Ruger #3 what to rebarrel it to?

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6.5-06. You would get to play with the cool trendy bullets and a classical brass container to end up with something able to perform both at the range and in the field.
 
I would like to do something like a 220 swift or 6mm br, but is a Ruger 3 good enough for the 6mm BR?

Or would I be better of do my 243 Howa in 6 mm br?

As I think the Ruger #3 is too small for a heavy recoil rifle. Still a lot of larger rim cases appeal to me.

The 375 Ruger is a real hitter, but if I were doing a 375 on the Ruger it would be the H&H it has that nostalgia but also brass is easier to come by.

I would definitely change a bolt action in 300 win mag over to 375 Ruger though!

The 7x57R is a nice case, but I can get bullets in 224-270 and 30 cal a fair bit cheaper than 7mm ones, don't know why?
 
32-20? I converted a Win 92 from it to 25-20 and another to 218 bee, it just seems to little case for a 321 bullet. I have though about a 32-40, I have fantasied about 50 cal for a while but I like my shoulder a bit too much!
 
One of two directions:

Classic American cartridge ideal for Ruger No.3, delivering plinking through elk level game: 30-40. With Lyman 311284 210 grs cast, it's a delightful target load. With Berger 175 grs VLD at 2650 (22" barrel) , it's elk worthy.

New, cutting edge, ultra accurate: 6mm Dasher. Targets or coyote. No feeding issues, no recoil. What's not to love?
 
Dasher sounds good on paper but its a pain because forming it requires a lot of messing around as unlike an ackley version its not just a simple fireform.

Thats why all my wildcats have been on rimmed cartridge because I can fireform just about anything with minimal drama.
 
The .30-40 Krag was one of the original cartridges that the #3 was chambered in. Seems like an excellent choice.
Rimmed, enough power for big game, easy to source .308 bullets, all-American, and has some history.
 
BTW I do have a 30-40Krag in the No.3 and using my handloads is very accurate, the only problem is getting brass for reloading, as it definitely is seasonable. The only problem as I see it, is the walnut stock is not very attractive without any real character to speak of. Do like that little rifle though.
 
I am seriously considering a 7x57r but bullet price is a problem.

For some reason 6.5 and 7 cost a lot more than 224 243 257 270 and 308 bullets.

I don't have a problem with normal cartridges though most of mine are non standard, most of mine get re done for better or heavier barrels. Too many factory barrels are either not good or are in a #1 or #2
 
The first few that come to mind have already been mentioned, the 30-40 krag, 7x57r, 303 brit, etc. I like the idea of a 35 whelen, and maybe even 500S&W for a cannon cartridge...
 
The first few that come to mind have already been mentioned, the 30-40 krag, 7x57r, 303 brit, etc. I like the idea of a 35 whelen, and maybe even 500S&W for a cannon cartridge...

I prefer the idea of .50-70 over .500 S&W.
- It has history and even the original military load (with smokeless) will do what a factory .45-70 will do.
- You can load it with black powder and duplicate that same military load.
However, since the bullet diameters are not the same (.515"/.50-70 and .500"/.500 S&W) you would not be able to source .515" jacketed soft points, meaning that higher velocities would be more limited.
Still, a 500 grain gas check cast bullet from a custom mold at 1600 FPS would be pretty potent.
 
I prefer the idea of .50-70 over .500 S&W.
- It has history and even the original military load (with smokeless) will do what a factory .45-70 will do.
- You can load it with black powder and duplicate that same military load.
However, since the bullet diameters are not the same (.515"/.50-70 and .500"/.500 S&W) you would not be able to source .515" jacketed soft points, meaning that higher velocities would be more limited.
Still, a 500 grain gas check cast bullet from a custom mold at 1600 FPS would be pretty potent.
Can you get 50-70 brass? That would be better imo if the brass is available, I just haven't seen any in a few years.
 
Can you get 50-70 brass? That would be better imo if the brass is available, I just haven't seen any in a few years.

Just Checked on-line. Starline .50-70 brass in stock at "Track of the Wolf". Seems to be a constant supply.
 
For those that don't have a Ruger No. 3, it should be noted that it has a crescent like steel butt plate, and is not ideally designed for high recoil cartridges.
 
They are also not the easiest platform to scope (eye relief issues due to the forward mounting of the scope rings – there is no rear receiver bridge in a falling block). That’s why I asked if the OP intends to put an optic on it - there’s no sense chambering the rifle for a long range cartridge if it’s going to be shot with iron sights.
 
For those that don't have a Ruger No. 3, it should be noted that it has a crescent like steel butt plate, and is not ideally designed for high recoil cartridges.

Or plastic. Mine came with the same shiny plastic buttplate found on some models of 10/22.

I'll second the recoil warning. I would have preferred a .22 Hornet over the 45-70 I bought, but the price was just too good to miss. That said, a handloaded 300 grain cast bullet over a case of Trail Boss is quite pleasant to shoot in my No.3 -- just a solid push, a bit less than an M1 Garand even. Reasonably accurate too.
 
They are also not the easiest platform to scope (eye relief issues due to the forward mounting of the scope rings – there is no rear receiver bridge in a falling block). That’s why I asked if the OP intends to put an optic on it - there’s no sense chambering the rifle for a long range cartridge if it’s going to be shot with iron sights.

Very good point! A particular problem I encountered with my 45-70 No. 3 is that underside of the front scope base sold by Weaver for the No. 3 wasn't properly contoured to sit level on the barrel. After my clumsy attempts to reshape and shim the thing to sit parallel and level to the rear base, I finally gave up and adapted a Williams ghost ring peep sight intended for an H&R single shot to fit in place of the rear scope base. The combination looks a little funny but works surprisingly well.

Ruger No3.jpg

The No.1 factory rib deals with scope mounting much better, though attaining proper eye relief is still more challenging than with many other rifles.
 
Now I really wish I hadn't traded mine away. Stick with 45-70, if you want my opinion.
 
The more I read and reflect on your question and the responses, the more I'm convinced that I would go 7x57R. But that's just me.
 
I enjoy shooting both but the one #3 that I fired in 45-70 was just not a fun gun to shoot. The .375 Winchester would be a good chambering but still more recoil than I would like in that lightweight rifle.


I shot my .45-70 #3 with the 500 grain Government round nose bullet, cast from an Ideal mold and loading tool that must now be at least a century old. It definitely rocked you back on your heels. I liked it. :D

I really liked the .375 Winchester round when it came out and had a Marlin 336 with a half magazine. A really nice rifle.
A great cartridge with a lot of potential.

* Load it as a .38-55.
* Load it with black powder.
* Use factory .375 loads.
* Take advantage of the action strength and load it up.
 
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