Please School a Complete Noob

[DavidB]

OK, tried every search I can think of to answer "how to get started"!
The stunning Ruger #1 with bipod - what is the original caliber?
Who would you go to in Phoenix, AZ for 6BR work?
Finally, is there an article set I can start reading?
Thank you.

 

[artbosco]

Finally, is there an article set I can start reading?

Start reading here: http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/6mmbr/

 

[DavidB]

Yes, thank you, I read that article.
However, I couldn't tell what the original caliber
for, say, this this Ruger #1 could have been.
What would you choose to start with and then rechamber/rebarrel?
Are there events at Ben Avery where people are shooting the 6BR?
Thank you all for your patience.

 

[artbosco]

I couldn't tell what the original caliber this Ruger #1 could have been.
What would you choose to start with and then rechamber/rebarrel?
Are there events at Ben Avery where people are shooting the 6BR?

Per Chuck Hawks, the original could have been any number of calibers: http://www.chuckhawks.com/ruger_number_1.htm

Since you seem to be interested in the 6BR, start there. Then rechamber, up or down, if you feel the 6BR is too noisy, uncomfortable to handle, or not appropriate for your final intended use.

Better yet, Call Ben Avery for 6BR schedules/events/matches. Go watch, and ask a lot of questions. Most shooters are willing to help someone new get started. Look for a mentor to point you in the right direction.

Here's a good one in the Phoenix area: German Salazar, and the Link to his journal: http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/

 

[woolenmammoth]

If you are looking to build a 6br on a ruger no1, I would suggest to first find a smith who has experience building on those actions and then contact that person directly, there could be no more direct route for the best information...

If you are attracted to falling block actions, I know that EA brown co makes their falling block factory chambered in 6br, which if you are just starting out could be a fast way to get your feet wet at not such an expensive price tag.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Yes, thank you, I read that article.
However, I couldn't tell what the original caliber
for, say, this this Ruger #1 could have been.
What would you choose to start with and then rechamber/rebarrel?
Are there events at Ben Avery where people are shooting the 6BR?
Thank you all for your patience.

Yes, they have regular F-Class matches there. The Long Range Championship is coming up next month.

 

[fdshuster]

DavidB: I don't mean to sound like I'm throwing cold water on your idea of building a Ruger #1 for accuracy, only trying to explain the problems you are likely to encounter. First of all, I had a Ruger #1 re-barreled about 4 years ago, but only after one of my local gunsmith's made it clear he was not looking forward to doing the work. Prior to that, several told me flat out they would not touch a Ruger #1 because of all the built-in problems. One of those I contacted was E.A. Brown, and the nice lady I spoke with told me they did not work on Ruger #1's anymore, just too many problems. Some would turn out O.K., but many others were a money losing experience for them. My 'smith did a very good job with the Shilen chambered in 223 Rem. with a 9 twist barrel. It is a "good" shooter for a typical walk-around varmint rifle. Since I don't fully understand what you intend to do with it I have to say that if you plan on competing in any type of match competition with it, where consistant accuracy is required you will be handicapped with a Ruger #1 when competing against all the bolt-actions that have been built with extreme accuracy in mind. I know of no one who has had a Ruger #1 built & is using it in any of the local benchrest varmint match's that I compete in locally. If you have questions or comments, feel free to send a PM. I don't want to keep rambling on.

 

[DavidB]

Wow, thank you all for your advice and making a new guy
feel at home. I'll check the Ben Avery schedule for F-Class.
German Salazar's site is terrific.
I love the lines of a Ruger #1 and simply wondered what
caliber of that, or any rifle, can be converted to a 6BR?
EA Brown's site talks about 6BRM and 6.5BRM, but doesn't
have a lot of info about 6BR, what's the diff?
What would the recommendation be for a varmint caliber, the
6BR? (Over a .223?)
How about for a pronghorn, Brown's 6.5BRM? (Rather than a .308?)
They make a compelling argument.
Could either be used, with a bolt action (!), in competition?
As a Cardiac/Pediatric night nurse who just got home, I'll sign off
and get some PM's off when I'm more awake.
Thank you all, again.

 

[fdshuster]

DavidB: Yes, I too always liked the lines of the Ruger #1, put off getting one built for many years & then ran across a shot out 25-06, available at a fair price. It's a moa rifle with 5 shots maximum, then I must put it down & let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes. If I don't do that, the shots will start climbing high and to the right. Nice rifle, I just have to live within its capabilities. A Ruger #1 can be re-barreled to any cartridge as it only requires a change of the extractor. 6BR is an easy winner over the 223 Rem. in the accuracy department. Have numerous versions of each & have compared them side-by-side. 6BR has the same case head diameter as the 22-250, 243, 308, 30-06, etc. etc. so no modifications required to the bolt face.

 

[woolenmammoth]

David-

what types of varmints are you hunting? Anything up to coyote size inside of 300 yards, you would be wise to look at the 20 cal offerings. I would definitely not want the recoil of 6mm anything in a PD town if a 20 cal is available. Most 20 cal chamberings are very effecient (chaep to shoot) very fast (4000fps w 32g bullets is common) extremely flat shooting and stupidly accurate in the right rig.

You are likely to not find many people that will get behind a ruger no 1 for its inherent accuracy or consistency. Not saying its not possible but...

Your number one priority if you want accuracy is to not start with the rifle but with components. When selecting a new chambering, make sure there are top quality components available. In 6mm, you have an incredible selection of bullets available and all the top barrel makers can provide an excellent 6mm barrel. Dies are no problem, tools are no problem, etc. Once you know you can make good ammunition for yourself the rifle part just comes down to finding a good smith you can contract to build it for you.

 

[Forum Boss]

Right on the site's homepage:

http://www.accurateshooter.com/featured/6mmbr-loading-for-newbies/

 

[jonbearman]

Try Mark Penrod
Penrod Precision
PO Box 307
312 college ave
North Manchester Indiana 46962
1-260-982-8385
markpenrod@kconline.com
He is the ruger#1 guru and does fine work to make it really shoot!