Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***
You are not logged in. [Login] Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Single Shots & Combination Guns
Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1
FrankS
.300 member


Reged: 06/10/08
Posts: 114
Loc: New Iberia Louisiana
How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70
      #239274 - 14/12/13 05:46 PM

Ok here goes. I have a ruger 45/70 walnut and blued steel. Don't use it much anymore and since I'm just punchin hoes in paper i figured that the folks here would be able to tell me what are the pitfalls there are if any doing this conversion process. I'm assuming that alterations would have to be made to the exractor at the least.Si if anyone has heard of this conversion I'd be very happy to hear from you.thank you,Frank

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
aromakr
.375 member


Reged: 20/04/11
Posts: 849
Loc: Hamilton, Montana
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: FrankS]
      #239282 - 15/12/13 03:11 AM

You would need to either re-bore or re-barrel the action to .500 cal. as well as alter the extractor, just to name a few changes to be made.
Bob

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
HuviusModerator
.416 member


Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3556
Loc: Colorado
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: aromakr]
      #239283 - 15/12/13 03:59 AM

I have a Ruger No.1 in 50-110 but it has been rebarreled.
Here: http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=167790&an=0&page=7#Post167790
The extractor and feed channel can take it but can't say if your barrel has enough meat in it to rebore.

That said, I would go with the 50-110 so you could potentially have a broader range of loading to work with.
Look up Mike Tulowitzky, he works on a lot of No.1s and should be able to tell you what can be done with your barrel.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27000
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: Huvius]
      #239289 - 15/12/13 05:34 AM

With smokeless (or BP) loads, the .50/70 can be a great round, however for much more power, the .50-110 or .50/90 Sharps are two other suggestions. In the #1, the .50/70 should quite easily make over 2,000fps with 450gr. bullets - should let you know you've fired something powerful. The reason I suggest those ballistics, is that it has the same capacity as a .45/70, but with greater expansion ratio = higher speed with same weight at same pressure.

While the .45/70 #3 has a very thin barrel, the #1 might be able to be re-bored, but usually it's just as cheap to re-barrel. You would also probably end up with a better quality barrel. So - new barrel, chamber and maybe new extractor - quite simple. I expect the .45/70 extractor could be modified to work just fine. A quick check in Richard Lee's new book , shows a .45/70 running 2,100fps with jacketed 400's at 47,000psi. The .50/70 should make about 50fps to 100fps over that with the same weight bullet.

With a pressure limit of whatever the brass you use can handle, it is a VERY powerful round.

In retrospect, I'd simply chamber it for the .50 Alaskan, which is a blown out .348 Winchester case - ie: 2.1" long. It is a VERY power full round and one I have some experience with, but in less strong actions.

Cases are easily found and made.

This brass is EVERY strong and will allow you to load to the capability of the rifle's action and barrel - which would allow ANY and ALL African dangerous game shooting.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
AkMike
.416 member


Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: DarylS]
      #239363 - 16/12/13 04:46 PM

I suspect that Daryl meant to say to re-chamber to the 450 Alaskan NOT the 50 Alaskan. The 50 would need to be bored out or a fresh pipe.

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
BB416
.275 member


Reged: 01/10/13
Posts: 68
Loc: QLD Australia
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: AkMike]
      #239371 - 16/12/13 11:06 PM

You can always have a go at the 450 3/4 NE. That is what I have converted from the 45/70 in my No.1, just a simple and cost effective rechamber, no need to change the tube!! More than enough power to tame the largest beast that walks this Earth or any other close by

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
headoftheholler
.275 member


Reged: 02/12/13
Posts: 68
Loc: United States
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: BB416]
      #239372 - 16/12/13 11:15 PM

A kid on another forum took a cheap Handi Rifle in 45-70 and coverted it to 45-120, a very impressive looking cartridge.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Grenadier
.375 member


Reged: 20/02/08
Posts: 570
Loc: North of the Columbia, USA
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: headoftheholler]
      #239380 - 17/12/13 12:31 AM

Re-barreling and extractor modification will give you your 50-70. I think that would be fun.

--------------------
~

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
michaelj
.224 member


Reged: 02/06/09
Posts: 26
Loc: Lakewood, Colorado US
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: Grenadier]
      #239389 - 17/12/13 04:53 AM

Yes a re-barrel and modify the extractor and your good to go. Of course you will need to blue it as well. I do a fair amount of No1 work and would be glad to help you out. If you are looking to the 50 you might consider the 50/90 or as suggested the 50/110.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
AkMike
.416 member


Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: michaelj]
      #239391 - 17/12/13 05:29 AM

The barrel would need to be set back in order to use the 450NE because of the thinner rim. The rechamber to 450 AKN. would be very cost effective. I used a 458 WM barrel to make my 450 NE Ruger #1 because of the hefty tube on the 458. The 450 NE will 'just' clean up the 458 chamber.

There just happens to be a new Pacnor 50X18 twist #5 contour available at AR for $250 right now if you decide on this route.

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
93x64mm
.416 member


Reged: 07/12/11
Posts: 4200
Loc: Nth QLD Australia
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: AkMike]
      #239398 - 17/12/13 07:05 AM

FrankS, yes a Ruger No1 can be converted even to a .500NE 3", plenty have been done here in Oz! They are a sight on the rifle range. With what appears to be a short fat barrel; in reality most are longer than standard, just the action length shortens the whole unit overall making them a very handy package.
Well you certainly have some ideas thrown at you & the ideas are all sound!
Your decision is the final one though as to what you really want; but then again its like a spanner, you have all different sizes for different bolts - same principle for rifles I reckon......well until the wife finds out!
Tough decision mate, after all it is a 'Big fifty" you're after
93x64mm

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27000
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: 93x64mm]
      #239454 - 18/12/13 04:41 AM

Thanks for the clarification, Mike. Actually, when I wrote to chamber to .50 Alaskan, I was thinking of the new or re-bored if possible .50 cal. barrel and instead of going .50/70 simply chamber it to .50 Alaskan as a better choice. It's easy to blow out the .348's straight and they are very strong brass. Tool, there is loading data available for a starting point.

My brother is currently testing a new cast bullet at 600gr. in his .50 Alaskan M74 Sharps and has it shooting 'just over' 1 inch 5 shot groups at 100 meters- using black powder. Smokeless loads are easy for this sort of accuracy in this ctg.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
AkMike
.416 member


Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: DarylS]
      #239456 - 18/12/13 05:39 AM

I'm sorry Daryl, I thought you were talking about a simple re-chamber to the 450.

My Bad..

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27000
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: AkMike]
      #239508 - 19/12/13 03:44 AM

That's OK - I have one of those too. A model 1871/76 Mauser that was originally a .43 Mauser that I re-chambered to .450 Alaskan for black powder and mild smokeless loads 1,500fps with 500's - kicks like h**l in a 6 pound rifle.

Then there's the .458 Alaskan - my own version of the .450 Alaskan to fit and work in a bolt gun - 2,200fps with 500's - easy and low pressure - for a modern bolt gun, that is. Has 7gr. greater capacity than a .458 Win Mag. and only 2.1" long.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
FrankS
.300 member


Reged: 06/10/08
Posts: 114
Loc: New Iberia Louisiana
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: DarylS]
      #239680 - 22/12/13 10:41 PM

I had origionally had problems with deciding which action to go with.One is a 1875 marge framed martini 577-450 artillary carbine or use the remnants of a greener MKIII police shotgun. That one has all the wood and the receiver is in better shape than the 1875 martini plus I could reperpose the origional buttstock and forend. Then the light in the head came on and said maybe my Ruger #1 in 45-70.I believe the barrel shank thread is 16tpi. Problem with the ruger carbine is that it is so short and really does not look right. If it were a tropical rifle then things would be different. But money at this time of the year and had to shell out some heavy bucks for a new kubots L3800 tractor with front end loader and 5'bushog to cut the grass in my back section which is starting to look like scenes from the "the lost world" Thanks for all your tips and suggestions. Frank

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
AkMike
.416 member


Reged: 19/11/05
Posts: 2576
Loc: Anchorage, Alaska
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: FrankS]
      #239693 - 23/12/13 05:42 AM

If you're going to thread the new barrel yourself, Be aware of the 55 degree thread pitch and not the more normal 60 now in use.

--------------------
"When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
AZDAVE
.275 member


Reged: 12/02/09
Posts: 75
Loc: Arizona, USA
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: AkMike]
      #239705 - 23/12/13 01:48 PM

Putting on a new tube is the easiest.

I have a #1 in 50 AK and one in 500NE both are fine rounds. If you go to a 50/70 and want to lengthen the chamber at some point you can go to 50/90 Sharps or 50/110 but not to a 50 AK as the base of the 50 AK is smaller than the old buffalo rounds. Starline makes affordable brass for all of brass for all but the 500 NE. All of them in a #1 will give you all the fun you want:-) Good luck on your project.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ireload2
.224 member


Reged: 11/08/13
Posts: 41
Loc: USA
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: AZDAVE]
      #239759 - 25/12/13 06:52 PM

Stick with the 50-70 or 50-90. They are single shot cartridges.
The 50-110 was a cartridge for a repeating rifle - yuck.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27000
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: Ireload2]
      #239782 - 26/12/13 05:24 PM


On the other hand, feed an appropriately twisted (22" to 24") .50-110 with appropriate bullets of 500 t0 600 gr. and it is a wonderful round for ALL big game - anywhere in the world.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27000
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: DarylS]
      #239783 - 26/12/13 05:28 PM

Actually, I am looking forward to the next gun show - to sell enough junk to buy a Pedersoli M76 Winchester chambered for the .50/95Winchester - just for an and iron sighted, lever actioned moose killing.
Last gun show I foolishly sold off both my .375 and .356 Winchesters. Yikes!!

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Rell
.375 member


Reged: 03/12/04
Posts: 642
Loc: Oyster Bay, NY, USA
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: DarylS]
      #239799 - 27/12/13 02:32 PM

Selling a 356 ... Yikes in deed!

--------------------
450-400, 9.3x74r and 7x65r.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
lancaster
.470 member


Reged: 06/05/08
Posts: 9036
Loc: There's a lighthouse in the mi...
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: Ireload2]
      #239800 - 27/12/13 03:35 PM

Quote:

Stick with the 50-70 or 50-90. They are single shot cartridges.
The 50-110 was a cartridge for a repeating rifle - yuck.



years ago I was loading for a guy with a belgian made cape gun - rifle barrel on the left side - in 12ga 2 1/2" and 50-110. this was the time when only lathe turned brass by NDFS was available.

--------------------
Norwegian hunter misses moose, shoots man on toilet
.
bringing civilisation to the barbarians

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Al333
.333 member


Reged: 24/02/13
Posts: 287
Loc: B.C. Canada
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: lancaster]
      #239801 - 27/12/13 04:40 PM

At one time I owned a British double in 50ex (50/110 winchester. Shot great.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
FrankS
.300 member


Reged: 06/10/08
Posts: 114
Loc: New Iberia Louisiana
Re: How hard would it be to convert a ruger #1 in 45/70 to 50-70 [Re: Al333]
      #240204 - 05/01/14 05:19 PM

Thanks for all the suggesstions and info. Money is real tight right now so was thinking of getting a green mountain 50 cal barrel with I think is a 1x24 twist. At least would be heading in the right direction. Thanks again. Frank

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1


Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
0 registered and 114 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  Huvius 

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 10850

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved