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DoubleD
.400 member

Reged: 23/11/03
Posts: 2438
Loc: Retired in Oklahoma

Ruger No. 1 450/400 3"
#365908 - 26/05/22 02:35 AM

Headed to SA next year for Cape Buffalo.

I have a Ruger No. 1 in 450/400 3 inch headed my way. Near new only fired 3 shots says the seller. 47 rounds of brass and 50 400gr. Swift bullets included.

Looking at scopes. I am Brand loyal and I am looking at Leupold. First Choice was 1.5-4X or 1.5-5X but these are only available with various different wiz band reticles. This old guy works better with K.I.S.S. Narrowed my choice down to Leupold VX-Freedom Rifle Scope 2-7x 33mm Hunt Plex Reticle Matte.

Any one have negative or positive thoughts on the scope, beyond being a Leupold?

Also I am still looking for full or partial bookes of Barnes TSX .410 400 grain bullets.

--------------------
DD, Ret.

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3DogMike
.400 member

Reged: 29/01/15
Posts: 1467
Loc: Western Slope, Colorado USA

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DoubleD]
#365914 - 26/05/22 03:37 AM

Douglas,
Not exactly what you were asking, but here is what I have on my Ruger No.1 .450/.400 Jeffery:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353887096978?hash=item5265509092:g:rv0AAOSwTN5h-azz

I'm a Leupold guy and like the M8 fixed power scopes, they do pop up on occasion.

- Mike

--------------------
"Will Rogers never met a fighter pilot"
- Anon

“Always carry a flask of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake."
-- W. C. Fields

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DoubleD]
#365917 - 26/05/22 05:16 AM

Quote:

Headed to SA next year for Cape Buffalo.

I have a Ruger No. 1 in 450/400 3 inch headed my way. Near new only fired 3 shots says the seller. 47 rounds of brass and 50 400gr. Swift bullets included.

Looking at scopes. I am Brand loyal and I am looking at Leupold. First Choice was 1.5-4X or 1.5-5X but these are only available with various different wiz band reticles. This old guy works better with K.I.S.S. Narrowed my choice down to Leupold VX-Freedom Rifle Scope 2-7x 33mm Hunt Plex Reticle Matte.

Any one have negative or positive thoughts on the scope, beyond being a Leupold?

Also I am still looking for full or partial bookes of Barnes TSX .410 400 grain bullets.

I too am a Leupold guy..have been for over 40 years..

Had a Leupold VX 3 4.5-14 on my 300RUM --did 5 trips to Africa with that combo.. NEVER had to readjust my scope when I arrived and checked my rifles --worked so well I changed it..took off the Leupold and put a Swarovski on it.. first trip..had to readjust when I arrived in Zimbabwe..

I have a 1.75-6 Leupold with Heavy duplex on my 416's I use for DG.. same on the 1.5 to 5 ---both are VX 3's I believe.. can check to confirm..have a VX6 1.75-6 with a firedot on my .375H&H

As for bullets.. There is not a better bullet made for cape buffalo than the Swift A-Frame.. per my experience.. that is after taking in the neighborhood of 80 head of game in Africa using A-Frames in both my 416 and 300RUM.. Personally I would take those over the Barnes every time..BUT?? you have to do what you believe in..

Congrats on the hunt....

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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puddle
.224 member

Reged: 06/07/21
Posts: 16
Loc: United States

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: Ripp]
#365922 - 26/05/22 11:12 AM

I have a 2.5x20mm wide duplex on mine in low rings though I'd prefer a 1.5x or 2x. I like the wide duplex in thick bush.

I agree with you - I'm keeping an eye out for another Vari-X III 1.5-5x20mm without the gizmo's that are on the newer ones. Don't need 'em.

I use a hard cheek weld and couldn't get the crosshairs spot-on bringing the rifle up without raising my cheek ever so slightly, so I put a thick leather butt cuff on it and now it's perfect.

If you'll be in the thick stuff you'll likely just leave it on 2x.

I loaded my rounds to 2050 instead of 2150. That and the way I hold the 2nd round in my trigger hand makes for a pretty darn fast reload with practice.

YMMV...

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skeet2atlow8
.224 member

Reged: 04/11/14
Posts: 29
Loc: Ontario, Canada

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: puddle]
#365923 - 26/05/22 12:09 PM

Try to find a Leupold Pig Plex 1-4x. Bold reticle, good eye relief. If I didn’t already have a Leupold 1.5-5 (old one) on my No 1 in 450/400, I’d be using the Pig Plex.

--------------------
Skeeter

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crshelton
.333 member

Reged: 10/11/15
Posts: 379
Loc: Republic of Texas

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: puddle]
#365924 - 26/05/22 12:19 PM

Common ground :

On the Leupold on my DRs and couple others - the M8 4 power has been on my 1953 M70 .308 for over 3 decades- it just works.

Also on the 400 grain Woodie at 2100 fps for Cape Buff - another combo that just works in my 1895 Winchester .405.

Good hunting.

--------------------
CRS,NRA Benefactor Member, TSRA, DRSS, DWWC, Whittington Center
Android Ballistics App at http://www.xplat.net/

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DarylS
.700 member

Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27065
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: crshelton]
#365925 - 26/05/22 01:17 PM

I would be more inclined, for that rifle not being a long range gun, to be looking at a straight 2X or at the most 2.5X fixed power scope.
I had a 2X Leuy for a while (20years) on my .458 2" and it was perfect.

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

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

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Iowa_303s
.400 member

Reged: 22/03/13
Posts: 1016
Loc: Iowa, USA

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DarylS]
#365927 - 26/05/22 01:38 PM

Like Daryl, I too would be inclined to use a fixed low power scope for cape buffalo and other heavy/dangerous game.
I do however use an older Redfield 1 3/4-5x on my No. 1 450/400.
Mine is used for deer size game with NfB type loads.

--------------------
Matt

formerly known as Iowa_303

"Once your reputation is ruined you can live your life quite freely."

"Enkelkinder über alles"

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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39948
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: Iowa_303s]
#365928 - 26/05/22 07:05 PM

I like a post cross reticle or the German no.4 reticle which has heavier posts, a higher bottom post and no top post. Thinner cross hairs.

For buffalo a 1x to a 2.5x reticle, or a variable starting at 1x or 1 1/2x. A top 4x or 5x is useful for plains game shots.

--------------------
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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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39948
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: NitroX]
#365929 - 26/05/22 07:07 PM

Quote:

I like a post cross reticle or the German no.4 reticle which has heavier posts, a higher bottom post and no top post. Thinner cross hairs.

https://thenewrifleman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/German4_Reticle-2.png

--------------------
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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DoubleD
.400 member

Reged: 23/11/03
Posts: 2438
Loc: Retired in Oklahoma

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: NitroX]
#365931 - 26/05/22 09:41 PM

I have John Taylor's book open and reading praises of the 450/400 3". My goodness he does go on. I do enjoy his writing how ever.

As I read what you folks have wrote it seems we all are on the same wave length.

I did consider the idea of 2X fixed.

Reading her and on other discussion boards as well as Taylor I am more inclined to to go with the variable. While this gun is being acquired for Cape Buffalo it is not intended to be a one shot gun, (not over confidence or arrogance, rather positive attitude) But from description of the cartridge performance, it might become an Elk and Deer rifle and a minimum of 4X for that game would be more useful.

Now to finish Taylor and dig out Keith.

--------------------
DD, Ret.

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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39948
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DoubleD]
#365932 - 26/05/22 10:17 PM

A scope can be useful for making a shot on a bull in a herd. As compared to open express sights. I swapped my double 450 for the guides 416 Rem, 700, scope sighted when trying for a buffalo in a herd while hunting elephant. But no older mature bulls s didn't fire a shot.

Some extra magnification ie 1 to 4x might be useful. I doubt more than 4x is needed on anything a .400 shoots. I've used my 30-06 with a 4x to 250 metres well. Up to 400 metres used but wouldn't normally at least on a costly trophy fee.

--------------------
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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degoins
.333 member

Reged: 28/02/06
Posts: 435
Loc: SC, USA

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DoubleD]
#365933 - 26/05/22 10:26 PM

I too like the M8 4x. First scope I ever owned. Good all round magnification for everything except extreme range....which I don't shoot. Just recently bought a used one and will add another one as soon as I can find one I like.

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DoubleD]
#365936 - 26/05/22 11:17 PM

Quote:

I have John Taylor's book open and reading praises of the 450/400 3". My goodness he does go on. I do enjoy his writing how ever.

As I read what you folks have wrote it seems we all are on the same wave length.

I did consider the idea of 2X fixed.

Reading her and on other discussion boards as well as Taylor I am more inclined to to go with the variable. While this gun is being acquired for Cape Buffalo it is not intended to be a one shot gun, (not over confidence or arrogance, rather positive attitude) But from description of the cartridge performance, it might become an Elk and Deer rifle and a minimum of 4X for that game would be more useful.

Now to finish Taylor and dig out Keith.

Fixed used to be and maybe still is considered a bit more reliable however I have never had an issue with any of my scoped on the larger calibers.. I will only use a variable like the ones mentioned. In Africa and other areas the extra power can come in handy and you never know what opportunity may come your way.. IMHO..

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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DarylS
.700 member

Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27065
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: Ripp]
#365944 - 27/05/22 01:16 AM

If using the rifle for deer at home, then yes, a variable would be better. The 1-4X or 1-5X would be perfect. with soft-ball deer loads, it is not like you would need any more magnification than 4 or 5X.
When I first started hunting in BC, I used and had a 2X on the .458 as well as a 3-9X on the .358/.375 602. It was taped at 4X.
I did use a 12X when 3-position shooting with the .375 and cast bullet loads.

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

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

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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39948
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DarylS]
#365960 - 27/05/22 02:47 AM

Funny acstraight 2 1/2x used to be considered ideal for a bolt action .375. Now I consider it too big !

.

Variable scopes are probably better now. And most certainly cheaper than they used to be.

--------------------
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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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39948
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: NitroX]
#365961 - 27/05/22 02:50 AM

One could with a Ruger No.1 .400, to equip it with two scopes. One for a 410 gr SP. And a low powered scope.

With a second scope of greater power and a lesser weight Spitzer or pointed sp projectile.

Awkward. But could hunt with the buffalo setup. Once done, go for the plains game setup.

--------------------
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"

Edited by NitroX (27/05/22 02:51 AM)

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DarylS
.700 member

Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27065
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: NitroX]
#365962 - 27/05/22 05:04 AM

With good quick detachable mounts by Leopold and others, a quick switch with already sighted in scopes set up for the same rifle would be a piece of cake.

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

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

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DoubleD
.400 member

Reged: 23/11/03
Posts: 2438
Loc: Retired in Oklahoma

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DarylS]
#365987 - 27/05/22 11:14 PM

The scope issue is resolved. I bought a Leupold VX-3HD Rifle Scope 1.5-5x 20mm CDS-ZL Duplex Reticle.

Talked to the Outfitter yesterday and he waiting for the seller in Wisconsin to send the gun. Wisconsin, is that you BuckStik?

As I said above the gun comes with brass and bullets. I would like to pick up 10-20 more cases and load up some light cast bullet loads for drill and practice. I have .410 and .411 bullet moulds for may Marlin Ballard 40/90.

Anybody have any spare 450/400 3" case they might part with. Onsey and twosy will work for practice ammo.

Drop me a PM or email if you can help.

More I read on the Swift bullet, the more I am liking them.

The PH/Outfitter are pushing the TSX bullets. I doubt they complain if I show up with Swift---If I can shoot.

--------------------
DD, Ret.

Edited by DoubleD (27/05/22 11:36 PM)

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DoubleD]
#365988 - 27/05/22 11:35 PM

Quote:

The scope issue is resolved. I bought a Leupold VX-3HD Rifle Scope 1.5-5x 20mm CDS-ZL Duplex Reticle.

Talked to the Outfitter yesterday and he waiting for the seller in Wisconsin to send it. Wisconsin, is that you BuckStik?

As I said above the gun comes with brass and bullets. I would like to pick up 10-20 more cases and load up some light cast bullet loads for drill and practice. I have .410 and .411 bullet moulds for may Marlin Ballard 40/90.

Anybody have any spare 450/400 3" case they might part with. Onsey and twosy will work for practice ammo.

Drop me a PM or email if you can help.

More I read on the Swift bullet, the more I am liking them.

The PH/Outfitter are pushing the TSX bullets. I doubt they complain if I show up with Swift---If I can shoot.

You will NOT regret using Swifts..Don't think I have a recovered A-Frame that isn't still 90% weight retention or more.. As I have stated before.. I shot a big buff bull one morning in Zim.. at about 80 yards.. bullet passed through and killed another bull behind him.. Two for one..

Think your choice of scope is perfect..

Has to be exciting preparing for the trip.. good for you..

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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DoubleD
.400 member

Reged: 23/11/03
Posts: 2438
Loc: Retired in Oklahoma

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: Ripp]
#365990 - 27/05/22 11:42 PM

Ripp,

Since moving away from Montana my hunting and shooting has been seriously curtailed. I use to get all shakey in February driving around to look lo0oking for the first gopher of the season.

I haven't fired shot through one of my 17's since 2018.

Now I am getting cranked up. and this trip is still a year away, well technically 11 months and three weeks away. But who is counting.

--------------------
DD, Ret.

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DoubleD]
#365997 - 28/05/22 02:15 AM

Quote:

Ripp,

Since moving away from Montana my hunting and shooting has been seriously curtailed. I use to get all shakey in February driving around to look lo0oking for the first gopher of the season.

I haven't fired shot through one of my 17's since 2018.

Now I am getting cranked up. and this trip is still a year away, well technically 11 months and three weeks away. But who is counting.

My kids, wife and I entered a gopher derby a couple weeks back.. it was a Sat/Sun event.. bring in a tail for proof.. I worked on the ranch Sat so couldn't help .. they had a rough time opening day as 2/3's made it back down the hole before they could get their tails but off.. I fired up my Anschutz in 17HMR on Sunday morning.. once hit with that the going down the hole part was a non-issue..

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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DarylS
.700 member

Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27065
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: Ripp]
#366002 - 28/05/22 03:55 AM

We have used our HMRs to 200yards VERY effectively. At that range, head and chest hits anchor them.
The first year we used the HMR's, we went right out to 250yards, but had too many crawl-offs, so have now restricted their use to 200.

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

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

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: DarylS]
#366003 - 28/05/22 04:06 AM

Quote:

We have used our HMRs to 200yards VERY effectively. At that range, head and chest hits anchor them.
The first year we used the HMR's, we went right out to 250yards, but had too many crawl-offs, so have now restricted their use to 200.

THe 17HMR's are such an awesome gopher round.. can witness the hit through the scope.. and leaves no doubt as to the hit itself

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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DarylS
.700 member

Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27065
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: Ruger No. 1 450/400 3" [Re: Ripp]
#366008 - 28/05/22 05:26 AM

Same goes for the .17AH, .17 Hornady Hornet and .17 Ack. Bee.
About 80% of the time, with .17. Rem too.

Sorry this has nothing to do with the OP's Ruger.

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

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

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