I just purchased a used Ruger No. 3 in 223 caliber and am going to be reloading. I was wondering if anyone could give me some hints on powders, bullets and accuracy tips. Thanks for any help!
I was unaware that the #3 had ever been chambered in anything but .22 Hornet, .30-40 Krag, or .45-70. I don't know everything, but your rifle might have been rechambered or rebarreled. The originals had a 22" barrel, and were quite handy for length. I had one in .22 Hornet, and thought the rifle was good looking and more accurate than many. I sold it because I have a problem with Hornet brass and rechambering to .221 Fireball doesn't clean up the old chamber. Hope you enjoy it.
.223 was a factory barrel on the #3, as was .375 Winchester at one time. Could have traded my .308 bolt gun on a #3 in .375 5 or 6 years ago; have kicked self many times for not doing so....
Thanks for all of your input! I have discovered that someone mounted the wrong bases and the holes were drilled out of line. My gunsmith is searching for a redfield base and will redrill it. Its a shame what some people do to guns, but that is probably why I was able to get it.