Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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The rifle arrived in town just over a week ago, and when the dies arrived earlier this week, my brother and I set-to making some pills for it.
With recommendations from forum members and Woodleigh, I have tried 82 and 83 grains of AR2213SC, and although they seem to shoot well, methinks them to be too warm based on the primers flattening-out. I'll continue experimenting, but am open to suggestions / thoughts. This is for the Woodleigh 400 grain RNSNs and Hydros (based on the recommendation on the Woodleigh website that Hydros be loaded the same as RNSNs). For playing around with solids, I used 81 grains of that same powder, with the same flat primer result. Forum Member Pato Senior was able to suggest another powder combination to try, which I will soon. Thanks to Forum Member Jeff for pointing me to it, I will also soon be checking-out www.ammoguide.com for hints.
Anyway, here are some photos of the pills:
I really enjoyed blasting some termite mounds with them a few days ago.
Edited by CptCurl (02/07/10 11:35 PM)
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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Here is a line-up of the rifles belonging to my visiting brother and me:
As you can see, the Ruger No.1 is short and sweet, a real little cutey.
Edited by CptCurl (02/07/10 11:36 PM)
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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Now, just this morning, my brother and I took the Ruger No.1 for its second walk this week in an attempt to initiate it, and we stumbled into some luck in the form of a feral jack donkey at a well-used donkey playground. To be honest, my first two shots missed, but in my defence, the donkey was moving and 120 metres away... Okay, okay, no excuses: I just missed, and I shouldn't have. It looked like I had no chance as the donkey sprinted further and further away into the savannah, but fortunately for us and unfortunately for the donkey, he didn't realise exactly where we were, and when he got to a dry creek, he turned and ran parallel to it, enabling me to cut across at a run and intercept it at what might've been a hundred metres; this time, the bullet brought it crashing to earth.
Edited by CptCurl (02/07/10 11:36 PM)
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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I gave myself a lesson in how not to hold this rifle properly. It was fine earlier in the week when I was shooting targets (termite mounds), as evidently I was holding it nice and tight. Today, I was a little too relaxed, I think, and tore my thumb some with the safety upon recoil:
It serves me right; lesson learned.
Edited by CptCurl (02/07/10 11:37 PM)
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Omnivorous_Bob
.333 member
Reged: 03/10/05
Posts: 286
Loc: Montana
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That looks like a great time (except for the thumb)! There was mention on another thread that Alex Beer has make a more suitable replacement safety that might help.
All of my bolt guns are Rugers (2x30-06 and 2x375). They make a sturdy reliable gun at a decent price, not too heavy and classicaly styled to my eyes at least.
What bullet did you get the critter with? Those new Woodleigh's definitely look interesting. If you can post more details of the bullet/load I'd love to hear them.
I've never owned a No 1 but have been seriously temped since they announced their 450/400, and excellent posts like this only makes it worse!
Bob
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"If we're not supposed to eat animals, how come they're made out of meat?"
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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G'day Bob,
I used Hornady brass, Woodleigh 400 grain RNSN projectiles, and 83 grains of AR2213SC. One day I might just invest in a chronograph for the fun of it - I'm not sure, yet. I need to talk to Forum Member Drew about the flat primers, to see if he gets the same from his loads.
I do like Rugers, although I have shot them very little since I was a kid pinging-away at bunnies on the farm with a little semi-auto 10/22. That was fun!
Cheers,
Ben
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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PS - I'll pretty-much just use Woodleigh RNSNs for everyday hunting, and save the Woodleigh Hydros for buffalo.
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CHAPUISARMES
.416 member
Reged: 16/01/08
Posts: 2908
Loc: DUBBO, NSW, AUSTRALIA
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Hi Ben & Bro.
The loaded pills look really mean. Hornady cases,??? Have you tried it on paper to see where each of the loads go in relation to each other?? that would be interesting as Geoff McDonald said that they go really close to his others?? For a change of subject, I finally got that movie to work on the cheapest "Dick Smith" portable player, not a bad movie but it does have the sound of an early film but the story line is good. Oh, sorry about the thumb and yes it will mend and yes Alex does have some features that would enhance it but that's after he finishes my 30.06 Ha Ha just joking.
Cheers Mate,
Jeff 
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NitroX
.700 member
Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 40645
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
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Quote:
This is for the Woodleigh 400 grain RNSNs and Hydros (based on the recommendation on the Woodleigh website that Hydros be loaded the same as RNSNs).
That is interesting. I have a pack of 300 gr .375 Hydros and also have loaded the 300 gr Woodleigh RNSP in my .375.
With only twenty Hydros to play with, if that works, it might be worth giving them a try.
As they are expensive and mono bullets aren't needed in Australia, thank goodness, they are IMO a bit of a novelty. In places like California they are more of a necessity.
***
Ben,
I like the Ruger no. 1 in .450/400 and have to admit being tempted. But I'm looking at some point to acquire a .450/400 in a double rifle, so spending on a single shot just delays that purchase.
It looks like a fun rifle and a modern classic.
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John aka NitroX
 ...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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Quote:
In places like California they are more of a necessity.
Too funny, John! 
Yeah, they (the Hydros) really are most-likely of simple novelty value here, as I do know that normal 400+ grain Woodleigh RNSNs work just fine on buffalo. Although, I am looking-forward to trying one on a front-on bull, and seeing what penetration happens.
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degoins
.333 member
Reged: 28/02/06
Posts: 448
Loc: SC, USA
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Good job on the donkey!! And taken with class with a classic.
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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With my brother having gone back down-south, I went for a solo walk today in order to check-out the donkey carcass. Being in a fairly dry area, it is still too early for a distant pig to have found it, it turned-out. The birdlife it had attracted was most interesting; it wasn't crows, kites or eagles (although I'm sure they have visited at some stage); instead, it was an assorted bunch of little bee-eater types, buzzing- and swooping-in to intercept flies or snatch-up maggots. They were very pretty little birds, and I wish my camera was sufficient to have reached-out to capture more and better images. Here are some:
Edited by CptCurl (07/07/10 09:00 PM)
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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Some scenery:
Edited by CptCurl (07/07/10 09:00 PM)
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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Having decided that no pigs would come in during the afternoon or evening, I set-off into burned country in a round-about route to get back to the Toyota. Descending a rise, I bespied donkey movement off to my left about two-hundred metres away. I crouched low, and quietly sought slightly lower altitude and better cover, and made some progress toward them, only to discover their unease as the wind swirled its dirty, gentle tricks. They knew something was up, but weren't sure where. They kept feeding along at an angle to me, coming slightly closer. I scanned all that I could see clearly out of the mob of about twelve, and eventually selected a jack. By this stage, I was motionless in the shade on the rocky bank of the rise, rifle readied and steadied on my knees, with safety catch on. I practiced aiming as the jennies gradually fed over the next rise and out of view, waiting for the jacks at the rear to make a move to follow, as they were still obscured by thin brush. Finally, the jack I was after came into the clear, and I suppose the shot distance was perhaps a-hundred-and-twenty metres, or thereabouts. A few quick Woodleigh 400 grain RNSNs were delivered, and the jack was killed. I had immensely enjoyed the walk and the hunt, and although I was happy with my success, I was also saddened to have taken the life of such a magnificent wild animal that survives in such a harsh area and climate. I have a great deal of admiration and respect for our humble feral donkeys, and my big game hunting experience has taken many lessons from time spent stalking and observing them.
Edited by Ben (07/07/10 09:22 PM)
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CHAPUISARMES
.416 member
Reged: 16/01/08
Posts: 2908
Loc: DUBBO, NSW, AUSTRALIA
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Hi Ben,
Another well done is in order, it is a shame your brother has gone back home but now you can look forward to his next visit. Is there any value in the hide ?? winter of course.
Cheers Mate,
Jeff
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CptCurl
.450 member
Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5318
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...
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Ben,
Beautiful photos. You make that Ruger sound so good I'm tempted to buy one. (I'm such a gun whore!)
Curl
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RoscoeStephenson.com
YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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Thanks Jeff and Curl. Jeff, I don't believe there is any value in the hide, although one would look nice on the floor I imagine. They carry the Cross of Christ on their backs, and some of our mission-taught older aborigine folk view them as sacred as a result. I understand that they are very difficult to skin, easy to wreck, and I sure am not a talented skinner. Curl, I am indeed enjoying this new little toy; it has spiced-up my big bore rifle shooting and hunting, making my little experience richer.
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KILLERtj
.224 member
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 19
Loc: Northern Illinois, USA
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That is beautiful country out there, and an awesome looking rifle. I wish one day to get my Ruger #1 out for a big game hunt!
KILLERtj
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"Speed kills, rock maim"
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Drew_Jaeger
.275 member
Reged: 27/09/09
Posts: 55
Loc: Southern Tablelands, NSW, Aust...
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Very nice photos and good shooting. Did you recover any of the 400gr RNSNs? PM reply sent too. 
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Cheers
Drew
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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Thanks Drew and TJ. I didn't recover any projectiles. Once the pigs clean them up, I'll try my luck; next time, I'll think to have a dig. It would be interesting, for sure. I'll go and take some photos, Drew. Cheers!
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450
.300 member
Reged: 30/12/06
Posts: 199
Loc: Melbourne,Victoria, Australia
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Great rifle in a great calibre. The ruger #1 are a really nice rifle to carry and hunt with. I have stainless #1 in 45-70. 300 grn at 2450fps and the 405 Rems at 2000. I will be using it on pigs later this year. It would be great to try them on bigger stuff. We will see. Hope to hear about more results with yours.
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The worst days shooting and hunting is better than the best day at work
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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The rifle killed its first pig today; just a little one, but a happy time nevertheless. One Texas Heartshot did the trick (no exit).
Edited by CptCurl (27/07/10 09:36 PM)
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Ben
.400 member
Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
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She was taken with a 400-grain Woodleigh RNSN, by the way.
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Cinghiale
.333 member
Reged: 15/04/08
Posts: 406
Loc: Northern Territory
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Mate good work, great to see you getting out there and giving it a go.
Regards,
MOG
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Rockdoc
.400 member
Reged: 07/12/06
Posts: 1213
Loc: NSW, Australia
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Looks great Ben, good post. What loads did you use for the SN's?
I'd like to replace my rear sight with one like on the Boddington rifles. Not sure where things got to regards sourcing them.
Cheers, Chris
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