Ruger #1 in 375 H&H for LR??

[Scalloper]

I have a almost new Ruger #1 built in the late 60s early 70s. I have considered twisting up some loads with some 350-360 high BC bullets. Being that the #1s are a strong action I am wondering if I can push them fast enough safely to a velocity that will stabilize the bullet. This rifle has had very very few shots fired through it since new. Its alot larger caliber then I will use for hunting so I thought I would test it for long range plinking.
Any thoughts?

 

[big5ifty]

Is the bullet monolithic or lead core ?

Have you measured your twist ?

 

[TrapperBR549]

I have a #1 in 375 H&H. I loaded some 250's and 270's for an elk hunt and it wasn't particularly pleasant to shoot. I can't imagine what 350's feel like.

 

[DaveTooley]

Some things to consider. Action strength is not a determining factor. You will see other weak links before reaching the limit of the action. Primers comes to mind. With increased velocity comes increased pressure. Also using speed to increase RPM's vs. an increase in twist rate is a losing proposition. A 100 FPS increase in velocity is nothing compared to an increase of 1 turn per inch. I don't think think it will end well with the heavies. They need a purpose built rifle.

 

[Jesswil61]

Some things to consider. Action strength is not a determining factor. You will see other weak links before reaching the limit of the action. Primers comes to mind. With increased velocity comes increased pressure. Also using speed to increase RPM's vs. an increase in twist rate is a losing proposition. A 100 FPS increase in velocity is nothing compared to an increase of 1 turn per inch. I don't think think it will end well with the heavies. They need a purpose built rifle.

Liston to Dave, the man knows of what he speaks!

 

[Scalloper]

Some things to consider. Action strength is not a determining factor. You will see other weak links before reaching the limit of the action. Primers comes to mind. With increased velocity comes increased pressure. Also using speed to increase RPM's vs. an increase in twist rate is a losing proposition. A 100 FPS increase in velocity is nothing compared to an increase of 1 turn per inch. I don't think think it will end well with the heavies. They need a purpose built rifle.

Thanks Dave. This may not be something I should move forward on considering the key points that you bring up. I just see it sitting in my safe doing nothing for 10-15 years thinking maybe I could put it to use.
I am getting to the point where I am no longer a collector. If I dont have a use for a firearm I sell them and buy something I will use.
Thanks again.

 

[TrapperBR549]

This may not interest you at all but I load reduced loads with cast bullets in mine and it is a lot of fun. It probably won't scratch your long range itch though.

 

[Scalloper]

The older gentleman I bought the rifle from said that was one of the benefits of the 375 H&H, you could shoot reduced loads with nearly the same POI.

 

[jelenko]

benefits of the 375 H&H, you could shoot reduced loads with nearly the same POI.

Maybe at 50 to 75 yards. but, there's now way to have the same POI out a ways with a reduced load.

 

[rockhound78]

Good to about 125yds with same POI. I shoot 310gr cast thru my #1 H&H. 1.5" to just under 1.25" groups. 2100fps. I shoot the same 310gr. cast thru a 38-55 built on a P14 action and a bull shilen bbl.. Its good for about 3/4"

 

[DumpHollow]

Yea, I had a No 1S 45-70 that I bought for the wood. I messed around with it with 250 to 300 grain bullets for a while. When I got to the 350's, I quit. A friend had given me a bunch of 400 grain Remington SP's, but after the 350's, I decided that I wasn't going there. Kinda like shooting 12 ga slugs from a Remington 870.

 

[bguinn]

I have the same rifle of the same vintage. So Assuming they are the same here is what you can do:

Staying with the 62,000-65,000PSi limit (as you should) using reloder 17 you can push the 350 grain Sierra to 2400FPS out of the 24" barrel. You can seat the bullet long in the #1, out to 3.75 COAL or so which helps get that velocity. It will be stable at normal temps. Accuracy may be another matter. A #1 can be picky, out of mine its roughly 1 MOA at 100 - for 3 shots, it opens up after that.

When you say long range, that means 1000 yards or farther to me.
I think you are going to find that a number #1 is not a great long range rifle , its susceptible to how its held, lock time is long, and your accuracy out there will not be nearly as good as the modern 6.5 and 7mm bolt gun. You'll see vertical dispersion given the low starting velocity, and the inherit issues with bedding on a #1. On the plus side your full value wind drift @ 1000y in a 10MPH wind is roughly 62" which is not too bad.
But of course the recoil will be over 2x what a 7mm would be, and each shot will cost over twice as much too.

Regardless have fun whatever you do.