Ruger M77 - Manual (Page 12)

Know the caliber of your rifle you are loading and load
cartridges of only that caliber into it!
Before loading, be certain the primer of each cartridge is seated
flush with, or below, the surface of the cartridge case base. A
cartridge discharged by the closing of the bolt can result in
possible serious injury to the shooter and those nearby.
If a cartridge does not chamber readily, do not force it. Check
the bore and chamber to be certain that each cartridge is the
proper caliber and of correct dimensions. If you cannot
determine why the cartridge will not fit, clear the rifle of all
cartridges and write or call the factory.
The wrong ammunition can destroy your gun and result in
serious injury.
BE SURE WHAT YOU LOAD
IS CORRECT
13
TO LOAD AND FIRE
Practice the important aspects of gun handling described below (with an
unloaded rifle) until you can perform each of the steps with skill and confidence.
But before loading the rifle, please read completely through this manual, and be
certain the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. Do not load the rifle until you
are ready to use it!
(The following procedure assumes a new rifle with the bolt out).
1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction (See Rule 2, p. 38).
2. Position the safety selector in the “Load-Unload” position (see Figure 3, p. 11).
3. Insert the bolt in the receiver in accordance with “To replace bolt” instructions
on Page 21.
4. Draw the bolt fully to the rear.
WARNING —AMMUNITION
Death, serious injury, and damage
can result from the use of wrong
ammunition, bore obstructions,
powder overloads, or incorrect
cartridge components. Even the
strongest gun can be blown up by
excess pressure. Only use correct
ammunition loaded to U.S. Industry
Standards. Always wear shooting
glasses and hearing protectors.
IMPROPER AMMUNITION
DESTROYS GUNS
WARNING —LOADING