[LeoCal]

I'm strongly considering a Ruger #1 Standard in .300 Weatherby.
It has a 26" barrel in about the same overall length as a bolt action with a 23", and it costs less.  I have a #1 in .45-70 that I like a lot.
Any thoughts, opinions, experiences, etc., on the cartridge and/or the rifle will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[alyeska338]

Leo,
Thought I'd jump in...  I'm a huge fan of the No.1.  They have been my main hunting companion for some 20 years now and I've used one or another for everything from ground hogs to moose.  As for the 300 Wby, well, I had one once upon a time.  I could not find fault with it except that it wasn't in a No. 1, so I traded for a 270 Wby Mag in a No. 1 B.  After shooting the S configuration for so long, the B just didn't seem right and the hot 270 was too hot for what I wanted to use it for.  Anyhow, I love the No. 1's.  If you like the 300's of any flavor, you ought to really like the Wby.  It's more of what a 300 does best, shoot heavy 30 cal bullets very fast.  I can't remember where the post was, but I think it was in the 'What's your favorite rifle' thread about a week ago sdonegan published some load results in 300 Winny that were really amazing.  The Wby version should be a little higher in the velocity department.

Good luck and let us know what you decide and how it shoots.



<!--EDIT|alyeska338|April 02 2002,18:35-->

 

[IDShooter]

Leo,
    A good friend of mine uses a Weatherby Mark V in 300 Weatherby Mag here in North Idaho for deer and elk. He loads 180 gr partitions and IMR4831 powder. He's not much of a gun nut, so he's never chrono'd his loads or anything, but he is one of the best hunters I know and gets his elk almost every year. He feels the Weatherby works better than his old 30-06, but I think it's largely a confidence thing. He doesn't really use the rifle for long range shooting so he doesn't exploit the rifle's greatest virtue in my opinion. But like I said, he's happy and the rifle obviously performs well for him.
     Alyeska is far more qualified to comment on the No. 1, so I won't add anything there!    ID

 

[jim]

Hi Leo:

I love #1s also, but have had mixed results in the accuracy dept. I had a 1b in 243 that was the most accurate non .22 rifle I've ever owned. But I also owned a 1b in .270 win that was mediocre, and a 1s in 7x57 that was downright awful. I love 'em anyway, and am toying with trying to find a Hornet or a .222. (Don't need it, I just want one)

I have owned one 300 WBY. I bought it right from the factory store in Southgate. It was a 26" #2 contour. It was the most accurate magnum I've ever owned. At the time, I thought recoil was pretty stout, but compared to my ultralite rifles of today, it was no big deal. I found a load the first or second time out that gave me a 180 @ 3120 with 1" to 1 1/4" groups every time. I never looked for another load.

Jim

 

[Big Bore]

I have one and it is a fantastic round.  When I got my No.1 it was when Ruger was outsourcing their barrels and mine was a problem child.  Once I got it lapped in (Thanks Marshall) it became a decent shooter.  Not as good as the current Rugers with Ruger made barrels, but it will hold MOA with some loads.  The round itself is a grand performer and its history speaks more about its ability than I can.  One thing I am certain of, you won't be sorry for getting it.  Even with todays SRUM, WSM, and other short 30s, in my book, the 300 Weatherby always has been and always will be KING.

 

[Charlie Z]

If anything makes sense in a full-length magnum cartridge, it's the No.1 (any single shot, really).

As you state, the 26" 1S is the same length overall as a 22" bolt gun -- and you have the barrel length to make the magnum work properly.  It balances and carries nicely, too.  

And "short magnum" anything just means you're constrained to a smaller range of bullet weights/powder capacities (they're optimized for specific loadings).  You get the same short gun with a #1, whether long, short or magnum length cartridges are used... (so why bother with a "short magnum?)"  

You get it all with the #1(&#33<!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->...except a quick followup.

Charlie

 

[LeoCal]

Well, I ordered the thing. Now if I can just hold my breath for 10 days.....

Also ordered brass & dies. What size Pachmayr Decelerator pad should I order?

 

[alyeska338]

The Ruger has an excellent stock design, wait to see if you need a different recoil pad or not.  I had No. 1's in 338 Win, 300 Win, 270 Weatherby and 375 H&H Magnums and none needed any additional protection.  I think you made an outstanding choice.  Ought to be a great rifle.  Let us know what you think when you get and how it shoots.

 

[LeoCal]

I picked it up today, cleaned it, mounted the scope and bore sighted it.
Got the brass and dies last week, and loaded up the first batch.
It's ready to go for next weekend if I can wait that long.

 

[alyeska338]

What do you think of the rifle overall (without firing it)?  Is it one of the stainless versions or blued steel and walnut?