My Brand New Ruger #1

Rockydoc

Well-Known Member
I fired my new Ruger #1 30-30 Win. for the first time today. Did you know they have 5R rifling? I don't know what advantage that gives, if any, other than maybe easier cleaning.

The purpose of todays shooting was primarily to fire form some brass. I prepared the brass following Ian's suggestions in Tips and Tricks. 1. Full sized once fired R-P brass. 2. Wrapped a ⅛" strip of cellophane tape two times around the base of the case just above the rim. 3. Belled the case mouth with a NOE expander to center the front go the case in line with the bore. 4. Prevented the case from moving forward with the firing pin strike by firmly seating the bullet into the rifling.

The bullets were Lee C309-170F cast maybe 5 years ago from an alloy I didn't record but which has now a BHN (LBT tester) of 20. It is probably range scrap from the 50 yard berm at my private range (members and guests only, not my personal private range). The scrap is mostly from jacketed bullets.
I feel extremely fortunate that these bullet's nose fits the bore with slight engraving by the lands as cast. I want to powder coat bullets for this rifle but I won't do it with this bullet. It is good to go as cast.

I lubed the bullets with 2 thin coats of Ben's Liquid Lube and loaded over 5 grains of Hercules Red Dot. This was a very mild pleasant round to shoot. Surprisingly I got a little bit of leading. Probably because of the hard alloy and the load too light to obturate adequately.

Ben has given me a mold with a tapered nose that I may be able to PC. We'll see after I have had a chance to cast some.

I believe this new gun has potential.
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I have always like the #1. A #3 is one thats eluded me. When I was hot for one all I could find was 30/40's and wanted a Hornet or 45/70. Now 30/40 are desirable.. DOAH!

Enjoy it 30/30 is as perfect a cast caliber as there ever was.

CW
 

RBHarter

West Central AR
I foolishly passed a #1&#3 in very nice wood @$300 ea but could have bought the pair for maybe as little as $500 ...... Both in 45-70 .
Woulda coulda I guess .
 

Mowgli Terry

Active Member
My Number One is in 257 Roberts, It works very well with 100gr; + bullets due to the near free bore chamber. It would be great to shoot this rifle with lead bullets. Fear of the long throat has kept me from trying cast bullets in that rifle to date. From all I can tell that's the was that caliber Number One was made.
 

Missionary

Well-Known Member
With extra free bore I would not hesitate to start with the heavier cast. Seat them out, switch to a slower powder. All sorts of possibilities await.
The real factor is what twist is your barrel. If it is 1-10 you should be able to get up to 130 grainers...
 
Last edited:

fiver

Well-Known Member
you'll have a larger bore diameter with the 5R.

the advantage to them is they grip better than the metford rifling, but still damage the bullet less than traditional rifling.
the advantage comes in when the bullet gets on 'target' allowing it stay together better and penetrate further.