ruger#3 in 45-70 amazes me.

[eastbank]

when i first got this ruger #3 i thought after reading about the bedding problems and other problems that it may be only a 3-5" gun at 100yds and i thought it would be fine for a close range brush rifle. after loading a few different reloads to see for my self, boy i must have gotten a good one as i have not done a thing to it other than mounting a 4x leupold on it. i have killed several deer with it and they were very dead quickly, the load that it loves is 50grs H-4198 for close to 2000fps and the remington 300gr bulk pack bullets, after shooting my .223, i set up to shoot the ruger#3(i had not touched the scope in 4 years) and from a cold clean barrel i fired the first shot and looked thru my spotting scope and it was about a inch high and a inch right, so i fired a second shot and when i looked thru the spotting scope i could see they were in just about the same hole, i them moved the windage adjustment 2 clicks left and didn,t touch the elavation adjustment. the 50gr load of H-4198 should not be used in old trapdoors rifles,but in the marlins and rugers its safe. eastbank

 

[eastbank]

photo,s added, eastbank.

 

[ford8nr]

I've always had a soft spot for the 3's and a love for the 1's. They are just classic beautifle rifles. And to think there's NOT a tacticle version out yet adds to the appeal.

 

[dprice3844444]

I got the ruger 45/70 international with 2x7 Nikon on it. loves 300 grainers.

 

[critter]

I have a #1 in 45-70. I reload 300 gr Rem JHP's for it at just under your load. It is a death ray on deer and hogs. Good and SHORT blood trails. Don't bloodshoot up a lot of meat either. Mine will do about 2" at 100 yds with my setup. Fun gun with 400 grain cast loads too.

 

[Geno]

That is a beautiful rifle! Thanks for the photos.

Geno

 

[sappyg]

NICE! That's a sweet looking rifle.

I've always been on the lookout for a #3. The closest I came was a minty example in 44 mag but it was priced a little too high for my taste. Had to settle for a #1 in 45-70. Sure doesn't shoot as good as this #3.

 

[Maj Dad]

That is a super load - it and ~54 gr 3031 will group 1" at 100 yds in my 1974 Marlin 1895. A friend's #1 will do better than 1" at 100 with the same loads, too. Amazing rifles, amazing accuracy!

 

[AK103K]

ruger#3 in 45-70 amazes me.

It always amazed me growing up as well. After a couple of rounds, I always wanted to throw it in the creek.

Luckily, it was my dads, and he would catch me.

Unluckily, he didnt reload, and all we shot, were heavy factory loads, and that 10-22 stock, would beat you silly.

I gave up shooting it, as it was never much fun.

When my dad died a few years back, it came to me, and I was seriously considering getting rid of it, as it really didnt bring any fond memories, just me rubbing my shoulder and cringing.

I got to looking around and found some light loads for it online, and loaded some up. Now Im glad I kept it. 300 grain hard cast RNFP's over some Trail Boss, and its a pussy cat.



Now I got an 1895G to keep it company too.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

a Ruger No. 3 in .45-70....bet your shoulder knows it after a few rounds

 

[W L Johnson]

Shoot 45-70 out of a Marlin guide gun.
Just something satisfying about shooting that round, especially the Buffalo Bore loads.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

My only 45/70 experience is my 26" Marlin 1895 cowboy. All I've done is backyard range plinking, I have a rather larger back yard, with over the counter (over the internet) 405, 325 and 300 gr ammo. It makes me grin... big.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I have a Pedersoli sharps, a Uberti trapdoor carbine and a Marlin Cowboy rifle, all in 45/70.
Fun to shoot and even fun to reload for...

 

[eastbank]

i have had a love affair since my first cut down trapdoor in 1959(20.00) and that thing kicked the bejeszs out of my 135lb frame. right now i have and shoot a 74 sharps repo, two high walls a marlin 95 and the ruger#3 . all like the 50gr load of H-4198, i don,t shoot that load in the 74 sharps repo as its a target rifle i only shoot lead bullets with 29grd H-4198 and its very mild. eastbank.

 

[Iron Sight]

What's the difference in no 3 and no 1?

I fired a Browning single shot 45 - 70 the other day and fell in love with it? (Lite Load)

Thanks

 

[eastbank]

a different style stock and metal finish and the sights(if the #1 has them). i have seen pictures of #3,s with #1 wood added. and most #1,s are heavier. but both will take the same pressure. eastbank.

 

[RentaCop]

I added a #1 butt stock to my #3 (30-40). Changes the whole feel and recoil characteristics, for the better, with properly loaded 30-40 rounds up to the Ruger's capability.

Since I only changed the butt stock I call it a Ruger 2.5

 

[Palehorseman]

Back in early 1980s Son-in-Law and I took a #3 barrel, turned it down for a reamed out .54 paper cartridge Sharps bbl and sweated it in. Built a cartridge breech block, converted the hammer and the rifle was very accurate.






But the most accurate .45-70 I have ever owned is this 1878 JM Marlin Ballard #5 Pacific hunting rifle. Has been used but not abused and the bore is prime excellent.

 

[kapie]

Just shoot trap door loads and kill about anything and your shoulder will feel fine.