Questions on a Ruger Model #1, 45/70

[scubadown]

I just bought a used Ruger #1 in 45/70.


It has a peep sight base which is missing the actual sight

Seen here:


And here:



Can anyone recognize the brand of peep sight so I could order the missing parts? The base is stamped on the bottom RSS but has no other identifying features.

I am going to start reloading 45/70. I have ordered the 550B Caliber Conversion Kit, can anyone recommed a die set?

 

[stan rose]

The sight apears to be a Williams, as for die sets and reloading of the .45-70, do an internet search of Mike "Duke" Ventura. He has written alot of articles and a couple of books about reloading for older cartridges. Very nice rifle by the way, you have good taste.
If you do not want to find, or have trouble finding replacement parts for the peep sight, NECG makes a very nice peep sight that attaches to the Ruger scope base. Place it on the rear scope base of a No 1 and you should have a decently long sight radius and quick sight aqusition.

 

[scubadown]

Thanks Stan

 

[DennisB]

scubadown: Nice rifle--I have that caliber in a No. 3 and love it. I also believe that I have the part you need. It's a Williams sight, was a right-side mount (no clue what it was on, I've had it for years), but you should be able to switch the aperture around to work. My old eyes can't hack peep sights anymore, so it's yours, gratis, if you'd like to try it--
DennisB

 

[Curator]

The sight is a Williams 5D. They still make them and aren't hard to find. I love my Ruger No.1 in .45-70 but it does kick some with bullets over 350 grains. Think about a serious recoil pad!

I have many sets of dies in various calibers. For most I pefer Lee dies. They are easy to use, inexpensive, great customer service, and belive me, you'll not wear them out. I shoot mostly cast in my rifles, and the No1 is most fun with a 405 grain lead slug at about 1200 fps.

 

[sappyg]

nice #1... Ruger seems to put their best wood on #1's. i have one in 45-70 also. what a thumper!

recently i installed an NECG peep on mine and i can say that it is what the DR. ordered. i haven't had any issues with Lee dies in any caliber and they work fine for the 45-70 in my experience. i like 405g bullets moving slow even for this bewhemoth of a round. take this with a grain of salt but 27.5 gr. of XMR 5744 behind a 405g. bullet is a great way to enjoy this number without a lot of fuss. slow is fast when it comes to the 45-70 IMO.

what is a 550B caliber conversion kit? what does it do?

 

[scubadown]

Thanks for the info guys.

"what is a 550B caliber conversion kit? what does it do? " - It is the parts for the Dillion 550 progressive reloader to allow a change of caliber.

Curator - Do you get leading issues with the 405 grain lead slug at about 1200 fps ? I like big and slow. What powder? Gas checked?

I just placed an order from Midway for the Lee Dies.

 

[SaxonPig]

I love the #1 and have 3 of them. Maybe the most beautiful production rifle ever made IMO.

Those sights are not expensive so just replace the whole thing if that's the sight you want. The missing parts likely flew off under recoil of some hot loads.

 

[hardluk1]

After you look around a while you will find you can load right up to 458 win mag power levels in the ruger # 1 if you happen to run into a eleiphant in the nieghbor hood. Gas checked lead bullets can be drive up around 2000fps.