I've got one of the little Ruger compact MKII's in 223 with the 16.5" barrel and ~12" LOP, excellent truck gun. The rifle really fits my Mom and I was thinking about getting her one as a surprise. She already has a 223, so I've been looking at 243's and 7/08's. The muzzle blast on my 223 is pretty noticeable, does anyone here know how bad either of the larger calibers would be compared to the 223? I can load the 7/08 down to suit her, but I'm not looking for a flamethrower.
Thanks.
I have the exact rifle you are asking about in 7-08 Rem. I LOVE it! It is an absolutely fantastic little rifle. I do not consider it to be any louder than most any other hunting rifle I've shot. It certainly is much quieter than my .264 Win Mag. ;-)
I've never thought it to be an excessive flamethrower either.
Interestingly, my chronograph shows that the drop to the 16.5" barrel only lost me just barely over 3% of the velocity figures given in the manual.
