T/C reload data For Ruger #1??????

flstfi · January 8, 2006, 01:38 PM

I have a Ruger #1 chambered in .357 Mag. The only reload data I can find is for weaker lever action rifles that are not nearly as capable as a stronger falling block action of a #1 .

There has got to be some criteria that will allow me to push this fine gun over 2000fps using a 180gr. I was wondering if I can use some sort of data for a similar action. I thought there might be a source like T/C that might work.

hivel37 · January 8, 2006, 02:09 PM

After looking in "The Complete Reloading Manual for the Thompson Center Contender", in order to get 2000 fps in a 357 Mag 10" T/C, you have to drop to a 125 grain bullet.

You might achieve that velocity with the barrel length you have by running a 357 Maximum reamer. Then again, if your going to those lengths, there are probably better choices that the Max.

flstfi · January 8, 2006, 03:49 PM

The only problem with the smaller bullet is that they have lousy ballistic coefficient campared to like the Hornady 180gr Spire (248). My goal is varmints at 200 plus yards.

impact · January 8, 2006, 05:11 PM

In my 47th lyman manual the 357 mag loads mirror the loads listed for the Contender.

They show a 110gr Winchester JHP loaded with 13.0grs of AAno5 at 42,000 CUP at just a little over 2000FPS in a 10 inch barrel!

You have what you have! If you want a good 200 yard varmint gun get you a 22-250 or the like. No getting around it. Sorry!

roy reali · January 8, 2006, 06:15 PM

Several years ago I picked up an NEF Handi Rifle in .357 magnum. I had a gunsmith ream it out to .357 max. It was an easy and inexpensive operation. Basically the chamber is made a bit longer. I can still shoot the magnum rounds, but the added powder capacity allows me to use more aerodynamic projectiles at decent velocities.

It would seem that a No.1 should be easy to alter.

Leftoverdj · January 8, 2006, 06:48 PM

The .357 Max will drive a 180 grain to 2000 fps in a rifle barrel, but you can't do it with the .357 case. The rechamber is an easy do-yourself job, but I'd think long and hard about doing it to a Ruger No. 1 were there any chance I would ever want to sell.

I've done about ten rechamber jobs myself and rented a reamer out to about 20 other guys. Everyone is happy and it's a really neat conversion, but we've been doing it to shootables, not collectibles.

roy reali · January 8, 2006, 07:11 PM

You made a good point about collectible firearms. I guess the Ruger may have value. NEF's do not.

What rifles did you make your conversions on?

I am happy with my set up.

Hairtrigger · January 8, 2006, 10:03 PM

I would not load a 357 mag brass to 357 max velocity/pressure for fear af putting it in a revolver by mistake

flstfi · January 8, 2006, 10:52 PM

The #1 is a California Highway Patrol comemorative 1984. I'm not into that collectable stuff. I buy what I like and I shoot it. Most of the guys I know that do that simply die and the wife sells them for peanuts or gives them away to the local police or a gun shop.

Why buy fine wine and let it sit...........

I handload max loads in nickel cases and the others in brass. Since I posted this thread I have found what I was looking for http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357 has a 170gr @1860 fps and a 158gr pushed @2153 fps out of a Marlin 1894 Lever action which is not nearly as strong as a Ruger #1 falling block.

mbartel · January 8, 2006, 11:00 PM

You will not be able to drive a 180gr bullet to 2000 fps in a .357 mag case.
The pistol primer will not take that kind of chamber pressure, and neither will the case. Common revolver brass designed for handgun pressures, starts to plasticize (flow) at around 52,000psi. You can't drive this kind of brass up to the pressures that your #1 can handle. Go to a rifle cartridge if you need that kind of power. The other problem is case capacity....you can't get enough of the slow burning type of powder that you would need, into the case to reach those velocities.

flstfi · January 8, 2006, 11:15 PM

Check out the website in thread #9 Actually its a 170 grainer.

mbartel · January 9, 2006, 06:17 PM

Published velocities are one thing....ACTUAL velocities are another....
Besides, 170gr bullet at 1860 fps is not the same as a 180gr. at 2000+ fps.
All I'm saying is that when you try to push a cartridge beyond it's design limits, unpredictable things can happen. And achieving some of those fantastic published velocities by using non-pressure tested loads, is asking for trouble. Some of these "SUPER" loads are made with non-cannister powders that the average person doesn't have access to. Even so, the .357 mag is a fine handgun cartridge, but trying to extract long range rifle power out of it, is foolhardy...IMO. Good Luck Anyway...

January 8, 2006, 06:15 PM	#5
roy reali Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 3,248	Another Option Several years ago I picked up an NEF Handi Rifle in .357 magnum. I had a gunsmith ream it out to .357 max. It was an easy and inexpensive operation. Basically the chamber is made a bit longer. I can still shoot the magnum rounds, but the added powder capacity allows me to use more aerodynamic projectiles at decent velocities. It would seem that a No.1 should be easy to alter.

January 8, 2006, 07:11 PM	#7
roy reali Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 3,248	Good Point You made a good point about collectible firearms. I guess the Ruger may have value. NEF's do not. What rifles did you make your conversions on? I am happy with my set up.

January 8, 2006, 11:15 PM	#11
flstfi Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Location: California Posts: 44	Its Been Done Check out the website in thread #9 Actually its a 170 grainer.

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January 8, 2006, 01:38 PM	#1
flstfi Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Location: California Posts: 44	T/C reload data For Ruger #1?????? I have a Ruger #1 chambered in .357 Mag. The only reload data I can find is for weaker lever action rifles that are not nearly as capable as a stronger falling block action of a #1 . There has got to be some criteria that will allow me to push this fine gun over 2000fps using a 180gr. I was wondering if I can use some sort of data for a similar action. I thought there might be a source like T/C that might work.

January 8, 2006, 02:09 PM	#2
hivel37 Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2004 Location: Hill Country Posts: 522	After looking in "The Complete Reloading Manual for the Thompson Center Contender", in order to get 2000 fps in a 357 Mag 10" T/C, you have to drop to a 125 grain bullet. You might achieve that velocity with the barrel length you have by running a 357 Maximum reamer. Then again, if your going to those lengths, there are probably better choices that the Max.

January 8, 2006, 03:49 PM	#3
flstfi Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Location: California Posts: 44	reply The only problem with the smaller bullet is that they have lousy ballistic coefficient campared to like the Hornady 180gr Spire (248). My goal is varmints at 200 plus yards.

January 8, 2006, 05:11 PM	#4
impact Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: the great state of Texas Posts: 854	In my 47th lyman manual the 357 mag loads mirror the loads listed for the Contender. They show a 110gr Winchester JHP loaded with 13.0grs of AAno5 at 42,000 CUP at just a little over 2000FPS in a 10 inch barrel! You have what you have! If you want a good 200 yard varmint gun get you a 22-250 or the like. No getting around it. Sorry!

January 8, 2006, 06:48 PM	#6
Leftoverdj Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2004 Posts: 934	The .357 Max will drive a 180 grain to 2000 fps in a rifle barrel, but you can't do it with the .357 case. The rechamber is an easy do-yourself job, but I'd think long and hard about doing it to a Ruger No. 1 were there any chance I would ever want to sell. I've done about ten rechamber jobs myself and rented a reamer out to about 20 other guys. Everyone is happy and it's a really neat conversion, but we've been doing it to shootables, not collectibles.

January 8, 2006, 10:03 PM	#8
Hairtrigger Member Join Date: December 1, 2004 Location: NW OHIO Posts: 39	I would not load a 357 mag brass to 357 max velocity/pressure for fear af putting it in a revolver by mistake

January 8, 2006, 10:52 PM	#9
flstfi Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Location: California Posts: 44	The #1 is a California Highway Patrol comemorative 1984. I'm not into that collectable stuff. I buy what I like and I shoot it. Most of the guys I know that do that simply die and the wife sells them for peanuts or gives them away to the local police or a gun shop. Why buy fine wine and let it sit........... I handload max loads in nickel cases and the others in brass. Since I posted this thread I have found what I was looking for http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357 has a 170gr @1860 fps and a 158gr pushed @2153 fps out of a Marlin 1894 Lever action which is not nearly as strong as a Ruger #1 falling block.

January 8, 2006, 11:00 PM	#10
mbartel Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Posts: 77	You will not be able to drive a 180gr bullet to 2000 fps in a .357 mag case. The pistol primer will not take that kind of chamber pressure, and neither will the case. Common revolver brass designed for handgun pressures, starts to plasticize (flow) at around 52,000psi. You can't drive this kind of brass up to the pressures that your #1 can handle. Go to a rifle cartridge if you need that kind of power. The other problem is case capacity....you can't get enough of the slow burning type of powder that you would need, into the case to reach those velocities.

January 9, 2006, 06:17 PM	#12
mbartel Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Posts: 77	Published velocities are one thing....ACTUAL velocities are another.... Besides, 170gr bullet at 1860 fps is not the same as a 180gr. at 2000+ fps. All I'm saying is that when you try to push a cartridge beyond it's design limits, unpredictable things can happen. And achieving some of those fantastic published velocities by using non-pressure tested loads, is asking for trouble. Some of these "SUPER" loads are made with non-cannister powders that the average person doesn't have access to. Even so, the .357 mag is a fine handgun cartridge, but trying to extract long range rifle power out of it, is foolhardy...IMO. Good Luck Anyway...