Zeroed and tried some loads in a Ruger #3, .223 yesterday, finally got it done.

[koger]

I bought a .223 #3 off of a board member I consider a good friend. It has a very nice trigger, and is in great condition. He had told me it shot 80 gr cast good, but I never had any cast loaded up, but do have some 55grs cast. With J word bullets it shot 55gr sp's into half an inch for 3 shot groups, kinda of a smiley face. I had recently loaded up some 69gr Sieera BTHP's and man did it like those, first 3 went into a cluster that was .420 outside to outside group. They shot about 4 inches lower, but dead on back and forth. I was running these bullets at 3000fps with a hefty load of Varget, no pressure signs whatsoever. I put on a Vortex 4x12 Crossfire for optics that I got with it. This rifle has a home. I have had mixed results with Ruger #1's, about 50/50 with getting them to shoot. This is my 3rd #3, another .223 and .22 Hornet both long gone, and both of those shot great, barrel band and all.

[eastbank]

my ruger #3 in 45-70 has shot like this from day one, nothing done to it but shoot it. 3 shot group with a 300 gr j bullet at 100 yards moving at 2000 fps. my ruger #1 with the same load at 100 yards.

[pworley1]

Very nice rifles and good shooting.

[Rapier]

My 45-70s like the 300s as well. The 300 makes a nice hog and deer load with R-7. They are pleasant to shoot also.