I purchased a 22" Ruger #1 barrel in 45-70, and I'm going to screw it on to either a Winchester M70 action or a Ruger 77 action. The M70 is more likely, as I already have a pair of actions on my bench.

The barrel it light weight, so the finished rifle isn't going to weigh very much. I have a sub-8 pound 375 H&H, and have fired my 6 lb 45-70 Encore with Garret loads. The recoil of the latter, makes the 375 seem almost pleasant.

The magazine length of the M70 actions will handle a 458 WM witout a problem, but I'm still trying to decide if I should go with a short 458 chambering, or just go with a 458 WM chamber and plan on using light loads.

Suggestion?? Comments??

.........................What is the twist of the 45/70 barrel ......I would go with the 458 Win Mag .,.,on a Ruger M77 mk 2 action ...., Reinstall the Quarter rib and make a single standing express sight If you still have the Band sling stud and fore sight you will have an amazeing little BIG Rifle ...You should be able to incorporate the front hanger bolt stuff into a 2nd recoil lug with a little thot ....Shoot 300 -400 gr bullets ....As I recall the 45/70 #1 had a 22" barrel .....It will push 300 gr X bullets to 2700 fps ,,Probably go just as fast with the 315 gr GSC HV bullet .,., 350 TSX will go 2500 fps and 400 gr Swifts , Trophy Bonded , Kodiak Bonded Core , GS Custom ,bullets may go 2400 fps ..........From such a light rifle that will be kinda stout .... But a 400 gr Super Premium expanding bullet @ 2250 fps will be mild pressured , and an awesome killer .............It would be hard to find a better Brown bear ,Southeast or Coastal rig , Essespecially if you are looking for a fishing / hiking/ berry pickin /just have it with you every day of the week rifle .......And as an aside ...The 300 gr XFB @ 2700 fps mv drops only about 3 " more than a 223 /50 gr bullet @ 3300 fps mv @ 300 yards ,when both are sighted in for 150 yards .......And it still has all the smack down you need for elk or moose ........................I had a standing express rear put on my last #1 that was a 375 H&H and is now a 375 Weatherby with factory rings the scope fits on great ., I have a Burris 2-7 Compact scope on that #1 ...But a Scout scope would be pretty perfect on yours with a bolt action reciever ., Cerakot the whole thing , put it in a light weight MPI stock and your in business ............................................