Ranch uses Ruger’s patented Power Bedding integral system, securing the receiver and free-floats the cold hammer forged barrel for improved accuracy. A rifle using Ranch nomenclature had better be handy. The Ruger G2 Ranch is. Weight is 6.2 pounds, and length is 37.3 inches. The threaded 16-inch spiral fluted cold hammer forged barrel will raise eyebrows with its aesthetics and puts the user on notice that something new is at hand with this Ruger rifle. The well-done Cerakote finish is easy on the eyes and provides a superior, easy-to-maintain finish. The barrel is threaded and arrives wearing a radial muzzle brake.
Ruger American G2 Ranch Top to Bottom
The Ruger Marksman trigger features a distinctive release lever in front of the trigger shoe proper. This is the secret to maintaining minimal trigger weight, without creep, while keeping the system safe. The release lever must be activated (i.e., pulling the trigger) before the sear will move, thus firing the cartridge.
The G2 Ranch’s steel receiver is topped with a factory-installed optics rail compatible with Picatinny-type scope mounting systems. This simplifies optic mounting. It was decided to keep the optics basic with the Ruger American G2 Ranch. A Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x was mounted.
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The American Ranch G2’s single-piece, three-lug bolt cycles smoothly and features a full diameter bolt body, dual cocking cams, and an oversized bolt knob that can be unscrewed and replaced by the end user. The bolt’s 70-degree throw keeps it clear of the mounted optic. Ruger has improved the finish on the bolt action for “slicker” manipulation. Tighter overall tolerances, including chamber boosts accuracy potential. A 10-round detachable Magpul P-MAG magazine feeds 300BLK rounds into the chamber.
Mission Defines Need
This is where the .300 Blackout (.300BLK) comes into the story. The decision to go with an American G2 Ranch chambered in .300BLK may surprise. .300BLK is more associated with AR platforms. However, I have come to appreciate what it offers in a bolt-action and/single shot rifle as well. The .300BLK was introduced in response to a US special operations military forces request. Anecdotal information compares standard velocity .300BLK 115-125 grain ammunition as exceeding the ballistics of the 7.62x39MM and eclipses 5.56MM both in ballistics and terminal punch. At 300 yards, the .300BLK has approximately 17 percent more energy than the 7.62x39MM thanks to superior ballistic coefficient bullets. The ability to access a plethora of either supersonic or subsonic factory ammunition offers great flexibility to the .300BLK user.
The Ideal Whitetail Setup
A bolt action chambered in .300BLK creates a combination capable of “Hollywood” quiet performance with suppressor mounted using subsonic ammunition. The Hornady Sub-X .300BLK subsonic load was also explored due to its uniqueness. The Hornady Sub-X consists of a 190-grain bullet designed specifically to perform at subsonic velocities for hunting. A cannelure groove is present for a positive case crimp. The Sub-X bullet combines a lead core surrounded by a grooved metal jacket and tipped with the company’s Flex Tip insert. Long grooves scored into the Sub-X metal jacket, combined with a flat base, create conditions for reliable expansion. Hornady patented Flex Tip insert placed in front of hollow point cavity kicks expansion off when striking a target. The Flex Tip prevents material from clogging an exposed hollow point, negatively affecting expansion. Hornady made sure the performance of the new load meets or exceeds FBI Protocol terminal ballistic test requirements.
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Let’s remember, subsonic .300BLK loads resemble pistol ballistic performance. For comparison’s sake, a 230 grain 45ACP generates 461 ft/lbs. The Hornady 190 grain Sub-X 465 ft/lbs. All things being equal, a high SD bullet penetrates better than a low SD. BC is a measurement of how well a bullet moves through the air. Superior ballistic coefficients (BC .437 190 grain Sub-X versus .188 45ACP) and sectional densities (SD .286 versus .162) help the Hornady 190 grain Sub-X maintain energy and penetration characteristics further downrange than a typical pistol bullet. However, the subsonic loads are to be considered as a specialty to be used for only certain situations, considering the terminal punch being less than typical supersonic rifle rounds.
Trigger Time
The Ruger American G2 Ranch was tested from the bench for accuracy, along with around barricades and other obstacles, to get a better appreciation of its handling and performance. Most of the range time, albeit bench or more dynamic use, included the Aero Precision Lahar or BANISH Backcountry suppressors being mounted. Kelci, my youngest son’s significant other, did much of the work here to give her as much familiarity with the suppressed Ruger G2 Ranch .300BLK as possible before hunting with it. She was urged to work the Ruger’s bolt firmly and in a smooth/even manner along its track.
A 200-yard zero was chosen considering caliber payload and role envisioned with the Ruger American G2 Ranch. Roughly speaking, a 200-yard zero with 110-130 grain .300BLK loads are pretty flat out to 200 yards, rising only 3 inches or so at 100 yards before beginning downward descent for dead on at 200-yards. For those curious about the path beyond 200 yards, the .300BLK drops 14 inches at 300 yards. Three-round groups at 100 yards were in the .75 to 1.5-inch range, depending on load. Group size remained consistent with or without a suppressor attached. Shifts in point of impact were minimal as well, which is very convenient.
Steel targets were smacked with ease out to 150 yards using field expedient rests. While by no means rivaling a semi-automatic for firepower, the detachable ten-round magazines were handy to recharge the Ruger G2 Ranch after the last round. As expected from a bolt action, no malfunctions were experienced. One note here is that when the last round was ejected, the bolt will not close on the empty magazine.
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The tang-mounted safety made no audible noise when manipulating it, an important consideration for hunting. The American G2’s safety has three positions: forward for fire, middle safe, where the bolt can still function, and rear safe with the bolt locked down. This is an important detail that Ruger listened to their customer base about and changed from the Gen I American. If you have ever been afield in thick terrain or jostled around in an ATV, you know that a bolt can be inadvertently opened, dropping a round out. This can pose a problem, to say the least.
Magazines were also loaded with Hornady 190-grain Sub-X. The focus was on making sure reliability was maintained and how far you could push the velocity-challenged subsonic rounds. Engagement distances were kept at 100 yards and in—mostly in with targets placed between 25 and 75 yards. The trajectory was surprisingly flat out to 50 yards. 100-yard bullet strikes were approximately 7 inches low with 50 yard subsonic zero.
Success
It is estimated that six million whitetail deer are taken by hunters across their widespread range here in the US. In West Virginia, schools close, and vacation days are burned for the season. Do not let the numbers fool you. Whitetail are challenging prey that can be pursued in a variety of ways… stand/blind, stalking/still hunting, and spot & stalk. Sense of smell is the whitetail’s greatest asset. Wind direction and scent control must be monitored by a hunter. Eyesight is strong, with movement detection a strong suit. Hearing is superior with ears able to locate offending noises by triangulation, like radio direction-finding equipment. Success is measured by individuals in a variety of ways, ranging from delicious venison or wall-mounted antler set.
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Kelci has been with us on multiple occasions while out hunting. When she expressed interest in wanting to be the prime hunter, we quickly made plans. A two-person tree stand known for heavy deer traffic due to dense bedding area behind and trails to food in front was chosen as her spot. Ethan went along with no weapon of his own, making it clear she was the prime “huntress”. As is typical with hunting, a long, cold day of stand hunting got exciting real quick as daylight was fading. Also, unsurprisingly, the doe arrived from an unexpected route, directly behind the stand. Didn’t want to make it easy on the first timer, I guess.
After some hushed whispers, Kelci wrangled into position with the Ruger G2 Ranch .300BLK. The Ruger’s lightweight, compact stature, and altered ergonomics proved its worth. She made an excellent 65-yard shot, especially considering standing facing rearward with no benefit of a brace, as legal shooting light was fading away. The doe stumbled, going only a few yards with the .300BLK 130-grain Barnes TSX punching through both lungs and heart, thanks to the elevated firing position. The .300BLK passed through the deer. The excitement and adrenaline were still on Kelci and Ethan’s faces when I arrived on the four-wheeler shortly later in the dark to assist.
Final Word
The .300BLK in the bolt-action Ruger American G2 Ranch offers .30cal performance in a compact 6-pound rifle. No need for a super-magnum rifle with a mega-zoom scope with a hyper-complicated reticle. I find it hard to believe that anyone using the Ruger G2 Ranch .300BLK is ever under-gunned or at a disadvantage when hunting deer-sized game. The Ruger G2 Ranch will appeal to rifle lovers for its efficiency.
Ruger American Generation II Ranch Specifications
- Caliber: .300BLK
- Barrel: 16.1-inch stainless steel 1:7 RH twist
- OA Length: 37.35-inches
- Weight: 6.2-pounds
- Actio: Ruger American bolt
- Capacity: Detachable AR magazine–10-round magazine arrives with rifle
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