There seems to be a fairly positive buzz on this combo in AR land, which makes me curious about how many are finding new homes.

Question:
Do you own a Ruger #1 in 450/400 3" Nitro Express?

Choices:
Yes
No
No, but I want one!
Had one but found it wasn't for me.

 

I've got one on back order. Ruger apparently isn't building very many of these rifle right now.

I bought mine used from a gentleman who had snagged one of the first off the line; he sold it because he can duplicate the performance with his 405 Winchester #1 in stainless steel.

quote:

Originally posted by Sid Post:
I've got one on back order. Ruger apparently isn't building very many of these rifle right now.

Check around with different dealers. When looking for my wife's, I tried to place an order through one and was told it was sold out. Another dealer found one for me and had it here in three days new in box. I am not sure what distributor he went through though.

John

quote:

Originally posted by Oregon45:
I bought mine used from a gentleman who had snagged one of the first off the line; he sold it because he can duplicate the performance with his 405 Winchester #1 in stainless steel.

The cartridges are very similar, the only down side I saw to the 405 was the inability to use the longer 400gr bullets.

John

I got mine probably a year and a half ago. Have really enjoyed shooting it so far, and am pleased with performance and quality. Put a Leupold M8-2.5X scope with see-thru Butler Creek front cap (to keep it clean in real dusty conditions). Got the factory loads, extra brass, Hornady dies, and Barnes .4095 banded solids also.

The recoil pad was the typical black POS from Ruger, so replaced it with a Kick-Eze grind to fit, and left the top rounded so it didn't hang up on clothes in action. Gave me the right LOP then also. Ground 1/8" off the front of the safety button to prevent cases hanging up, and it feeds and ejects slick.

Put a Moyer trigger in it from Brownells, and it is a perfect 3 pounds now. Helps for shooting better off the sticks.

All in all, it is a nice package, and the recoil is fine. It is not as sharp as my 416 Ruger either, and just a little snappier than a 375 H&H.

quote:

Originally posted by Big Bore Boar Hunter

quote:

Originally posted by Oregon45:
I bought mine used from a gentleman who had snagged one of the first off the line; he sold it because he can duplicate the performance with his 405 Winchester #1 in stainless steel.

The cartridges are very similar, the only down side I saw to the 405 was the inability to use the longer 400gr bullets.

John

In Handloader #232 Barness was getting 2076 fps with 53.5grs. of Ramshot TAC under a 400gr. Woodleigh in a Ruger #1 .405 Win.
I expect to get 2000 fps with the 420gr cast paper patched boolit that I am working with...
I am certainly not saying that the .405Win is equal to the 450/400-3" with strong Hornady brass in the Ruger#1...
After buying some Hornady 450/400-3" brass and seeing how huge it is compared to the .405Win. brass I would think that you could push a 400gr bullet to 2300 fps+ in the Ruger/Hornady/ 450/400-3" combo....
Of course I could be wrong eh?

quote:

Originally posted by Low Wall:

In Handloader #232 Barness was getting 2076 fps with 53.5grs. of Ramshot TAC under a 400gr. Woodleigh in a Ruger #1 .405 Win.
I expect to get 2000 fps with the 420gr cast paper patched boolit that I am working with...
I am certainly not saying that the .405Win is equal to the 450/400-3" with strong Hornady brass in the Ruger#1...
After buying some Hornady 450/400-3" brass and seeing how huge it is compared to the .405Win. brass I would think that you could push a 400gr bullet to 2300 fps+ in the Ruger/Hornady/ 450/400-3" combo....
Of course I could be wrong eh?

Sounds believable to me, I had read that 405 chamberings didn't have a long enough throat to chamber a 400 gr (maybe that was only the 1895 win), I was looking into the #1's when I found they were chambering the 400 jeffery, I figured it was a no-brainer at that point.

John

The 405 can be loaded to the original ballistics of the 450/400; hotrodding the Hornady 450/400 case is a bit ridiculous, given that you are only going to be reproducing the performance of the 416 Rigby, 416 Remington or 416 Ruger; all of which are or will be available on the #1 action.

My 450/400 does just fine with 400 grainers at between 2000 and 2100fps; in fact, 450/400's have been getting the job done for nearly a century with that performance level.

Well, I voted yes. I got one paid for, just haven't received it yet.

I'll tell you more in a few weeks.

Mad Dog

I agree with you 100% Oregon45...I suspect that 420gr. PP boolit at around 1750-1800fps or so will end up being my hunting load...

Big Bore Boar Hunter...yep the 450/400-3" is a no-brainer....The only reason I went with the .405 Win. is that Ruger made it in stainless...plus for elk and moose on down the .405 will get the job done nicely...I sure like the looks of the 450/400-3" case though...
Sick I know

quote:

Originally posted by Low Wall:
I agree with you 100% Oregon45...I suspect that 420gr. PP boolit at around 1750-1800fps or so will end up being my hunting load...

Big Bore Boar Hunter...yep the 450/400-3" is a no-brainer....The only reason I went with the .405 Win. is that Ruger made it in stainless...plus for elk and moose on down the .405 will get the job done nicely...I sure like the looks of the 450/400-3" case though...
Sick I know

Don't forget, its just cool to say 450/400 Nitro Express.

One of our members here in Houston has a No. 1 in 450/400 3 inch. I even loaned him my die set. I think he is very happy with the rifle!

Rusty, kinda OT, but what brand are your dies? I've got to get a set for the rifle I just bought. Have made some inquiries as to when Hornady would get theirs out.

Mad Dog

Mad Dog: Let me know when you get your rifle, I've got several hundred 450/400 rounds loaded up so I'm set for awhile. I'd be happy to lend you my die set so you can get started with your rifle.

Oregon45, thanks, that's very kind of you! Let me see how quick this Hornady thing might happen, but if it's too long I just might take you up on your offer!

Mad Dog

Have you tried Buffalo Arms, they have Hornady dies listed in their catalog and are not indicating that they're backordered.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,7175.html

WOW! Hornady doesn't even have them listed. Is this an older batch? Have you ordered from these people before?

Think I'm gonna get out the CC and order a set now!

Mad Dog

quote:

Originally posted by Mad Dog:
WOW! Hornady doesn't even have them listed. Is this an older batch? Have you ordered from these people before?

Think I'm gonna get out the CC and order a set now!

Mad Dog

Midway is supposed to get them in stock tomorrow. They have been producing the dies since 07, its just that they are sold out.

John

I've ordered from Buffalo Arms in the past, mainly cast bullets; they shipped quickly and products were as described.

Oregon45, gonna find out, just ordered the dies and a shell holder.

Thanks for the heads up!

You've been so good with everything else, wonder if you could help with 1 more thing.

Do you know if Lee wounld make a custome made case trimmer? One of those little hand jobbies. I have one for my 45-70 and like it. I load slow and simple, and don't get in a hurry, but am going to need a trimmer for those 450/400 cases.

Mad Dog

BobC of this forum has a set of Hornady Custom dies for you 450/400 3 inch and had been very happy with them.

I don't know if Lee would custom make one, but since all it is is a threaded rod the length of the cartridge made to mate up with their cutting head it shouldn't be difficult for a machinist to fabricate if Lee won't do it.

If I ever got a #1, it would be a 450/400 3".

Keith

Got mine as a combo anniversary/birthday gift this week. Somebody decided to spoil me. (BBBH)

Guess now it's just a matter of loading up some ammo...


Michelle

My first was a .405 rechambered to 450/400, ....3/4" accuracy. Had it at camp and a bunch of clients tried it out. About 10 then ordered the Ruger when it came out in 450/400. All are happy as hell with their new Rugers. This year we're having a 450/400 hunt,....the requirement is 450/400 or bigger for a caribou hunt, just to be different and n excuse to do it!! The hunt's booked up with members from the Gunmakers Guild and their clients, so it should be a hoot, and god pity any grizzly that decides to stir the pot!!

I've used mine on just about 1/2 the North American game and love it.
~Arctic~

I bought two, one for shooting, the other for my collection (hopefully grandsons?)

quote:

Originally posted by Arctic:
My first was a .405 rechambered to 450/400, ....3/4" accuracy. Had it at camp and a bunch of clients tried it out. About 10 then ordered the Ruger when it came out in 450/400. All are happy as hell with their new Rugers. This year we're having a 450/400 hunt,....the requirement is 450/400 or bigger for a caribou hunt, just to be different and n excuse to do it!! The hunt's booked up with members from the Gunmakers Guild and their clients, so it should be a hoot, and god pity any grizzly that decides to stir the pot!!

I've used mine on just about 1/2 the North American game and love it.
~Arctic~

Its great to see a group of people all willing to shoot the same rifle. Last time I experienced that I was in the army.

John

quote:

Originally posted by Arctic:
My first was a .405 rechambered to 450/400, ....3/4" accuracy. Had it at camp and a bunch of clients tried it out. About 10 then ordered the Ruger when it came out in 450/400. All are happy as hell with their new Rugers. This year we're having a 450/400 hunt,....the requirement is 450/400 or bigger for a caribou hunt, just to be different and n excuse to do it!! The hunt's booked up with members from the Gunmakers Guild and their clients, so it should be a hoot, and god pity any grizzly that decides to stir the pot!!

I've used mine on just about 1/2 the North American game and love it.
~Arctic~

Lots of photos please!!

Just remind me in a couple of months for the photos. We'll have quite the assortment of firearms, one Hagn, an Alex Henry singleshot, a couple of Farquharsons, Rugers, and a new action for testing. A real fun time!!
~Arctic~

Ruger No. 1 in .458 Lott. Close enough.

quote:

Originally posted by Wm.S.Ladd:
Ruger No. 1 in .458 Lott. Close enough.

not the question .. don't you ever pay attention?
does .458=.410 .. NO
dang

quote:

Originally posted by Big Bore Boar Hunter:
Don't forget, its just cool to say 450/400 Nitro Express.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by Wm.S.Ladd:
Ruger No. 1 in .458 Lott. Close enough.

As an X-girlfriend once reminded, sometimes 1" off makes the difference between a next date and blacklisted for ever.

John

Well, I got brass and bullets 2 days ago, from Midway. Got a call from Buffalo Arms that their dies were backordered. Canceled that order, because I got a line on the dies at Graf and Sons. If they ship them more than are backordered, I'll get a set. Should know in a few days.

Mad Dog

Got my FFL late last year. Ordered a Boddington model Ruger No.1 in 450/400 after some initial argument. They started off claiming those models were only available to those willing to commit to buying the entire 5 rifle set. I told them I saw one in 375 Ruger at Gander Mountain and I gauranty the first one that brought in the money would walk out with it. They simmered down and "allowed" me to order it. It is a beauty with a matte finish and standing express rear sight. One of my distributer cataloges lists 3 Hornady loads, DGS, DGX, and a plain soft point. If this is not a mistake, it would be great to have a more conventional soft nose for lighter game.

I love my #1 in 450/400. I am willing to bet that Ruger will stop making them if they did'nt already. They have a habit of doing just that. See how quick the 9.3x74 dried up...they stopped making them. If you see one you better grab it.

Funny thing, I just ordered one today before I saw this thread. I ordered dies and brass from Buffalo Arms based on info here.

Absolutely love this rifle, most fun gun to shoot that I have shot in a long time. DrC

My rifle is due Wed. I ordered a box each of factory DGX, DGS and softs. The ammo arrived today. Sunday will be the range debut and Im all exited. I was able to get the Boddington model with the better sights from Lipsey's.