Ruger No 3 in 30-40 Krag?

[dprice3844444]

No. 3 Single-Shot Rifle
(Manufactured from 1973 to 1986)
Calibers: 22 Hornet, 223, 30-40 Krag, 375 Win, 44 Mag, 45-70 Govt

Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production:
130-50000 1973
130-51170 1974
130-54210 1975
130-55139 1976
130-60511 1977
130-65671 1978
130-70344 1979
*132-01360 1980
*132-07159 1981
*132-25986 1982
*132-34077 1983
*132-39043 1984
*132-54434 1985
*132-73032 1986
*No. 3 serial numbers rollmarked with No. 1 Rifles beginning in 1980
The above chart shows the approximate first serial number shipped for the indicated year. This number should be used as a point of reference only. It is not necessarily the very first serial number shipped, but it can be used to determine the approximate year your Ruger firearm was shipped.
Ruger does not produce firearms in serial number order. There are occasions when blocks of serial numbers have been manufactured out of sequence, sometimes years later. Also, within a model family the same serial number prefix may be used to produce a variety of different models, all in the same block of serial numbers. And in some cases, models may be stored for a length of time before they are shipped.
For details on your specific serial number you may contact our Service Departments:
• Rifles, Shotguns, Revolvers: 603-865-2442
• Pistols: 928-541-8892

 

[RentaCop]

get a chronograph

Unsure who your replying to, but I have two.

 

[RentaCop]

Well, I tried a Ruger only load with IMR 3031 using 175 gr Berger VLD BTHP that was based on start .308 Win loads, cross indexed to .308 Marlin Express and a few grains above published 30-40 data. No pressure signs and good accuracy given my form and open sights, but a steel butt-plate is not optimal! Those long sinister looking Bergers reallly give the 30-40 an updated look as well.

I'm going to work the once fired Rem cases with the 150 Sierra BT's and Big Game for the next range trip.

 

[RPRNY]

New unsized cases: Remington on the Right, Winchester on the Left. No pronounced difference to my eye.



FYI, I shot the Ruger again today and used a load from the CE Harris article on cast bullets in milsurp rifles, his "Deer and 600 yard" category: 180 gr FN GC (Lyman 31141) sized .311" over 22 grs IMR4227. Excellent. No recoil and among the most accurate cast loads I have ever shot. I have a chronograph but did not use it today. The load is supposed to deliver 1700 - 1800 fps depending on case used and bullet weight.

 

[RentaCop]

That's good info, thanks.

I'll have to try that cast load.

 

[Shotgun Sergeon]

Congratz on the No. 3. Beautiful firearms. They're getting hard to find these days. I have on in .44 Mag.

 

[RentaCop]

RPRNY, you have an email package.

P.S. IMO, there is no way in hell I would even consider any of Hagel's loads.

With all do respect to the guy, he needed his head check after shooting those.

 

[RPRNY]

While I have no doubt that the Ruger's falling block action is plenty strong, I too question the sense of loading the 30-40 to exceed 30-06 factory offerings! Hagel most certainly needed to have his shoulder checked after those loads. in any event, I have a 30-06 rifle to meet those needs.

But his comparison of practical case capacities was interesting and I have no concerns about loading the Ruger to published 308 Win levels. For me however, the draw of the 30-40 remains the ability to shoot Big Lead like the Lyman 311284 at moderate velocities. My experience at the range yesterday with 180 gr GC Lyman 31141 was proof perfect of concept.

The fact that he paid $165 for his No 3 did however hurt a little...

 

[RentaCop]

While I have no doubt that the Ruger's falling block action is plenty strong, I too question the sense of loading the 30-40 to exceed 30-06 factory offerings! Hagel most certainly needed to have his shoulder checked after those loads. in any event, I have a 30-06 rifle to meet those needs.

Quite true. Even Webb's article was from a 25" barrel and much more reasonable IMO and so far compares favorably to a 22" tube.

But his comparison of practical case capacities was interesting and I have no concerns about loading the Ruger to published 308 Win levels.

Agreed. Pushing it to '06 territory, while it may be possible, I will not nor have any desire to do so. Maybe in the younger days. I will be keeping to 2750 w/ 150's, 2650 w/ 165's, and 2550 w/180's mainly using IMR 3031 to Big Game.

I am going to see how the newer RP and Win brass stack up to his findings capacity wise.

The fact that he paid $165 for his No 3 did however hurt a little

Yes it does.

BTW it was a bitch tracking down a 30-40 Neck sizer. Everyone and theeir grandma is out of stock for Redding/RCBS. CH4D finnaly pulled through with a near mint older Lachmiller die.

 

[T.R.]

I have not seen 30-40 ammo for sale in over a decade.

TR

 

[RentaCop]

RPRNY

Got the #3 out to the range today mounted a Leupold 2-7x. Loaded up with Big Game, 150 Sierra BT's, and RP cases. Group 01 went average 2650fps to Group 06 average was 2780fps.

I did not expect it to shot like this. I thought the lever would piss me off, but it actually allowed a nice straight pull rearward.

 

[RPRNY]

Nice!

Group 6 looks like vertical stringing and top of the load area. Nice shooting. I put a Bushnell 1-4x20 on mine.

I'm not at all familiar with Big Game so will have to look up where that fits in. I also want to try some Speer HC 180s next outing with IMR 4350. Not sure how well it will do with the 22" barrel.

That's great shooting. I think 180 -200 grs is the real sweet spot for this cartridge. We shall see.

 

[David4516]

IMR 4350 and 180gr jacketed bullets make a good Krag load...

 

[RentaCop]

Nice!

Group 6 looks like vertical stringing and top of the load area. Nice shooting. I put a Bushnell 1-4x20 on mine.

I'm not at all familiar with Big Game so will have to look up where that fits in. I also want to try some Speer HC 180s next outing with IMR 4350. Not sure how well it will do with the 22" barrel.

That's great shooting. I think 180 -200 grs is the real sweet spot for this cartridge. We shall see.

It's in the neighborhood of H414 and IMR4007

Check out the Barsness article on the 30-40 in Guns Mag (Page 22). He uses four rifles (Krag, Sharps, Custom Double, and a Ruger #3)

http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/GUNS/GUNS0214/