I would second Bell and Carlson or HS Precision. Boyd's also makes a good laminate if you want to stick with wood. I have one of their Prairie Hunter models on my M77.
https://www.bellandcarlson.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=1157
https://hsprecision.com/brand/ruger/
AG Composites, Bell and Carlson, Grayboe (McMillan lineage), HS Precision, Manners all are solid options for stocks, and a simple BDL bottom metal and magazine conversion will be all you ever need. The above would be a very straightforward conversion to eliminate any variables that present...
A main point that you should consider when getting a scope with turrets, is that a zero-lock, or mechanical zero-stop is worth more than you know. I've had a hunt screwed up because of my turret being spun, and I've seen a guy in competition be a full revolution of his turret off because he...
Can see why you drink Hopzone, then. More bang for the buck since you'd have to drink more Coors Delights and Busch Lattes and get out of the tent that many more times. It was a cold bastard this weekend.
I’ve noticed that with some guns more than others, especially switching between bullets made from different alloys (say, Barnes vs Nosler) and have to clean thoroughly if I want to give it a legit try. I’m fortunate this season that my current load of Federal TLR shoots just as well as the ABLR...
That combo screams "do-all, anywhere" and I'm happy it worked out for you. What an amazing season, and the perspective/attitude you brought to the adventure makes it so much more enjoyable for the rest of us to read it as it unfolded. Thank you very much for sharing it, and congratulations!
I spent last week transitioning archery equipment out of my pack, and gun stuff back in. I don't know about you guys, but Saturday can't come soon enough, even with temps in the teens! Stay safe and warm out there.
As I bask in the afterglow of this moment, now all I can think about is the tech specs....caliber, bullet, terminal performance. Details, man, details!
Of the options you list, the Partition and the Hodgdon powder will remove most performance variables, and have the most predictable (and proven) performance. The others leave too much to be desired as far as consistency (temperature stability and terminal performance, especially on elk.)