Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has one of these and if they have done any hunting with the 300gr bullet, and what the results were like? Im planning on getting a No1 but in 450/400 and would like to use the 300gr bullet for a lighter load and for hunting lighter weight game, maybe up to kudu size, but am concerned by the low sectional density of the 300gr bullet.

Anyone thats done some hunting with either of those and the 300 grainer I'd appreciate hearing from you...and as always pics are welcome!

I used Hornady 300 grain soft points in my 450-400 for deer. Through the shoulders and jacket was struck in hide on far side. Soft bullet. Now there are other 300 grain bullets that would work fine and are much better construction than a plain soft point. Take a look at Northfork,CEB,Barnes and there may be others. Woodleigh makes a 300 grain but it is .412 diameter so it might have to be sized down. Not sure if Swift makes one or not.

Sectional density ? I use a 300 in my 45-70 ,even lower sectional density ! A 300 NP or Barnes works very well with expansion and penetration so the same in 405 should work fine.
BTW standard 300s are far too soft for me.

I wouldnt worry at all about the sectional density, but I would not use either of the Hornady 300 gr bullets for the 405 on anything tougher than a whitetail. They are SOFT!!

Thanks for the replies guys, I think Woodleigh make a good 300gr and Hawk would probably make a good 300gr as well.

quote:

Hawk would probably make a good 300gr as well

I used the Hawk 300gr .035 jacket and I wasn't pleased with the performance. I found them not much better than the Hornaday 300s which as degoins said are VERY SOFT. For Kudu I would sure look for a better bullet. Woodleigh and Barnes both make a 300gr.

With my Miroku/Winchester 1895 .405, I have taken a water buffalo with a North Fork 300 grain CPS at 2250 fps and it shot through the right foreleg, rib cages, heart and was recovered just under the off side skin. DRT before it hit the ground. With the right 300 grain bullets, you will be pleased with the accuracy and performance.

Using 400 grain Woodleighs at just under 2100 fps, I recently took a Cape buffalo in South Africa; the soft penetrated more than three feet through the stomach, heart, and out between the front legs: the darn thing tried to walk off, so a solid broke it's back.

In your Ruger #1 in 450/400, you can load up a bit more velocity if you like and take just about anything you like.

I am now beginning to experiment with lighter 210 grain bullets for deer and feral hogs; your #1 will do that very well also.

Thanks for the info, that's what I'm beginning to appreciate the 450/400 seems very versatile. I havnt looked into the North Fork bullets yet but I will do so, thanks for the heads up!

quote:

I am now beginning to experiment with lighter 210 grain bullets for deer and feral hogs; your #1 will do that very well also.

I have had good success with these in .405 and 450/400 on deer, hogs and coyotes.

srose,
I had similar performance using factory Hornady 300 grain flat points on a Nilgai, which is why I began using the North Fork 300 grain bullets on tough game.
Here is a picture of the hornady bullet that shot throught the left shoulder blade and was recovered inside the right shoulder blade:

The shot was less than perfect, but that sometimes happens when hunting and I have since limited these Hornady bullets to lighter game such as pronghorn, feral hogs, deer, and such.