I have a new 458 Lott Ruger No 1 and when I chamber a round, the "bolt" block would still be rocking a little bit. I thought that the block would be in compression when a cartridge is in the chamber. Is this normal? I am concerning about a possible headspacing problem. Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I checked my #1A in 30/06 and the block is tight with a GI (FA56) chambered and also with my handloads.

There should be no decernable play in the breech block of a loaded #1. You're right. You have a headspace problem. I'd return it without shooting it.

Thanks Don and Jack for the info. This is a trouble rifle from day one. I bought it new just recently and the stock got a few dings in the cheek rest area but I did not see the dings until I got home. I could not return it since the rifle was already transferred to me. Now it has a headspace problem. Oh well, I guess that I will have to deal with it. I think I will get a set of go and no go guage just to make sure my ammo is not the problem. Thanks guys.

Make a headspace gage. I stuck some soft solder on the top of the belt on a empty cartridge. I filed it to shape so it would chamber and closed the bolt on it. The solder formed to the actual size of the "headspace". In my case it measured .228". The tolerance (from memory) is .220"-.227"

Ask Jack Belk or another gunsmith to approve this idea. It is something that you can do right away for no cost!

Don't waste any more time on it. Send it back to Ruger, they will take care of the problem.

I wondered if this was a Ruger barrel? I didn't know they chambered for .458 Lott!

Mingo---

If that's not a factory barrel I'd take it right back to the dealer.

A 458 Lott has nothing but the belt for positive headspacing. If the breech block has movement with a chambered cartridge it means either the chamber is too deep, or the brass is made wrong. It really makes no difference which it is, they're both equally dangerous.

Don't screw around with it. have it FIXED!

Thanks Jim and Jack for the advice.

Hi Don,
It is a bone stock Ruger No 1. They are chambering the 458 Lott now and my rifle must have been among one of the very first production units. I bought it for a big bore conversion project so I will see if I want Ruger to fix it or wait for the conversion. Of course, either way I will not be shooting it anytime soon.

Thanks!

Mingo--

Can you take a close-up picture of that receiver for me. I'm curious how (or if) they relieved the rear tang and safety for loading/ejecting clearance

Jack,

Just boxed up my 458 Lott tonight. I would have taken some pictures of it if I saw your email earlier. Anyway, I also have a brand new bone stock Ruger No 1 in 416 Rigby. Would it work for you? It is late now but I will take some pictures sometime tomorrow. Thanks.

Mingo--

Yes, the Rigby will work fine. It's got the same problem and I'm curious how Ruger got around it.

Jack,

Here are some pictures of my stock Ruger No 1. Let me know if you would like to see anything else. I can also email these pictures to you if you like. Enjoy! Thanks!

One of those pictures is not like the others.
One of those pictures is not the same...

The No.1 is such a great looking action. Looks real pretty in Stainless too.

Kristofer

[ 11-17-2002, 01:44: Message edited by: KBGuns ]

Please ignore the fourth picture as I pasted the wrong picture link. Thanks.

[ 11-17-2002, 05:25: Message edited by: steve y ]