Ruger American Predator + Leupold VX-5HD: Field-Tested 

Ever wondered how the latest innovations in optics and ammunition perform when put to the test? Well, strap in, because we’re about to find out! We recently took the Ruger American Predator 18″ in .308 Winchester to the range with an exciting mission: test the new Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 CDS-SZL2 scope paired with Barnes’ latest innovation – the Harvest Collection of ammunition – along with two other premium hunting rounds that represent the cutting edge of ballistic technology.

The goal? To see if this combination of proven rifle platform, state-of-the-art optics, and modern ammunition can deliver the accuracy and performance that today’s hunters demand. We’re discussing expanding this setup from close-range scenarios to 500+ yards on steel targets, while evaluating how each ammunition type performs in terms of accuracy, consistency, and practical hunting applications. Whether you’re after whitetails in the back forty or elk in the high country, this rig has the potential to revolutionize your hunting game. So, let’s break down this package of hunting versatility and see why it’s becoming a popular choice for modern hunters.

The Ruger American Predator 18″ .308: A Modernized Classic

Let’s kick things off with the heart of our setup – the Ruger American Predator. This isn’t just another budget-friendly bolt gun; it’s a precision instrument masquerading as an everyman’s rifle.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this modern marvel, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane. Ruger has been a household name in the hunting world for decades, but the American Predator series? That’s a whole new ball game. Launched in the early 2010s, the Ruger American line was Ruger’s answer to the demand for an affordable, accurate, and reliable hunting rifle. But they didn’t stop there. They took it up a notch with the Predator model, designed specifically for hunters who demand a bit more from their firearm.

The 18″ threaded medium profile barrel is the Goldilocks of barrel lengths – not too long, not too short, but just right. It offers the perfect balance between maneuverability in tight spaces and the velocity needed for ethical, long-range shots. Despite the shorter barrel, the .308 Winchester cartridge paired with modern ammunition retains sufficient energy for ethical harvests of deer and other large game within practical hunting ranges. The cold hammer-forged barrel ensures durability and consistent accuracy, shot after shot.

But what really sets this rifle apart is its user-friendly features. The adjustable Ruger Marksman trigger can be fine-tuned from 3 to 5 pounds, allowing you to customize your pull weight to your preferences. The one-piece, three-lug bolt provides smooth, fast cycling, while the free-floated barrel ensures that your point of impact stays consistent, regardless of temperature or pressure on the stock. And let’s not forget the threaded muzzle (5/8″-24 thread pattern), which gives you the option to add a suppressor or muzzle brake down the line. All of this comes in a package that won’t break the bank, proving that you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to get a high-performance hunting rifle.

Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 CDS-SZL2 Scope: Crystal Clear Precision

Now, let’s talk about the eyes of our hunting rig – the Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 CDS-SZL2 Side Focus HTMR-MIL scope. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hunting scope; it’s a precision optic that represents the pinnacle of American-made glass and engineering.

With its 3-15x magnification range, this scope is versatile enough for everything from close-range brush hunting to long-range precision shots. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your eyes. The 44mm objective lens strikes a perfect balance between light-gathering capability and keeping the scope’s profile low on your rifle.

But what really sets the Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 apart is its legendary optical performance and innovative features. We’re talking edge-to-edge clarity delivered through Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which maximizes light transmission for unmatched low-light performance. The HTMR-MIL (Hashed Tactical Milling Reticle) offers a clean sight picture for close shots while providing precise holdover and windage references for reaching extended ranges at 15x magnification.

The new SpeedSet Elevation dial eliminates the need for tiny tools and screws that can get dropped in tall grass or lost in a pack. Just press, lift, reset, and go. Whether you’re re-zeroing or installing a custom dial that matches your ammo, this innovative new system makes it faster and easier than ever to get set up and on target. The Custom Dial System (CDS-SZL2) is also a game-changer for hunters who want to simplify precision extended ranges. This system enables you to have a custom elevation turret calibrated specifically for your chosen ammunition and altitude, allowing you to dial in precise shots out to your rifle’s effective range.

With its rugged construction, Guard-Ion lens coating for scratch resistance and water beading, and Leupold’s legendary reliability, the VX-5HD Gen 2 is built to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it.The side focus parallax adjustment ensures a crisp sight picture at any distance, while the ZeroLock 2 system provides audible and tactile clicks to instantly return to your zero setting.

In short, the Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 CDS-SZL2 is the perfect match for the precision potential of the Ruger Predator. It’s like giving eagle eyes to a rifle that already shoots like a laser beam. The second focal plane reticle design maintains the crosshairs at a consistent size across all magnifications, making quick shots at close range simple while still providing the precision required for longer shots by utilizing the turrets. Finally, the scope weighs in at only 19.9 ounces, making it a joy to carry in the field.

The Suppressor Advantage: Quiet Performance

One of the standout features of the Ruger American Predator is its threaded barrel, which allows for the use of a suppressor. While the choice of suppressor is a personal decision based on your specific needs and budget, the benefits of running suppressed are undeniable.

A quality suppressor significantly reduces the report of your .308, protecting your hearing and reducing the likelihood of spooking nearby game after your shot. This can be particularly advantageous when hunting predators or in areas where multiple tags are allowed. Beyond noise reduction, suppressors also minimize felt recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more accurate. The reduction in muzzle blast can also help you stay on target through the scope, allowing you to watch your bullet impact and make better decisions in the field.

Modern suppressors are engineered to maintain or even improve accuracy while adding minimal weight to your rifle. When paired with the already well-balanced Ruger Predator, a suppressor transforms this hunting rifle into a whisper-quiet precision instrument. It’s like having a “stealth mode” for your hunting setup, giving you every advantage when it matters most.

Modern Ammunition: Taking the .308 to New Levels

Now, let’s load up this precision hunting machine with some modern ammunition. We’re focusing on three top-tier options that cover a wide range of hunting scenarios, from hunting whitetails in the big woods to elk in the western mountains. All three readily available factory loads bring unique advantages to the table.

1. Barnes Harvest 165 grain: The Harvest Collection by Barnes offers hunters precision and stopping power at an affordable MSRP of $39.99. Powered by Sierra’s Tipped GameKing, it delivers impressive accuracy and proven terminal performance on deer hunter and other thin-skinned game. With optimized performance out to 400 yards and loaded with temperature-stable propellant, the 165-grain weight offers a great balance of velocity and energy. Accuracy, while not quite matching the 130gr TTSX results with the test rifle, remained more than adequate for hunting applications. The average group size from three 5-shot groups measured 1.06 inches, with the best group breaking the one-inch barrier at 0.89 inches.
2. Barnes 130 grain TTSX: This all-copper bullet is a marvel of modern ammunition engineering, and has been one of my favorite hunting loads for years. The polymer tip initiates rapid expansion, while the grooved bullet body reduces pressure and improves accuracy. The lighter 130-grain weight means higher velocities of 3,000 fps and flatter trajectories, making it ideal for medium-sized game and longer shots. Essentially, this ammunition offers 6.5 Creedmoor trajectories out to 500 yards in a compact .308 hunting rifle. Accuracy results were impressive with 5-shot groups averaging 0.98 inches, and the best group measuring 0.87 inches. 
3. Federal Terminal Ascent 175 grain: This is the heavyweight champion of our ammo lineup. The Terminal Ascent combines the best features of match-grade target bullets with the terminal performance needed for ethical hunting. The AccuChannel groove technology reduces drag and improves accuracy, while the Slipstream polymer tip initiates expansion even at lower velocities. It’s like having a long-range precision bullet that transforms into an expand-on-impact powerhouse when it reaches the target. The 175-grain weight is ideal for larger game, such as elk, and longer shots where energy retention is crucial. Accuracy results were solid with 5-shot groups averaging 1.02 inches, and the best group measuring 0.91 inches.

This variety of ammunition allows you to tailor your loads to your specific hunting situation. It’s like having a golf bag full of clubs – you’ve got the right tool for every shot.

Performance in the Field: Where the Magic Happens

So, how does this trifecta of rifle, suppressor, and ammo perform when the boots hit the trail? The 18-inch barrel makes this rifle a joy to handle in tight spaces. Whether you’re navigating thick brush or hunting from a tree stand or box blind, you’ll appreciate the maneuverability. And don’t let the shorter barrel fool you. This rifle is more than capable of reaching out to 500 yards and beyond with the tested scope and ammunition. It’s like having a sniper rifle that doesn’t mind getting its hands dirty in close-quarter woods hunting. I ran this setup out to 750 yards on steel targets at the range with relative ease and impressive accuracy.

The Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2’s crystal-clear glass and precise adjustments further enhance your ability to place shots exactly where you want them, whether you’re taking a 50-yard shot in thick cover or reaching out to 500 yards in open country. Last but certainly not least, a suppressor can help you stay on target for faster follow-up shots by reducing felt recoil while also protecting your hearing.

A Perfect Combination

And there you have it, our comprehensive test of this ultimate 21st-century hunting setup. The Ruger American Predator 18″ in .308 Winchester, paired with the new Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 CDS-SZL2 scope, proved to be an exceptional platform for evaluating the latest ammunition offerings. The new Barnes 165-grain Harvest ammo, along with the Barnes 130-grain TTSX and Federal Terminal Ascent 175-grain, offers a level of performance and versatility that hunters of yesteryear could only dream of.

What also impressed me was how the Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2’s CDS-SZL2 system and crystal-clear optics allowed us to fully exploit the accuracy potential of the ammunition, from close-range shots out to 750-yard steel targets. This setup proved capable of handling virtually any hunting scenario you might encounter. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to up your game or a newcomer seeking a setup that will serve you well for years to come, this combination deserves a serious look. Happy hunting, and may your freezer be full and your hunting stories be memorable.

Rifle Specifications

• Caliber: .308 Winchester
• Action: Bolt-action
• Barrel Length: 18 inches
• Overall Length: 38 inches
• Weight: Approximately 6.2 pounds (without scope)
• Stock: Synthetic, moss green
• Barrel: Cold hammer-forged, matte black finish
• Muzzle: Threaded (5/8″-24 thread pattern) with thread protector
• Twist Rate: 1:10″ right-hand twist
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds (detachable box magazine)
• Trigger: Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger (3-5 lbs pull weight)
• Bolt: One-piece, three-lug design with 70° throw
• Safety: Two-position tang safety
• Bedding: Power Bedding integral bedding block system
• MSRP: $619

Scope Specifications

• Model: VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 CDS-SZL2 Side Focus HTMR-MIL
• Magnification Range: 3-15x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
• Reticle: HTMR-MIL (Hashed Tactical Milling Reticle)
• Reticle Position: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Eye Relief: 3.8-3.9 inches
• Field of View: 37.8-7.2 feet at 100 yards
• Adjustment Graduation: 0.1 MIL
• Max Elevation Adjustment: 24.7 MIL
• Max Windage Adjustment: 24.7 MIL
• Parallax Adjustment: Side focus (50 yards to infinity)
• Turret System: CDS-SZL2 (MIL or Custom Dial System with ZeroLock 2)
• ZeroLock 2: Audible and tactile return-to-zero functionality
• Light Transmission: Twilight Max HD Light Management System
• Lens Coating: Guard-Ion for scratch resistance and water beading
• Length: 13.5 inches
• Weight: 19.9 ounces
• Warranty: Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee
• MSRP: $1,499.99

Performance