Hi everyone,

First post, but I have browsed for awhile. Tried to search but I don't think I'm great at using the search tool. If this has been covered I'd love a link.

I recently purchased a Ruger No. 1 factory chambered in .450 NE 3 1/4". I'd love some reloading data. I've found data that duplicates the traditional double rifle loads. Given the case capacity and the strength of the No. 1 I know traditional loads can be surpassed.

I would like to use 500 grain bullets and H4831 as I stock a fair amount of it. Does anyone have any loads, starting points or expected max velocities? I would expect that a 500 grain bullet should be able to reach 2400 fps without excessive pressure.

Any leads would be much appreciated.

Nope; any load data I have will be low pressure for DRs. Work up some yourself watching the primers and extraction. You won't hurt the Ruger. Start with DR data with the medium burning powders and go up from there. Oh, 4831; no that won't work; you will volume out way before you get any decent velocity increases. In straight cases, 4831 will always be slow.

What dpcd said is accurate. Even after stuffing 110gr. of H4831sc I wasn't getting 2200 fps. I will have to look back at my notes, but H4350 is my go to. I think it's about the most optimal burn rate for 480's and 500's. The fastest powder I tried was Varget. I got up to 2500 with a 500gr bullet without any pressure signs. That's a pretty punishing load though.

I seat my bullets nearly touching the lands so I am benefiting from a bit more CC.

Try IMR 4831 and Fed 215 primers to start. And don't worry about reaching 2,400 FPS because after you fire a few rounds in the #1 you won't want it to reach 2,400 anyhow.

Consult the latest Hornady reloading manual for additional information.

Ha; yeah I was going to point that out; 2400 fps in a Ruger #1 will definitely get your attention. Not in a good way. Even in 458 they are too light.

I have lots of Varget and H4831 on hand. I'm thinking of sticking to DR pressures now that I think more about it.

All they heavy hitters I've played with have weighed 2-3 pounds more than this rifle. I assume recoil is going to be very punishing if I push it. However I do like to know what I can get out of a rifle, even if the load I commonly choose the shoot is significantly lighter.

I would think starting loads for a 458 Lott would be safe if you have a common sense approach. In a $1 custom barrel I have loaded the 45-120 3 1/4" case over 2300fps. Make a note: it kills on both ends.

Rich

Inasmuch as the case itself is a part of action strength I would be concerned about case failure and even in a strong action that can be problematic, something not often discussed or as some expert once said the actions are only as strong as the case...???

For my part, as I use such rifles to hunt with I would be concerned about shooting a large animal at such high velocity with a bullet designed to perform at 2100 FPS coming apart unless you intend to shoot monolithic solids perhaps..Just my two bits.