I was given a Ruger#-1 in 45-70 for work I had done earlier this year, its one of those stainless 22" ones... 7odd pounds. My question is... should I keep it? What good is it for anyways? I have a number of rifle projects that are being completed right now, and dont know if I should set it aside for another, like turn it into a 9.3X74R, or 500 3".
I always seem to be able to answer other peoples questions easier than mine. Practicalities of the 45-70?

If handloaded, the 45-70 is low-end 458 WinMag power level. You can seat the bullets out further to take advantage of the extra powder capacity and longer throat. Or, you can use the platform for a conversion. Just flip a coin.

I have a friend on a Ruger #1 kick; I'll send him a link to this thread so he can contact you.

George

wring it out as a 45/70... long throat it.. then chamber for a 45/120... wring that out... then, if you aren't happy, sell it...

jeffe

Well if it is making you over anxious I will take it off you hands! 475 is right; you can get 2000 fps plus with a 400 gr bullet in the #1 45-70. I am a #1 freak!

Jeffe you are right... it does need a throat... it has NONE.

I guess I could turn it into a 450 3 1/4" right quick, though it would weigh 7 1/4lbs. I wouldnt load the 45-70 at max velo... more like 1500/405gr high 1800s for 300s. hmmm just dont know on this one.

Hey POP, I thought to myself, George must be talking about you.

lET ME KNOW......

I would re-chamber it in a 450 diameter british calibre just for fun. Of course, you could also keep it a 45-70 and then book a nice bison hunt in Canada! Decisions, decisions!

Best,

JohnTheGreek

Get a decent length heavier barrel, big pad, chamber to 450NE, or bigger, add wt to butt, and it will shoot stronger and more comfortable.And you can sell the short crap barrel to one of the short barrel, short case nuts.. Ed

Ed. I like the way you think. I have been toying with the idea of a 500 N.E. 3" for a long time.

Smallfry-Sometime later this year I plan on doing a #1 in
my wildcat 510 HE. It is 3.6 in long, made from 475 #2
brass straightened out. Ed.