“I Didn’t Know Rifles Were Chambered in 357 Mag!!”
I consider the Ruger 77/357 Rifle the best pistol caliber carbine ever made. It is a lightweight, bolt-action rifle chambered in the venerable .357 Magnum and fed via a rotary magazine.
My Ruger bolt-action 77/357 features a five-round rotary magazine and Ruger All-Weather configuration, although I have seen special offerings with gray laminated stocks. The barrel and receiver is weather-resistant stainless steel. It has fully adjustable iron sights and includes Ruger scope rings. The short, lightweight rifle weighs only 5-1/2 pounds and was produced from 2011-2015.
The Ruger 77/357 Rifle has become one of my favorite little rifles. Most people do not know Ruger (or any company) makes a 357 Magnum bolt action rifle. These rifles are seldom seen in gun shops, and many people do not realize how powerful a 357 Magnum is from a rifle.
Ruger has a well-deserved reputation for producing reliable and accurate firearms, and the Ruger 77/357 Bolt Action Rifle is no exception. This compact and versatile firearm combines the timeless bolt-action design with the formidable .357 Magnum round, resulting in a carbine that offers both power and precision. In this post, we will explore the features, performance, and practical applications of the Ruger 77/357 Bolt Action Rifle, showcasing why it has become a favorite among shooting enthusiasts.
I first saw one of these neat little rifles at a Ducks Unlimited banquet as an auction item. It was stainless and wore a striking gray laminated stock. That one got away from me, but I did find one with a synthetic stock that looks almost as good. It is paired with a compact Weaver 2-7 power scope and together we have stacked up a lot of pork chops and venison.
Powerful enough for medium game, very light weight and cheap to shoot are just a few of the reasons I think the Ruger 77/357 is a winner.
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The Ruger 77/357 weighs just 5.5 pounds so even after you install a nice compact scope, like a Weaver Classic 2.5-7 Rimfire, it is still around the 6 pound mark. It has an 18.5” barrel and overall length is 38.5” It is fed from Ruger’s great 5-round rotary magazine which cycles 38 specials as well as 357’s. I once said the Ruger PC9 is a 1022 on steroids so I guess this is a Ruger 77/22 on steroids. Don’t spread this info around but they also make the same rifle in 44 Magnum. The Ruger website only lists the rifle as available in stainless steel with black synthetic stock, but it has been offered in the recent past in blue steel and wood stock, or with stainless steel and camo stock.
This rifle makes the perfect companion to a 357 Mag or 38 Special revolver. The great thing about the 357 Mag cartridge in a long 18.5” barrel is the extra velocity gained. The 357 Mag is loaded with relatively slow burning pistol powder that will not all be burned in a revolver barrel. You can expect you velocities increase up to 2000 fps with 140-160 grain bullets.
Retail Price in 2018 is $999, but you could buy them at Bud’s Gun Shop for $727.
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Load Testing With The Ruger 77/357
I have been hand loading ammo for over 25 years, so the first thing that came to mind when I got this rifle was to see if I can improve on the velocity and accuracy of factory ammo that is available. Today that is much harder than it 20 years ago. There are so many new types of factory ammo for about any application you may need. Bullets are also critical in hunting applications. Bullets made from all copper or other materials have better ballistic coefficients and better penetration than bullets made years ago when I started loading my own ammo. I was able to achieve higher velocities than the majority of factory offerings, but there are a couple of ammunition companies that make great loads for the 357 rifles.
GUN BLAST reports that Buffalo Bore 158 gn loads chronographed at up to 2049 fps, and 125 gn loads at almost 2400 fps. The 158 grain Buffalo Bore would be a great option for deer or pig hunting. I have some factory Speer 140 JHP’s that turned 2000 fps, but I always like to experiment with different powders and bullets to see what I can get by hand loading. Additionally, lead bullet plinking loads can be cranked out for just pennies.
I already had a few rounds of 38 specials and warm 357 Magnum loads that I use in my revolvers so I started with those and found that they all shot very well in the Ruger rifle. The group on the target above were the first 3 shots fired from the rifle since deer season last year. After settling on my load of 158 gn Hornady XTP over 18 grains of Hodgdon Lil’Gun, I have never had to re-zero the rifle or change a setting on the little Weaver 2.5×7 Rimfire scope in 3 years. This total dependability is more than I can say about a lot of rifles and scopes. I know I can pick that rifle up and hit what I am aiming at, rain or shine. The only modification I have made is replace the trigger spring to get the trigger pull down to about 3lbs. No bedding for barrel floating. Just shoot it. On one hunt I took 5 pigs in 5 shots. It is just a great rifle that does so much more than most shooter expect.
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The VORTEX 2-7×32 Crossfire II riflescope is a great scope for the 77/22. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting and it is light and compact to match the rifle.
Ruger 77/357 Rifle Accuracy
Groups from all loads tested ran about 1 1/2” to 2” at 100 yards with the jacketed 357 Mags and even the lead 38’s did pretty well. The one drawback I encountered is that the points of impact between standard 38 Specials and 357 Mag’s are about 8” apart at 50 yards. You pretty well have to make up your mind which load you want to shoot and stick with it.
The Marlin 1894-CS 357 I tested last year is a great rifle, but the Ruger 77/22 edged it out in accuracy. There was very little difference in the velocities between the two. The lever action Marlin operates faster if you need fast backup shots, but the Ruger is a lot easier to carry and easier to put the first round on target out around 100 yards.
The two best powders I have found for the Ruger is Hodgdon Lil’Gun and Winchester 296. Loaded with 16.5 grains of Winchester 296 and 158 gn bullets, you can expect 1800 fps, and with 18 grains of Lil’Gun you can break 2000 fps. Using 21 grains of Win296 with 125 gn bullets gets the velocity up over 2200 fps. Lead 158 38 Special loads with 5 grains of Unique sped along at 1100 fps. Below are the loads I chronographed using the Marlin and these loads produced almost identical results in the Ruger.
The Hornady 158 JHP shoots very flat, and is still packing almost a thousand pounds of energy at 100 yards! I can tell you from experience that it will put a deer down very quickly inside 100 yards. I have taken two does and neither went over 50 yards.
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Ruger 77/357 Great Rifle for For Young Shooters
It is sometimes difficult for young shooters to transition from the light 22LR to a deer rifle because of the physical size of a young shooter, the longer, heavier deer rifle or the recoil of a larger caliber. The Ruger 77/357 is a great rifle for a young person because it is easy to handle, it is accurate for most shots to be will encountered, and the recoil is pretty light. Most youngsters want to hunt but they don’t care about getting knocked around by Dad’s deer rifle for practice. You can start a youngster off with 38’s before moving to full 357 Mags. After a young hunter shoots the 77/357 and sees how easy it is to shoot and hit the bullseye, they will gladly jump at the change for range time.
When the young hunter gets that first chance at a whitetail, you will be confident they can make a good shot. If all goes well, my grandsons will be getting that opportunity with my Ruger 77/357 very soon.
Overall, I think the Ruger 77/357 is a great little rifle for just about anyone. It delivers accurate power beyond expectations, it is light and easy to handle, and the quality is as good as any rifle on the market. No matter how old you are, you will enjoy the Ruger 77/357.
Ruger 77/357 Bolt Action Rifle Features
Design and Features: The Ruger 77-357 Bolt Action Rifle showcases Ruger’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Built on Ruger’s reliable and robust Model 77 platform, this carbine features a bolt-action mechanism renowned for its smooth operation and consistent performance. The carbine has an overall length of approximately 37 inches and is equipped with a 5-round detachable rotary magazine, ensuring quick and efficient reloading. The stock is typically constructed of durable synthetic materials, providing both durability and weather resistance, but wood stocks are available.
Power and Versatility: Chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, the Ruger 77-357 Bolt Action Rifle punch. The .357 Magnum round is well-regarded for its stopping power, making it suitable for various applications, including hunting and self-defense. Additionally, the carbine’s ability to shoot .38 Special ammunition adds versatility, allowing shooters to select their preferred round based on the intended purpose. This flexibility makes the Ruger 77-357 a practical choice for both recreational shooting and practical applications.
Accuracy and Handling: The Ruger 77-357 Bolt Action Rifle shines in terms of accuracy and handling. The bolt-action mechanism, combined with the carbine’s 18.5″ barrel, ensures consistent and precise shot placement. The shorter barrel length provides a compact and maneuverable package without sacrificing accuracy. The ergonomic design of the stock offers a comfortable shooting experience, allowing for steady aiming and minimal recoil. The overall balance of the carbine enhances its handling characteristics, making it a joy to shoot.
Practical Applications: Thanks to its power, accuracy, and compact size, the Ruger 77-357 Bolt Action Rifle excels in various shooting scenarios. It is a popular choice for hunting small to medium-sized game, such as deer or hogs, where the .357 Magnum round provides sufficient stopping power within close to moderate ranges. Additionally, its accuracy and versatility make it a great companion for target shooting, plinking, and even competitive shooting events.
Conclusion: The Ruger 77-357 Bolt Action Rifle combines the reliability and precision of the bolt-action design with the power of the .357 Magnum round, resulting in a firearm that is both capable and versatile. Whether used for hunting, recreational shooting, or competitive events, this carbine offers exceptional accuracy, manageable recoil, and a compact size that is hard to beat. With its rugged construction and Ruger’s reputation for quality, the Ruger 77-357 Bolt Action Rifle is a firearm that will serve shooters well for years to come.
History of Sturm, Ruger & Company
Sturm, Ruger & Company, commonly known as Ruger, is an American firearms manufacturing company with a rich and fascinating history. Here is an overview of the history of Ruger firearms:
Founding and Early Years (1949-1960s): Ruger was founded in 1949 by Alexander Sturm and William Ruger in Southport, Connecticut. The company’s first product was the Ruger Standard, a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The Ruger Standard became an instant success, and its robust design and affordable price made it a popular choice among shooters. Ruger continued to expand its product line, introducing rifles, revolvers, and other handguns.
Growth and Diversification (1970s-1990s): Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Ruger experienced significant growth and diversification. They introduced innovative firearms such as the Ruger Mini-14 rifle, Ruger Redhawk revolver, and Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle. The Ruger 10/22 became one of the most popular and successful .22 caliber rifles ever produced. Ruger also expanded into centerfire rifles, shotguns, and single-action revolvers during this period.
Innovation and Expansion (2000s-present): Ruger continued its focus on innovation and expanding its product line in the 2000s and beyond. They introduced new models and variations of existing firearms, including the Ruger SR9 pistol, Ruger LCR revolver, and Ruger Precision Rifle. Ruger’s commitment to incorporating new technologies, materials, and designs helped solidify its position as a leading firearms manufacturer.
Manufacturing Excellence: Ruger is known for its commitment to manufacturing excellence and producing firearms of exceptional quality. They have invested in modern production facilities, advanced manufacturing processes, and strict quality control measures. Ruger’s dedication to craftsmanship and reliability has earned them a reputation for producing rugged and dependable firearms.
Industry Impact and Legacy: Ruger has made significant contributions to the firearms industry over the years. They have been at the forefront of introducing new designs, pioneering manufacturing techniques, and bringing affordable yet reliable firearms to the market. Ruger firearms are renowned for their durability, accuracy, and value, attracting a large and loyal customer base.
Today, Ruger remains one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the United States, offering a diverse range of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns for various purposes, including self-defense, sport shooting, hunting, and law enforcement. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction continues to drive their success and shape their legacy in the firearms industry.
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