RugerNo. 3 [Archive] - Cast Boolits

pertnear

12-26-2018, 01:22 PM

I just got mine rebarrelled in .357 Maximum.

The .223 extractor worked without modification.

232728

It seems like the .357 Max would indeed be an ideal caliber for the #3 if you want to keep it light, fast & handy - close to its original configuration. Especially if you like pistol cartridges. Lots of flexibility there for ammo, cases, bullets & casting.

Ruger must of been out of their mind when they chambered the little carbine in .45-70! But I know they sold a bunch in that caliber........:confused:

JIMHO

Nobade

12-26-2018, 01:51 PM

45 ACP in a rifle could be interesting. If you need a little more 45 win magI tried that. It was entertaining for a few days but not much after that. 200 yards was really stretching it. As for the OP, how about 25-20 or 30 Badger or something small and fun?

rfd

12-26-2018, 02:29 PM

lotsa different routes to take, and all will be dependent on the final goal. for sheer plinking, i think it's hard to beat a goodly sized pistol rimmed case and that usually ends with the .357mag. it has good opportunity to hit well at 200 yards, brass and other components are found everywhere. i'd expect the max version might go further. i wouldn't consider any of the rimless handgun flavors, too iffy. ymmv.

GBertolet

12-26-2018, 02:37 PM

I have a #3 that I converted from 22 Hornet to .357 magnum. I love it. Did the work myself. It was my first rebarreling project. I used a Douglas 1-14 twist barrel. I also have a 357 max reamer that I could use, if I ever wanted to upgrade to the max cartridge. I can get up to 1800 fps with the .357 mag using 160 gr cast bullets, so I don't see the immediate need to upgrade any time soon for my usages, although it would be an easy upgrade. Of course you can shoot 357 mags in a 357 maximum chamber.

Texas by God

12-26-2018, 04:30 PM

44-40 wcf.

fn1889m

12-27-2018, 04:36 AM

It’s just a receiver. .357 sounds good. Fun.

My other thought was 6.5mm Swedish or 7mm Mauser. I thought that might work with the .30-06 extractor. Thanks.

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flint45

12-27-2018, 01:26 PM

If were me I would do a .50-70 they are fun I have one in a R.B. but have to be very careful with my smokeless loads. Now a Ruger no.3 is a horse of a different color . For something more modern, I would go to a .500 s&w.

Texas by God

12-27-2018, 09:49 PM

32-40 and 38-55 would be sweet.

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fn1889m

12-27-2018, 11:46 PM

32-40 and 38-55 would be sweet.

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38-55 would be interesting.

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bigted

12-28-2018, 06:20 AM

I barreled a Miroku Hiwall to a 38-55 with a #4 Winchester tapered GM barrel with a 14 inch twist. It is too heavy at 30 inch barrel for packing in the brush but with a Unertl 8 power scope, it is a tack driver with the 220 grain flat points from Hornaday.

38-55 is a fun chamber and i also have a Marlin 93 safety so chambered ... however this is a .380 diameter barrel with a 18 inch twist.

38-55 is a very fun chamber. The #3 was also chambered in the 375 Winchester. Seems like that would be fun also.

Nobade

12-28-2018, 10:42 AM

50-90 with a full load of smokeless. 600 grains at 2150 fps. In case you're feeling macho.

9.3X62AL

12-28-2018, 11:20 AM

Crash_Corrigan

12-28-2018, 03:53 PM

I have a Winchester 1885 chambered in 50-90 Sharps. With 102 gr of Swiss 1 1/2 powder under a 695 gr creedmore boolit it produced a healthy cloud of white smoke, a destroyed steel target stand that fell over with the insane power of this huge boolit moving along at 1260 FPS. The recoil is nasty and therefore I have only shot about 80 rounds thru this powerful thunder stick. I really do not know what possessed me to go out and spend $2000 for the rifle and a set of Kelly Soule sights as I really do not have any buffalo wandering the streets here in Las Vegas.

Nobade

12-28-2018, 10:24 PM

Nope nope nope--45/70 at Ruger flavor levels in a 7-1/4# rifle will let you know that the primers functioned. I do believe my shoulder blades collided to the rear when I lit off 350 grain Hornadys at 2100 FPS+. Everyone that buys the #1 or #3 in 45/70 must give such loads a test drive. I put together 50 of them, and let's just say it took several range trips for me to exhaust the supply. Exhilarating, to say the least.Yeah I was just kidding anyway. I've been down that road too, Speer had Ruger only loads for 45-70 in their book so I had to try it. I only loaded up two, and after that I was glad that was all. Those #3s were pretty lively with full loads! Like my dad would say, It spins you around like a weather vane.

fn1889m

12-29-2018, 12:04 AM

What extractor did you use?

I barreled a Miroku Hiwall to a 38-55 with a #4 Winchester tapered GM barrel...

38-55 is a very fun chamber. The #3 was also chambered in the 375 Winchester. Seems like that would be fun also.

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Boz330

12-29-2018, 06:12 PM

Nope nope nope--45/70 at Ruger flavor levels in a 7-1/4# rifle will let you know that the primers functioned. I do believe my shoulder blades collided to the rear when I lit off 350 grain Hornadys at 2100 FPS+. Everyone that buys the #1 or #3 in 45/70 must give such loads a test drive. I put together 50 of them, and let's just say it took several range trips for me to exhaust the supply. Exhilarating, to say the least.

It didn't take me long to look at a horseshoe, I shot 2 of those light end Ruger loads with a 405gr from the Lyman manual and pulled the other 48.
I figured that if the trapdoor load would kill a deer, the same load from the Ruger #3 would as well, and it did.

Bob

dlbarr

12-29-2018, 06:28 PM

My #3 started life as a 45-70. It was re barreled to octagon in 50-70 Govt. Wood was changed from a #3 stock set to #1. Modern take on an old buffalo gun. It gained some weight with the new barrel and wood.

Cool. I'd like to see a pic of that rifle if you've got one.

CamoWhamo

12-29-2018, 06:59 PM

Nope nope nope--45/70 at Ruger flavor levels in a 7-1/4# rifle will let you know that the primers functioned. I do believe my shoulder blades collided to the rear when I lit off 350 grain Hornadys at 2100 FPS+. Everyone that buys the #1 or #3 in 45/70 must give such loads a test drive. I put together 50 of them, and let's just say it took several range trips for me to exhaust the supply. Exhilarating, to say the least.

I had a #1 in 45-70 and yep, full power loads will introduce you the the laws of physics and equal/opposite reactions.

Oddly enough, after i sold that rifle i regretted it and wanted another 45-70. I ended up with a Thompson Encore Katahdin Carbine. That thing is 2 pounds lighter than the #1. Even moderate loads will emphatically indicate the primer functioned (as you said it).

iomskp

12-29-2018, 07:46 PM

So you are done with shooting Dinosaurs, I know they are not pistol calibres but what about one of the English rook calibres, very accurate, no recoil, I have 3 they are great fun to shoot.

Drm50

12-29-2018, 11:13 PM

I've already been through cannon mode. Just as I was getting out Ohio got rifle season and I got pulled back in. I have 4 no. 3 Rugers, .223-45/70 & 2 in 375Win. Big calibres are fun but if I was to
have a 223 rebarreled I might go .30 carbine or 9mm. I don't own any but I wouldn't mind having a
small game rifle in 25-30 or 32 caliber. Not in a HV type catridge. A 327mg is interesting as it could be used from 32S&W through 327mg. I don't know if extractors would work.

Wayne R. Scott

12-30-2018, 05:10 PM

On a .223 No.3 I think I would re-barrel it with a .25-45 Sharps. I could use the plentiful .223/.556 brass. Also could cast 60 gr. to 85 gr. cast for economy. I don't see too many .25-45 Sharps single shots around this neck of the woods.

bigted

12-31-2018, 12:11 AM

What extractor did you use?

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I used the 30-30 W ejector.

augercreek

01-02-2019, 07:55 AM

rfd

01-02-2019, 08:40 AM

I to have a #3 45-70 and am tired of the recoil. Even with 385gr boolits it hurts. Soooo what to do? I already have RB's in 7mm. 7-30 waters. 30-30, 7.92x33 Kruz. Will the extractor work on a 357 mag cartridge as well? If chambered to the max cartridge will leading occur if using the regular 357 mag cartridge?

maybe stay with the .45-70 - use a lighter lee 340 grain cast bullet, 22 to 25 grains of aa5744, and put on a kick killer butt pad. if you can add lead in the butt stock, so much the better. the results are light recoil, good accuracy at least out to 200 yards.

Boz330

01-02-2019, 10:07 AM

Just try some Trapdoor loads from the Lyman manual. That is what I did with mine and recoil with a 405gr boolit wasn't bad and I took one deer with it, he couldn't tell the difference. Kind of a shame to alter a #3 when you can't get them anymore. I had 2 and let them go and regret it.

Bob

Drm50

01-02-2019, 11:12 AM

I've had several original Trapdoors & RBs as well as some rebarrels in 45/70. I shot a lot of cast Ideal
322gr Gould Express HPs at 1200fps. It was a pleasant target load. It also did well in Marlin 1895.

outsidebear

01-02-2019, 12:30 PM

fn1889m: what is it that you want the No. 3 with a new cartridge to do for you?

In 1982 (No. 3's were common back then, though not today) I had 2 No. 3's in .223 re-bored by P.O. Ackley's shop to .257 Roberts (this will do what a .25-45 Sharps will do, and more, just saying), used it for caribou, deer, varmints and general cast plinkin'. Recoil's comfortable and the .257 Roberts handles several applications. Your mention of a 7x57mm would be pretty nice also.

In 2005 had a No. 3 .223 barrel re-bored to .308 Win with a 1-11" twist. When I got that No. 3 it had left the factory as a .22 Hornet and someone had the chamber opened up with a .284 Win reamer, making it a .22-284. Had a spare No. 3 .223 barrel so had it re-bored to .308 Win by Cut Rifle in Prescott, AZ. Now as a .308 No. 3 it is an excellent performer with cast and them other kinda commercial bullets. .308 Win can be loaded light or heavy, take your pick.

I see some folks have mentioned the .357 Maximum as a consideration - splendid round, able to fire .38 Spcl. thru .357 Max.

Have 2 No. 3's in .30-40 Krag and that's a fine round also, with either cast or them commercial metal bullets. One I've used over the years, other unfired since leaving factory. No. 3's are fine carbines.

What is your intended use for your re-barreled No. 3?
A plinker, a hunter, long range, varmint, woods loafin' hiking carbine, or ?
Curious minds would like to know!!
Once we know, we'll be able to help ya get in trouble a lot easier!!

If you're still seeking a place to do No. 3 barrel work, they did my No. 3 in .308 Win.
http://www.cutrifle.com/

outsidebear

01-04-2019, 10:57 AM

Extractors from a Ruger No. 1 should drop right in to a No. 3, no real difference in the basic action...

MTyotehunter

01-08-2019, 10:54 PM

38-55, would be super cool

15meter

01-09-2019, 12:18 AM

Nope nope nope--45/70 at Ruger flavor levels in a 7-1/4# rifle will let you know that the primers functioned. I do believe my shoulder blades collided to the rear when I lit off 350 grain Hornadys at 2100 FPS+. Everyone that buys the #1 or #3 in 45/70 must give such loads a test drive. I put together 50 of them, and let's just say it took several range trips for me to exhaust the supply. Exhilarating, to say the least.

I've shot most of the British Africa/India safari cartridges in full kill an elephant or cape buffalo loadings and I am not sure any of them whacked me as hard as a buddy's full house 45-70 loads in a #3. Two rounds with the #3 and I was done. 416 Rigby or 470 N.E. didn't hurt as much as that Ruger #3 did. 38-55 would be a great cartridge. You can load it down to pistol plinker loads or up to deer/Midwest bear load.

725

01-09-2019, 01:50 AM

What's your end use goal? Choosing a caliber mainly depends on that. Everybody has a dream, and any of the above (except the rimless) would seem to be good. .357 in a single shot would be my choice right now.

fn1889m

01-09-2019, 03:40 AM

The original goal was a hunting rifle in 7 mm Mauser or 6.5 Swede.

But lately I have been leaning towards a vintage or pistol cartridge for plinking.

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Boz330

01-09-2019, 09:34 AM

Not a #3 but this Martini is in 7MM Waters and shoots a ragged hole at 100yd. Light on recoil and deadly out to 200yd (the farthest I've shot it). The 38-55 or .375 would also make a nice gun.
The stock wood and butt plate on the #3 are not conducive to a hard recoiling rifle for sure. #1 wood, would probably work better for that.

Bob

Rich/WIS

01-09-2019, 10:58 AM

I had a No 3 in 30/40 and recoil was brutal, sold it years ago before I got into casting for rifles. Wish now I had kept it. Found another that was rechambered to 30/40 AI that had been restocked with a somewhat European style stock at a good price as it was somewhat abused but the bore was perfect. The different butt stock with a 1" pad and moderate cast loads makes it very pleasant to shoot. Even heavy jacketed hunting loads are bearable for the few I shoot for deer hunting.

Tom W.

01-09-2019, 09:40 PM

I wish Ruger would reintroduce them at a reasonable price.....

Texas by God

01-09-2019, 09:49 PM

I wish Ruger would reintroduce them at a reasonable price.....
Me, too.

sukivel

01-11-2019, 09:53 PM

.41 mag sounds fun...

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curioushooter

01-13-2019, 03:14 AM

#3s only have extractors, while #1s have ejector/extractors, correct? Would a no1 in 223/222 etc. rebore to 357 max?

Ben

01-13-2019, 10:02 AM

Would a no1 in 223/222 etc. rebore to 357 max?

Yes, I'm holding one.
JES told me that he could rebore either one
( .222 or .223 ) to 357 Max !
I sent my Ruger # 1, .222 Rem. to JES to rebore to 357 Max.
Best money that I've ever spent !
A side note........my rifle is extremely accurate with conventional 357 Magnums also.

Ben

https://i.imgur.com/PlsLcaK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nSoqMOF.jpg

This is a very mild load, but super accruate out of my rifle.

https://i.imgur.com/5cyz8c4.jpg

Texas by God

01-13-2019, 06:04 PM

#3s only have extractors, while #1s have ejector/extractors, correct? Would a no1 in 223/222 etc. rebore to 357 max?The #3 had the same ejector as the #1.

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TCLouis

01-13-2019, 10:51 PM

Old Style . . . 25-20. 38-55, 32-20

Modern
38-55, 357 but best at 357 MAX, or even 357 Herrett

Course you know about opinions.

curioushooter

01-14-2019, 01:36 PM

So that #3 EJECTS 357 Max cartridges? If it does I'm in. It was my understanding it does not eject at all.

JES cannot rebore a 30-30 to 357 Herrett. The 30-30 is too long and the shoulder area results in steel being removed that needs to be there for the Herrett. If you overlay to scale paper cut-outs of the cartridges you'll see what I mean. It's a shame really, because 357 Herrett is pretty awesome. 357 Herrett is a re-barreling project not a re-boring one. It's also at home in a lever action that can safely operate to only 30-30 pressure. The 357 max can be run hotter so long as it is in strong platforms (NOT REVOLVERS). In Contenders and rifles like the #3 (which stonger) the max can be pushed to the MAX.

38-55 and 375 Win are both over 1.8" allowable case lenght in Indiana for public land deer hunting (or if the state reverses it current experiment in allowing rifles). 460 S&W is the most potent cartridge basically. It is however way beyond what is needed for deer.

CamoWhamo

01-14-2019, 05:47 PM

So that #3 EJECTS 357 Max cartridges? If it does I'm in. It was my understanding it does not eject at all.

My No3 that was rebarelled to .357 Max (See post #2) ejects cartridges just fine. It flicks them out with a bit of force and they hit the front edge of the safety and bounce out to the side.