Permanent attach suppressor for hunting

[zimagold]

I'm thinking about getting a Ruger Ranch Rifle in 300 Blackout and having it cut to ~10.5" (just ahead of the front sling stud). Then, having an older 9" suppressor pinned and welded to bring the length back over 16". Main interest is for a compact, but still legal to hunt with suppressed rifle. The suppressor is an older design and sees minimal use. Has anyone on the forum done this before? I would just make it an SBR, but they are not legal to hunt with in Colorado from what I could find. Step one will be making sure the rifle is accurate before all the smith work.

[Wulf202]

There's a barrel from tacsol you should look at called the sb-x

[J]

Hunting what?

[zimagold]

There's a barrel from tacsol you should look at called the sb-x
A vented shroud would be another option. I was not able to find any premade and it got expensive to have one custom made.

I spoke with a few places about doing the work in general. Just cut/thread/pinning, $160-220.

The shroud was just a ballpark of $150-400 extra. It also adds weight.

Would definitely help with cleaning the rifle.

[zimagold]

Hunting what?
Mule deer in the front range canyons. I spent all last year in brush with a muzzleloader. Furthest possible shot was little less than 100 yards.

Edit: I have a 16" 6.8 SPC that works well suppressed. This would be just smaller and lighter.

[Great-Kazoo]

Mule deer in the front range canyons. I spent all last year in brush with a muzzleloader. Furthest possible shot was little less than 100 yards.

Edit: I have a 16" 6.8 SPC that works well suppressed. This would be just smaller and lighter.

I wouldn't be using a ruger ranch for that, especially cut down. Buy a less than 16" 300 blk bbl for an AR and go from there. What suppressor you thinking of using?

[J]

What round have you found that meets the 1000ft lbs @ 100yds for 300blk? I looked last year and didn't find any. Granted I didn't look much. Same for 6.8spc.

I might consider doing something similar this year if I can find legal ammo.

[zimagold]

What round have you found that meets the 1000ft lbs @ 100yds for 300blk? I looked last year and didn't find any. Granted I didn't look much. Same for 6.8spc.

I might consider doing something similar this year if I can find legal ammo.
Factory Barnes 110gr Tac-Tx is listed as 1046ft.lbs at 100yards from a 16". I was able to get similar performance with barrels over 10.5" from handloads. Heavier bullets make hitting the ft.lbs requirement easier.

I also considered a pistol AR to solve both problems of energy and length. I really don't like pistol ARs.

In the 6.8 SPC I am using Barnes 95gr Tac-Tx loaded with A2200. Accuracy node was about 0.5grs under max. Velocity is 2860fps from a 16", similar in performance to the old SSA tactical loads. Generates 1400 ft.lbs at 100 yards.

[zimagold]

I wouldn't be using a ruger ranch for that, especially cut down. Buy a less than 16" 300 blk bbl for an AR and go from there. What suppressor you thinking of using?
I was honestly looking to avoid another AR. I already have a nice 8.5" 300 upper on an SBR. Wanted to try a bolt gun in 300 blk. I was particularly interested in trying to make an accurate subsonic load if possible, hunting with it is just another perk.

Do the ranch rifles really suck that much? I've only handled one in person, but it seemed decent for $375. All the online reviews are worthless with the typical it shoots 1", 2 thumbs up.

[MarkCO]

Factory Barnes 110gr Tac-Tx is listed as 1046ft.lbs at 100yards from a 16". I was able to get similar performance with barrels over 10.5" from handloads. Heavier bullets make hitting the ft.lbs requirement easier.

I'd suggest you read the regulations again. The rating has to be "by the manufacturer" and since you would be using a shorter barrel, it is not legal. Knowingly hunting with an illegal method of take...just say no.

[zimagold]

I'd suggest you read the regulations again. The rating has to be "by the manufacturer" and since you would be using a shorter barrel, it is not legal. Knowingly hunting with an illegal method of take...just say no.
Does that mean you can not hunt with reloads in Colorado?

[Great-Kazoo]

I was honestly looking to avoid another AR. I already have a nice 8.5" 300 upper on an SBR. Wanted to try a bolt gun in 300 blk. I was particularly interested in trying to make an accurate subsonic load if possible, hunting with it is just another perk.

Do the ranch rifles really suck that much? I've only handled one in person, but it seemed decent for $375. All the online reviews are worthless with the typical it shoots 1", 2 thumbs up.

Factor in the smithing to do what's needed and you're up in the mid fives, to $600.

Buy a decent bolt action, thread the bbl.

[zimagold]

Factor in the smithing to do what's needed and you're up in the mid fives, to $600.

Buy a decent bolt action, thread the bbl.
Which would you recommend? I looked at a Remington 700 and didn't care for it.

[MarkCO]

Does that mean you can not hunt with reloads in Colorado?

It does not. But it is a moot point. CF rifles must have a 16" barrel in CO no matter what. A shroud, suppressor or pinned FH don't get you past that according to the CPW.

[zimagold]

It does not. But it is a moot point. CF rifles must have a 16" barrel in CO no matter what. A shroud, suppressor or pinned FH don't get you past that according to the CPW.
Well, then I'll shelf this idea and move on. When I spoke with a CPW rep, he said the 16" was per ATF definition and the ftlbs referred to caliber capability not a specific load combination. I figured if I met the 16" and had a load that exceeded the energy requirement I was more than meeting the law. I'll take my bad idea and leave.

[MarkCO]

Well, then I'll shelf this idea and move on. When I spoke with a CPW rep, he said the 16" was per ATF definition and the ftlbs referred to caliber capability not a specific load combination. I figured if I met the 16" and had a load that exceeded the energy requirement I was more than meeting the law. I'll take my bad idea and leave.

They certainly could have changed their "minds". But I would not take one in the field without a compliance letter written to me from the CPW. I almost got cuffed for hunting with an "Assault Rifle" (.308 DPMS with 5 round mags).