Tom, The original Winchester 1895 lever action was made in .303 British and the original Winchester 1885 single shot was made in .303 British. They didn't make a lot of them but they made them. There may have been others but those two come immediately to mind.
I love that some ammericans Apreciate 303. It was very popular in canada but most people dont use it anymore unless they are shooting an old enfeild or ross. Very cool to see a newer rifle chambered in 303. I absolutely love the cartridge
The 303 is still a potent, but very underrated, caliber. I am 60 from Northern Canada and have a 1942 Longbranch 303. It is in great condition and is very accurate. It stands in my gun safe beside my 308Win and 300WM. Where I live there are hunters still using the 303 for moose successfully. Great video.
Thanks Reloadnorth, and my 1942 Longbranch is in my safe with the others as well. And I have taken more deer with that old Longbranch than all of the others put together.
I love my 303British my grandpa had it done by a gunsmith its a engfiled mark3 sported with original wood cut to a hunting rifle look and it got beautiful engravings on the stock and original brass butt plate its a good looking gun
Joe, what's crazy is that I paid that much for a rifle! But I have waited a lot of years for this one and I don't see them making any more any time soon? So why not.
Hey Tom, the 303 British was utterly ubiquitous in Canada when I was younger. My dad had 5 or 6 of them when I was a kid, and back then (early 70's) you could pick up milsurp Lee Enfields for next to nothing. Back then I was fascinated by how different the different rifles were, especially in terms of length. I only realized later that some were sporterized and some were unmodified. I've lived in the states for a long time but I do remember how common the 303 was.
12 years ago, I told my kid I'd buy him a hunting rifle and asked him what he wanted. To my chagrin. he didn't want something new in .243. He said the only rifle he wanted was my Long Branch No.4 Mk 1* made into a hunting rifle by Elwood Epps. Ask HIM what the best cartridge is and he'll say "Three Oh Three." Ask HIM what the best rifle is and he'll say "The SMLE" in his "and you're an idiot for asking such a stupid question" tone of voice. I'd be surprised if anyone in the Commonwealth can be found who loves the Enfield and the .303 as much as my American kid does. "From collared peccary to pachyderms, the .303 British is NEVER the wrong answer."
@@jerroldshelton9367 You raised that boy right! I grew up in Canada, now living in the U.S. and as a young boy I used to drool at the barrels of Lee Enfields for sale in Canadian department and sporting goods stores. Woolworths in North Vancouver, B.C. had them for sale, your pick for only $12.95 in 1966. I had a paper route back then and made $22.00 per month but they wouldn't sell me one without my parent's permission. We were poor back then and I had to buy my own clothes and bicycle so I never got around to buying one but I sure have made up for it now that I have the money!
Awesome find Tom! Can't wait on the rest of the episodes. I own 2 No. 1's 1 in 9.3x62 and the other in 300 H&H. I have always loved them. Ed Author Brown Co. sells a Hick's accurizer for the No. 1's that mounts inside the forend and allows you to adjust a set screw to apply pressure to the barrel every one claims that groups go from 1.5" to sub MOA. You have to adjust for each loading so it has to do with harmonics.
NOW WE ARE TALKING! The Ruger No. 1 is my all time favorite rifle no matter what caliber it comes in. Just a beauty of a firearm and yours was no exception. Thanks for sharing it!
Sweet purchase Tom My sporterized lee enfield was my first rifle I used for Moose and I still take it out every couple of years. It has never let me down and always will continue too put them in the freezer. Can't wait too see what shooting results you get at the range. Cheers from 🇨🇦
Love those Ruger #1's Tom, my dad gave me his in 7mm Remington Magnum a few years ago that he bought in 1971. Always shoots great and is a beautiful rifle. My dad has shot many deer and elk with it and I cherish that he passed it on to me. Would love to get one in 257 Roberts, I have a Remington 722 in 257 Roberts that I rechambered to a 257 Roberts Ackley Improved years ago, a great all around hunting and varmit rifle. Enjoy you 303 British, a great deer and elk rifle. I shoot a 35 Whelen on occasion in a Remington 700, and it flat puts the hurt on deer but really preforms on elk. Love the bigger calibers that do the job, and can shoot out as far as a guy wants to. Keep up the great work with all you informative videos we really enjoy listening to you pass on your knowledge. Take care!
Tom, I have a 1969 number one with an old weaver 4x scope. It’s in .243. It was fair to good with factory ammunition, but went to exceptional with hand loads. Probably the most beautiful rifle ever produced IMHO. Thanks for the history.
Whoa, Tom. That's awesome! I've never even heard of .303 Brit in anything but an Enfield unless it's a custom build, or something high end like Holland & Holland. That's a REALLY cool find.
Beautiful rifle Tom. I hope you find it shoots just as well as your Ruger No.1-B. Love your channel. As a younger guy I truly appreciate your wisdom. Keep up the great work and stay safe.
Nice find! I got lucky and found a "new" No.1 in 9.3X62 a year ago. Like you, I dont buy rifles just to look at. I use them. Haven't hunted with it yet. But I surely will. 286grn for Moose. 250grn for Mule Deer. I live in B.C. I'm actually hunting Deer in the Cariboo region right now. Using a 7mm-08. Just had my host ask if I had a Black Bear tag. I do. He's known me for a few years and knows I don't specifically go for Bear, but always carry a tag for one J.I.C. Reason he asked is because he has an acquaintance that just had one of his animals killed in his pasture by a big Bear and would like it gone before it happens again. I don't fault the Bear. He's just a Bear being a Bear. I now wish I had brought that Ruger 9.3X62 with me. I'll go in the morning anyway to see if I can help him out and put some Bear meat in the freezer. I wish Ruger would start producing No.1's again. Like you say, it's a very nicely built rifle and I appreciate its uniqueness. I also have a preference for iron sights as back up on my hunting rifles. Looking forward to your future vids on that Ruger. I wish you a speedy recovery on the knee!
I grabbed one of these in 303British when they released them and cherish it. Its a lovely rifle and very handy. Ive got a 3-9 on it and generally shoot winchester factory loads from it. The 303 is an institution here in Australia, and I grew up with it in old SMLEs that everyone seemed to have.
I went hunting in the Czech Republic in the 90s with a Ruger No. 1 with Mannlicher stock and 20" barrel and caliber 7x57mm. I shot a roe buck there at 180 m. 7x57 is a good hunting cartridge. I also had a pre-war Mauser in 7x57 (1937) and an FN Mauser in 9.3x62 caliber. Sako are good weapons too. Back then, I had a Sako 375 H&H converted to the 404 Jeffery caliber by a Nuremberg gunsmith. I had a Ruger #1 in .416 Rigby too. I am a German from Franconia and now live in Thailand.
I'm envious. If memory serves, the run of No.1 A's in .303 was something a distributor requested Ruger to do and I think they only had to commit to buying 250 of them to get Ruger to build them. I should have bought one when I found one to buy back in 2010 when they were new. I passed because the accuracy was said to be dismal. The first new rifle I bought was a No.1 B in .270 and it was a chronic disappointment, having a barrel with a very unsatisfactory interior barrel finish. About 10 years later, I bought another No.1 B in .30-'06 that was a 1.5 M.O.A. rifle, which was perfectly okay with me. That first No.1 I had went back to Ruger many times over its horrible barrel and Ruger finally replaced it at a time when they were doing a run of No.1 B's in .300 Weatherby Magnum and was a good shooter. My No.1 Tropical in .375 H&H is the most accurate No.1 I've personally owned. It shoots clover-leafs, or did when I shot it last. Some distributor had Ruger do a limited number of No.1's in .256 Newton, too. I didn't buy one of them when I had the chance, either. I like the .303 British. It's really a great cartridge for me because I'm a "still hunter" and thus often shoot game that is bedded or just getting out of bed at distances measured in dozens of yards rather than hundreds. The modest velocity is an advantage in my hunting as I can "eat right up to the bullet hole" when using something in 2.400 fps range vs something like a .270 Winchester at 3,100 fps. But I can still reach out to 300 yards with the .303 Brit with little trouble. This I know, because I had a No.4 Mk 1* "Long Branch" converted into a sporter by Elwood Epps. I killed so many feral swine with that rifle that I lost count. It had no problem poking pork out to 300 yards, which is as far as I care to shoot game. My son took it over when he was old enough for a centerfire rifle. I asked him what he wanted and much to my chagrin, he didn't want a new Winchester 70 Featherweight in .243 or .257, but wanted my Elwood Epps Enfield. "Yeah, Dad, I guess that rifle is OKAY..... But it ain't no Enfield!" "You know, my friends are all ga-ga over the 6.5. They asked me if I was gonna get one. I said I had no use for it because I have a .303 British, which has killed at least one of everything on Planet Earth at one time or another, so I don't have to wonder whether it's going to work on pigs, deer, elk, moose, caribou, or ME 109's......." No.1 Son approves of your cartridge choice. He's standing over my shoulder as I write this. His question for you: "Why do you want THAT thing when you've already got the best D*** rifle ever made in the form of your Lee Enfield"?
Jerrold, it sounds like you have done a fine job raising that kid because he has excellent taste in rifles! And to answer his question, I got this to try and learn more about the 303 cartridge and Ruger No1's. I've heard that the 303 can be loaded to higher pressures in a stronger action and that people have done that with the P14 Enfields in 303 and have actually passed the 308 in velocity? Now I don't feel that I need any more velocity out of the 303 than I get with the standard loading. To this day the 303 in a Lee Enfield is the most effective rifle and cartridge I have ever used on deer and I have taken more deer with my old No4 than all of my other rifles put together and like yourself I've taken deer out to 300 yards with no problem. But I am curious as to whether or not the venerable old 303 can actually out do the 308 or even match it in velocity? I think that would say a lot about the unrealized potential of the cartridge. And I have really wanted to try a Ruger No1 A for a long time just to see what sort of accuracy it's actually capable of? I've heard so many horror stories about them and I have no doubt that some of the stories are true like with your 270. But I know every manufacturer puts out the occasional lemon but so far I've never seen a Ruger that didn't shoot at least decent, if not outstanding. Even my mini 14 is just over 1 MOA. This rifle might be the Ruger that finally bites me or it might be a tack driver and turn out to be the perfect stalking rifle? There's only one way to find out and this particular No1 A will hopefully let me learn more about No1's and the 303 British cartridge and I couldn't pass up just such an opportunity to see!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving AsI believe you mentioned in the video, the No.1 was inspired by the Farquharson of U.K. origin, so if there ever was a cartridge ideal for it, the .303 British would be "it." Kids these days..... They get all wrapped around the axle over M.O.A. and sub-M.O.A. groups. But do you REALLY need your No.1 to group that well? I would submit that if you can hit a pie tin with it 10 out of 10, then it and you and whatever optic you put on it are good to go. You're not shooting groups with a .303 on whitetail, anyhow. The .303 is "one and done." Personally, I would enjoy the .303 for what it is: fast enough to score killing shots out to 300 yards, but not so fast to tear up a bunch of otherwise edible muscle tissue at 30 yards. One thing I think you'll find is that your brass is going to last longer being shot out of the No.1 than out of a springy SMLE. That's a good thing because lately, around here, anyhow, .303 brass is rarer than sympathy.
I have a very nicely sporterized Pattern 14. Manufactured by Winchester during WW1. 303 Brit of course. Not a Bubba gun but very professionally done with a Bishop stock. After putting a Leupold 3-9 on it I was pleasantly suprised it shoots 1/2 moa @ 100 yds. My first deer season I shot the biggest doe I've ever shot in all my years of deer hunting. Unfortunately it was at fairly close range. Since my deer hunting years are coming to an end soon I am trying a different caliber every couple years and the 303 is in the gunsafe for now but I'm sure she'd like to make an appearance again sometime soon. The 303 is a much under appreciated loading that seems to hang on with a small band of followers.
B25, I took the majority of the deer in my life with an old Lee Enfield in 303. I'm experimenting a lot more these days myself but after all of these years I have yet to see a more effective cartridge for deer. My Dad and I used to joke that you could shoot a deer in the hoof with a 303 British and it would drop it in it's tracks! Ok, maybe it's not that good but sometimes I wonder? LOL
Great video Tom! Love the Ruger #1 rifles. We went hunting last weekend with 2 of my 4 boys and got 2 deer and tried out some 70’s Sako’s I got this year! Both shoot 30-06 and it took just one shot each! Getting ready to go elk hunting the first of next month and hoping they each get one! Me I am more into collecting going on 60+ years now but still love being with the boys out in the woods! I have had hundreds of rifles but have never owned a Ruger #1 even though I have had several come my way, most were either a caliber I didn’t want or they wanted to much for the gun!
I’ve always had a #1 in 45-70 on my radar but never had enough money when I saw one. Don’t aggravate the knees or you might end like me. I thought I was going to have a knee replacement until the surgeon looked at X-rays and said forget the knee replacement you need a hip replacement much more. Arthritis done caught up on this 70 year old body. Now I won’t be doing any hunting this year that requires any walking, so I’ll just have to live vicariously through you guys, Happy hunting boys and girls!😊
It’s very interesting that you compare the 303 British to the 308 Winchester, Tom. Our Canadian Rangers that patrol the far North in Canada have recently gone from using the 303 Lee Enfields to a sweet little Tikka in 308. I think you can buy a civilian version for about $3000. Canadian.
That's a beauty ! I have a #1 in 300 win mag , mine has a 26 inch barrel without open sights , its a pretty heavy rifle so recoil isn't terrible , I wouldn't take it to range day but in hunting situations recoil isn't noticed . I love it and mine shoots under an inch at 100 yards .
I have a #1 in .300 WBY. Mag. I love it even though it will walk & talk to you when shot. You sure don't go plinking with it. Only trouble I had was with the Ruger base that came on the rifle, allowing proper fit & eye relief. I solved it by getting a raised cantilevered mounts/rings with a longer eye relief scope. I bought it used 30 years or so ago for $400. Would like to afford one now. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
Lovely rifle Tom! We share an affinity for single shot rifles. My CVA scout compact in 6.5mm Creedmoor was selected for very similar reasons you stated for this rifle. Though I have to admit, that Ruger is much classier!
I hunted for years in western WA with an old No. 1 in 257 Roberts and an old 4x weaver scope. Loved that gun, but the barrel was so worn out at the end it was having problems staying on target so I sold it to a gunsmith friend of mine. I now hunt with a Henry single shot in .243 with the same old weaver scope.
I do hate that I didn't get an Encore back before S&W shutdown TC and they were still affordable! Great actions with so many affordable barrel options.
I had the opportunity to buy one quite awhile ago and have been kicking myself ever since. He who hesitates is lost. A buddy of mine however did not hesitate and builds mild cast loads for use on varmints.
CONGRATS on the New Toy. Sorry to hear about the knee Pain Sucks.. 🙏 It heals up well. On the Redfields. Leupold sold them to Accdemy Sports which is using them for there Store Brand.. No ideal how good or bad they are as havent needed one. Leupold is supposed to still handle the warranty on the Revolution series. One place ya might want to check out Grafs & Sons if not already. They carry or at least try to stuff for the ol military cartridges including some special run bullets.. Best Wishes that all goes well n ya get to fill a tag with it
I'm a right handed guy but am left eye dominant so I shoot a rifle mostly left handed even though I can shoot either way. Due to this I've always liked lever action rifles and single shot rifles are just as fast for me to shoot as a bolt action. A few years back I bought a CVA Scout 2 in 35 Whelen but the rifle turned out to be faulty. After sending it back I ordered a Lipsey's Ruger #1 in 35 Whelen. I've owned a #1 International in 30-06 before but I sold it because it was to pretty to take into the field in bad weather and I also own a Ruger #3 in .223. The #1 is a beautiful rifle and the 35 Whelen is the most efficient cartridge I've ever loaded for. Love those #1's. The only thing I have a problem with is the latch on the lever of the #1 is not strong enough and if you're not careful in the field when you unsling the rifle from your shoulder you may find the lever open and the round gone. The #3 does not have a latch and has never given me this problem.
Russell, I noticed the latch on this new one is way tighter than on my No1 B. I'm not sure if they made them tighter over the years or if that's something that just loosens up over time?
Ruger is my favorite arms maker and the No 1 is wonderful rifle. I have a long branch .303 I enjoy hunting with. Great bear gun. For the most part the .303 was never really intended to be a spectacularly accurate round to it being a battlefield rifle, but I reload and find accuracy out to 200 yards quite adequate. Topped off with a 3x9 scope it makes for a great universal hunting rifle, but it’s also just darn fun to shoot. Cant wait to hear a range report!
JH, I took my first deer with a 303 and I have no idea how many after that. It was an old Long Branch No4 and shot 3 inch groups at 100 yards before I learned how to clean a bore and then it came down 1.5 inches and that was all I ever needed. I never lost a deer with it out of however many dozens of deer even when it was shooting 3 inch groups and the furthest one was at 300 yards. That cartridge is just deadly on whitetails. And like you said, just darn fun to shoot!
I don't know what you paid for it, but you got a bargain. One of the very best single shot actions in a great classic cartridge. I shoot a light weight Martini in .303 and it is a great brush rifle. Short and light....with more than enough cartridge.
Richard, I know from past experience how great the cartridge is and my first impressions of this rifle is that it's outstanding. Exactly what you just said, short and light. The only thing left is to see how it shoots and if it shoots anywhere around 1 MOA or even 1.5 MOA I'm going to be ecstatic with this rifle. I don't even think I would be disappointed with 2 MOA at this point. Now I just have to get to the range and see?
My 1st deer rifle was a surplus Enfield. 303 British, in 1975. There was not much quality .303 British deer ammo in S.E.Texas in the mid 70s. Federal, and Winchester in whatever grain they had at that day is what I shot , as that was what was available at the time. I traded it with my best friend for a Springfield in .30-06. We traded about every deer season, depending on if I felt confident with the rifle..Actually looking back it was the ammunition that was available to me at that place and time.
Just the sight of a Ruger No 1 makes me want to go to the woods and walk in nature with it. If you need a friend, here's one. If you want another one, here's Tom River.
I finally got a no1 in 280/7mm express. It’s a fantastic firearm. I have an issue with the scope, the rings, or the ring base. I can’t zero my rifle for anything less than 600yds. But once I got it zeroed I look like a hero ringing the gong at the range
What an outstanding cartridge you have there with the 280. I have never figured out why it isn't more popular? I guess it just doesn't have the marketing or the history of the others because it definitely has the performance. And I have no doubt that is an outstanding cartridge in a No1! But that is strange on the 600 yard zero. 20 MOA rings or base maybe?
Beautiful rifle, especially after you took the hang tag off! I had an 1916 Enfield in 303British, great round but not always available at as many locations. That’s a cool piece for sure!
I have one of these in .303 British and was lucky enough to get it in 2011. I had to use the offset rings for the right eye relief. Mine has a preference for the 215 grain Kynoch ammunition
Thanks for sharing that Bambi. After I made this video I decided to just put an old 4x16 Tasco on it for the load testing that I had laying around and I ran into that same problem on eye relief. I tried that 4x12 Redfield after that and it worked fine but it has a really generous eye relief just like most of the Leupolds. And I will keep that in mind about yours liking the really heavy bullets.
Very nice rifle and I love the #1's if it doesn't shoot well that means you need to go back to the loading branch. I've never seen one yet thar would not shot well given the right load sometimes it takes a while to find what it likes and then you have something to be proud of when you get the right combo of power and bullet , primer an brass you won't go hungry if get out and hunt. Sorry to hear about your knee hopefully you will be better soon and God bless you and yours until the next time have a good life.
Showing that the .303 is a good hunting cartridge is an easy thing to do. It is the cartridge that killed the most men in the history of the world -- it does beat the Kalashnikov 7,62 by a lot as the British .303 was used in all British-made machine guns throughout the Empire, and everywhere the British and Commonwealth forces fought in WWI and WWI. It is probably not exaggerated to say that millions of men lost their life or were wounded by the .303, mostly in MG fire. It is still being shot in hanger in places. No problem with deer...
That’s the reason you have sons! 3 of my 4 boys hunt and now that I am disabled and a senior I may get to shoot but then they take care of the rest! That’s my senior retirement plan🤔😳😂
I'm 15 years older than the next oldest guy in our group and smaller. Years ago, by agreement (unknown to me) or whatever, when it came time to drag or load deer onto the 4-wheelers, the young guys handed me their rifles and said "hold this". I love 'em. That's deer season right there.@@edwardabrams4972
I had a chance to shoot a few of these rifles. They are magnificent but the problem is I would never want to drag one out in the field and get it messed up as they were works of art along with being a weapon/tool. Before that I was never a fan but this action is just awesome the falling block and Ruger's design is just brilliant
Binkee it took me awhile to get comfortable with carrying my No1 B out in the field for the same reason. But I have enjoyed hunting with it so much that I finally decided that it was worth the risk and if it gets scratched up in the field then it gets scratched. And hopefully this one is the same way?
The . 303 British cartridge has plenty of sauce for deer to moose. In that Ruger it could be loaded fairly warm without issue, but it would not change the results. The 150 grain loads at about 2700 FPS or so would be a very mild easy shooting package for deer. 180 grain loads might be a bit sharper on the butt plate but could be a bit better for bigger and thicker critters like moose.
John, that's exactly what I was thinking. This being a newer action I should be able to load it to higher pressures but then as you said it wouldn't change the results so do I even need to? I'll probably push it a little just to see what I can get out of it but I definitely don't feel I need to get any extra velocity. And I'm planning on starting with 150gr bullets and I was guessing I would end up around 2700 fps. And that's just about perfect for a deer rifle at normal ranges. But I have some 180gr round nose bullets on hand to try just in case it doesn't like the 150's. Sadly we don't have any thicker critters in my parts besides wild hogs and I rarely hunt them.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I am assuming Ruger has tightened chamber specs up over typical SMLE chambers considerably. But in any case, once fired or fire formed new brass of any reputable make will have a fairly long life if you neck size only and keep pressures moderate with handloads. And getting 2700 FPS isn't going to be hard to do . That was the Hornady factory spec. with 150 grain Interlock bullets. .303 thrives on medium speed powders of nearly any common type. Only your rifle can tell you which one it likes the best. I predict MOA accuracy as a worst case scenario is going to happen fairly easy with this one. As for bullets, I would take a look at some intended for 7.62x39. I sense the possibility of a real zippy and effective varmint load lurking somewhere with the right combo. In fact, a super low recoil deer load is there too. That little gem could really be a meat hunters dream gun with some special application loads for it.
Love the #1. I did have one in the 300 Win Mag. Medium Sporter but with 26 inch barrel. It was a beast and too much gun for me, but was beautiful . Was tempted by one in 7X57, but then found the Model 70 FW
Super nice rifle i have been looking for a ruger no1 for some time now it is just hard to bring myself to pay the price knowing what they used to go for but i guess that's everything now days you other channel explains that for us.i love your videos and also love the history of guns how to see another video from both channels soon.
I can't believe it!! I didn't think they made it anymore it was the 1st gun my dad ever hunted with in the UP in 1968 so cool ! We're can I get that and what's it cost for it ?
Ive got one down under, im interested to see what loads you can get to shoot, an all that jazz,.... lots of reports of big bore specs etc, keep us updated on it mate! hooroo
@@TomRiverSimpleLivingMy Courtney Uberti .303 is easy to pack and extremely accurate. I feel the .311/312 diameter is perfectly matched for velocity for killing game animals. The .303 sure worked great during the two world wars.
Plenty of 303 British in use here in South Africa. Seeing as you are going to use it in close range,ever thought of putting a peepsight on it? Ideal for quick shooting.
The iron sights aren't bad on this one and a peep would be even better, but my eyes just aren't what they used to be and a scope is almost a must for me now especially in low light.
Why do you have two different scopes? Seems that performing the load testing with the scope you plan to hunt with would be the best plan. Enjoy your videos and glad you have time to share this post.
Sometime I will do the load testing with the scope I'm going to hunt with even if it's a low power scope like a 2x7. But when I'm really trying get every bit of accuracy I can out of a rifle I like a little more magnification. It helps just enough that I thought it was worth doing for this rifle since I'm trying to get the absolute best out of it. Plus higher magnification lets me see the groups from the bench and keeps me from having to walk to the target as often! LOL
308dad, popularity has nothing to do with effectiveness and I have taken dozens of deer with a 303 British in the past. And so far it is the most effective cartridge I've used on them. Even better than the 308 which I have also taken a lot of deer with. There is just something about that 303 and I think it's because all of the .311 dia bullets made are made just for the 303 where as .308 dia bullets are made to be used in all of the 30 cals and have to work with a lot of different velocities? That makes it tougher to find a bullet that's a perfect match for the cartridge. Or at least that's my theory?
my ruger no.1 is very accurate for the first 2 shots when the barrel is cold after that the point of aim drifts a lot,,, perfectly acceptable for a hunting rifle.
I have a #1B in 243. It shoots lights out. However, I'm told that I was lucky. Gunsmiths have told me that any accuracy problems the #1s have is flex in the hanger bar. I hope you have luck with it as good as the luck I've had with mine.
Tasunko, I've heard a lot of bad stories about Ruger accuracy in general but I have yet to see it. This might be the rifle that gets me but so far every Ruger I have ever shot shoots pretty good? Even my mini 14 is just over 1 MOA. I guess there's nothing to do now but go to the range and see with this one?
I have a tc encore pro hunter in 270 I've always shot 130 grain ammo this gun was grouping looked like buckshot I tired every brand finally got a box of 150 grain problem solved now a three shot clover leaf at 100
As far a accuracy all the #1's I've owned were the easiest rifles I've ever sighted in. To be honest every rifle I own shoots much better than I am able to shoot them.
Michael, personally I think the rib adds some much needed rigidity since it lacks any from the action? And my No1 B has the same rib and shoots great. But it would have been a problem on this one if I hadn't checked the screws on it because they were actually loose on the rib. It's going to be interesting to see how this one actually shoots?
Nice looking rifles Tom. I pickup some Herters in 303 British at my local Cabela's in Mitchell, SD . The headstamp is Herters 303 made in the USA . What other manufacturers offer 303 British?
The 303 is a winner. Much history behind his and her majesties cartridge. Should be ideal for a falling block.
Tom, The original Winchester 1895 lever action was made in .303 British and the original Winchester 1885 single shot was made in .303 British. They didn't make a lot of them but they made them. There may have been others but those two come immediately to mind.
Have seen those
The perfect hunting rifle is the one you have mastered and thoroughly understand.
I love that some ammericans Apreciate 303. It was very popular in canada but most people dont use it anymore unless they are shooting an old enfeild or ross. Very cool to see a newer rifle chambered in 303. I absolutely love the cartridge
The 303 is still a potent, but very underrated, caliber. I am 60 from Northern Canada and have a 1942 Longbranch 303. It is in great condition and is very accurate. It stands in my gun safe beside my 308Win and 300WM. Where I live there are hunters still using the 303 for moose successfully. Great video.
Thanks Reloadnorth, and my 1942 Longbranch is in my safe with the others as well. And I have taken more deer with that old Longbranch than all of the others put together.
I love my 303British my grandpa had it done by a gunsmith its a engfiled mark3 sported with original wood cut to a hunting rifle look and it got beautiful engravings on the stock and original brass butt plate its a good looking gun
That's a super nice rifle.
@@davidhayes7596 Thankyou
My son has my grand fathers 303 now, it still breaks paper, served 4 gen. of our family. Great Show.
That's awesome, I was following the listing for this rifle on gun broker! Crazy that you were the fella that got it!!
Joe, what's crazy is that I paid that much for a rifle! But I have waited a lot of years for this one and I don't see them making any more any time soon? So why not.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I agree. I've been looking out for a no. 1 in 303 or 7x57, or a no. 3 in 30-40 for a long time now, too.
Hey Tom, the 303 British was utterly ubiquitous in Canada when I was younger. My dad had 5 or 6 of them when I was a kid, and back then (early 70's) you could pick up milsurp Lee Enfields for next to nothing. Back then I was fascinated by how different the different rifles were, especially in terms of length. I only realized later that some were sporterized and some were unmodified. I've lived in the states for a long time but I do remember how common the 303 was.
12 years ago, I told my kid I'd buy him a hunting rifle and asked him what he wanted. To my chagrin. he didn't want something new in .243. He said the only rifle he wanted was my Long Branch No.4 Mk 1* made into a hunting rifle by Elwood Epps.
Ask HIM what the best cartridge is and he'll say "Three Oh Three."
Ask HIM what the best rifle is and he'll say "The SMLE" in his "and you're an idiot for asking such a stupid question" tone of voice.
I'd be surprised if anyone in the Commonwealth can be found who loves the Enfield and the .303 as much as my American kid does. "From collared peccary to pachyderms, the .303 British is NEVER the wrong answer."
@@jerroldshelton9367I agree with your son! From South Africa.
@@jerroldshelton9367 You raised that boy right! I grew up in Canada, now living in the U.S. and as a young boy I used to drool at the barrels of Lee Enfields for sale in Canadian department and sporting goods stores. Woolworths in North Vancouver, B.C. had them for sale, your pick for only $12.95 in 1966. I had a paper route back then and made $22.00 per month but they wouldn't sell me one without my parent's permission. We were poor back then and I had to buy my own clothes and bicycle so I never got around to buying one but I sure have made up for it now that I have the money!
Awesome find Tom! Can't wait on the rest of the episodes. I own 2 No. 1's 1 in 9.3x62 and the other in 300 H&H. I have always loved them. Ed Author Brown Co. sells a Hick's accurizer for the No. 1's that mounts inside the forend and allows you to adjust a set screw to apply pressure to the barrel every one claims that groups go from 1.5" to sub MOA. You have to adjust for each loading so it has to do with harmonics.
Randy Shelby, aka The Real Gunsmith, has an excellent utube video on that subject.
I went deer hunting in the 80s with a guy that used a 303 British. It makes a great medium game cartridge.
Medium game? Pretty sure elephants aren't medium game. Read about the .303 in Africa.
NOW WE ARE TALKING! The Ruger No. 1 is my all time favorite rifle no matter what caliber it comes in. Just a beauty of a firearm and yours was no exception. Thanks for sharing it!
Have had a ruger number one for years always accurate easy to carry 2506 reaches out a long Way . Not saying how far because u wouldn't beleve me
Agreed my brother in arms!
Tom, your a kid in a candy store. Beautiful!!
Russell, I absolutely am right now!
Sweet purchase Tom
My sporterized lee enfield was my first rifle I used for Moose and I still take it out every couple of years.
It has never let me down and always will continue too put them in the freezer.
Can't wait too see what shooting results you get at the range.
Cheers from 🇨🇦
Love those Ruger #1's Tom, my dad gave me his in 7mm Remington Magnum a few years ago that he bought in 1971. Always shoots great and is a beautiful rifle. My dad has shot many deer and elk with it and I cherish that he passed it on to me. Would love to get one in 257 Roberts, I have a Remington 722 in 257 Roberts that I rechambered to a 257 Roberts Ackley Improved years ago, a great all around hunting and varmit rifle. Enjoy you 303 British, a great deer and elk rifle. I shoot a 35 Whelen on occasion in a Remington 700, and it flat puts the hurt on deer but really preforms on elk. Love the bigger calibers that do the job, and can shoot out as far as a guy wants to. Keep up the great work with all you informative videos we really enjoy listening to you pass on your knowledge. Take care!
The 1895 Winchester lever action was also chambered in .303 British in both rifle and carbine models.
Beautiful rifle, great cartridge. Can’t wait to see how this one plays out and someday see you taking this one into the brush.
Stay safe and well.
Tom, I have a 1969 number one with an old weaver 4x scope. It’s in .243. It was fair to good with factory ammunition, but went to exceptional with hand loads. Probably the most beautiful rifle ever produced IMHO. Thanks for the history.
Whoa, Tom. That's awesome! I've never even heard of .303 Brit in anything but an Enfield unless it's a custom build, or something high end like Holland & Holland. That's a REALLY cool find.
Beautiful rifle Tom. I hope you find it shoots just as well as your Ruger No.1-B. Love your channel. As a younger guy I truly appreciate your wisdom. Keep up the great work and stay safe.
Nice find! I got lucky and found a "new" No.1 in 9.3X62 a year ago. Like you, I dont buy rifles just to look at. I use them. Haven't hunted with it yet. But I surely will. 286grn for Moose. 250grn for Mule Deer.
I live in B.C. I'm actually hunting Deer in the Cariboo region right now. Using a 7mm-08. Just had my host ask if I had a Black Bear tag. I do. He's known me for a few years and knows I don't specifically go for Bear, but always carry a tag for one J.I.C.
Reason he asked is because he has an acquaintance that just had one of his animals killed in his pasture by a big Bear and would like it gone before it happens again.
I don't fault the Bear. He's just a Bear being a Bear.
I now wish I had brought that Ruger 9.3X62 with me.
I'll go in the morning anyway to see if I can help him out and put some Bear meat in the freezer.
I wish Ruger would start producing No.1's again.
Like you say, it's a very nicely built rifle and I appreciate its uniqueness. I also have a preference for iron sights as back up on my hunting rifles.
Looking forward to your future vids on that Ruger.
I wish you a speedy recovery on the knee!
My Ruger No.1B in .308 is still my go to deer rifle for NW Florida, congratulations sir on another amazing rifle for your collection!
I grabbed one of these in 303British when they released them and cherish it. Its a lovely rifle and very handy. Ive got a 3-9 on it and generally shoot winchester factory loads from it. The 303 is an institution here in Australia, and I grew up with it in old SMLEs that everyone seemed to have.
I went hunting in the Czech Republic in the 90s with a Ruger No. 1 with Mannlicher stock and 20" barrel and caliber 7x57mm. I shot a roe buck there at 180 m. 7x57 is a good hunting cartridge. I also had a pre-war Mauser in 7x57 (1937) and an FN Mauser in 9.3x62 caliber. Sako are good weapons too. Back then, I had a Sako 375 H&H converted to the 404 Jeffery caliber by a Nuremberg gunsmith. I had a Ruger #1 in .416 Rigby too. I am a German from Franconia and now live in Thailand.
What a beauty ! A Number 1 is one on the few things left on my bucket list.
I'm a big fan of the Ruger #1......great rifle.
I'm envious.
If memory serves, the run of No.1 A's in .303 was something a distributor requested Ruger to do and I think they only had to commit to buying 250 of them to get Ruger to build them.
I should have bought one when I found one to buy back in 2010 when they were new. I passed because the accuracy was said to be dismal. The first new rifle I bought was a No.1 B in .270 and it was a chronic disappointment, having a barrel with a very unsatisfactory interior barrel finish. About 10 years later, I bought another No.1 B in .30-'06 that was a 1.5 M.O.A. rifle, which was perfectly okay with me. That first No.1 I had went back to Ruger many times over its horrible barrel and Ruger finally replaced it at a time when they were doing a run of No.1 B's in .300 Weatherby Magnum and was a good shooter. My No.1 Tropical in .375 H&H is the most accurate No.1 I've personally owned. It shoots clover-leafs, or did when I shot it last.
Some distributor had Ruger do a limited number of No.1's in .256 Newton, too. I didn't buy one of them when I had the chance, either.
I like the .303 British. It's really a great cartridge for me because I'm a "still hunter" and thus often shoot game that is bedded or just getting out of bed at distances measured in dozens of yards rather than hundreds. The modest velocity is an advantage in my hunting as I can "eat right up to the bullet hole" when using something in 2.400 fps range vs something like a .270 Winchester at 3,100 fps. But I can still reach out to 300 yards with the .303 Brit with little trouble.
This I know, because I had a No.4 Mk 1* "Long Branch" converted into a sporter by Elwood Epps. I killed so many feral swine with that rifle that I lost count. It had no problem poking pork out to 300 yards, which is as far as I care to shoot game. My son took it over when he was old enough for a centerfire rifle. I asked him what he wanted and much to my chagrin, he didn't want a new Winchester 70 Featherweight in .243 or .257, but wanted my Elwood Epps Enfield.
"Yeah, Dad, I guess that rifle is OKAY..... But it ain't no Enfield!"
"You know, my friends are all ga-ga over the 6.5. They asked me if I was gonna get one. I said I had no use for it because I have a .303 British, which has killed at least one of everything on Planet Earth at one time or another, so I don't have to wonder whether it's going to work on pigs, deer, elk, moose, caribou, or ME 109's......."
No.1 Son approves of your cartridge choice. He's standing over my shoulder as I write this. His question for you: "Why do you want THAT thing when you've already got the best D*** rifle ever made in the form of your Lee Enfield"?
Jerrold, it sounds like you have done a fine job raising that kid because he has excellent taste in rifles! And to answer his question, I got this to try and learn more about the 303 cartridge and Ruger No1's. I've heard that the 303 can be loaded to higher pressures in a stronger action and that people have done that with the P14 Enfields in 303 and have actually passed the 308 in velocity? Now I don't feel that I need any more velocity out of the 303 than I get with the standard loading. To this day the 303 in a Lee Enfield is the most effective rifle and cartridge I have ever used on deer and I have taken more deer with my old No4 than all of my other rifles put together and like yourself I've taken deer out to 300 yards with no problem. But I am curious as to whether or not the venerable old 303 can actually out do the 308 or even match it in velocity? I think that would say a lot about the unrealized potential of the cartridge. And I have really wanted to try a Ruger No1 A for a long time just to see what sort of accuracy it's actually capable of? I've heard so many horror stories about them and I have no doubt that some of the stories are true like with your 270. But I know every manufacturer puts out the occasional lemon but so far I've never seen a Ruger that didn't shoot at least decent, if not outstanding. Even my mini 14 is just over 1 MOA. This rifle might be the Ruger that finally bites me or it might be a tack driver and turn out to be the perfect stalking rifle? There's only one way to find out and this particular No1 A will hopefully let me learn more about No1's and the 303 British cartridge and I couldn't pass up just such an opportunity to see!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving
AsI believe you mentioned in the video, the No.1 was inspired by the Farquharson of U.K. origin, so if there ever was a cartridge ideal for it, the .303 British would be "it."
Kids these days..... They get all wrapped around the axle over M.O.A. and sub-M.O.A. groups. But do you REALLY need your No.1 to group that well?
I would submit that if you can hit a pie tin with it 10 out of 10, then it and you and whatever optic you put on it are good to go.
You're not shooting groups with a .303 on whitetail, anyhow. The .303 is "one and done."
Personally, I would enjoy the .303 for what it is: fast enough to score killing shots out to 300 yards, but not so fast to tear up a bunch of otherwise edible muscle tissue at 30 yards.
One thing I think you'll find is that your brass is going to last longer being shot out of the No.1 than out of a springy SMLE.
That's a good thing because lately, around here, anyhow, .303 brass is rarer than sympathy.
The perfect cartridge for the perfect rifle.
I have a very nicely sporterized Pattern 14. Manufactured by Winchester during WW1. 303 Brit of course. Not a Bubba gun but very professionally done with a Bishop stock. After putting a Leupold 3-9 on it I was pleasantly suprised it shoots 1/2 moa @ 100 yds. My first deer season I shot the biggest doe I've ever shot in all my years of deer hunting. Unfortunately it was at fairly close range. Since my deer hunting years are coming to an end soon I am trying a different caliber every couple years and the 303 is in the gunsafe for now but I'm sure she'd like to make an appearance again sometime soon. The 303 is a much under appreciated loading that seems to hang on with a small band of followers.
B25, I took the majority of the deer in my life with an old Lee Enfield in 303. I'm experimenting a lot more these days myself but after all of these years I have yet to see a more effective cartridge for deer. My Dad and I used to joke that you could shoot a deer in the hoof with a 303 British and it would drop it in it's tracks! Ok, maybe it's not that good but sometimes I wonder? LOL
Great video Tom! Love the Ruger #1 rifles. We went hunting last weekend with 2 of my 4 boys and got 2 deer and tried out some 70’s Sako’s I got this year! Both shoot 30-06 and it took just one shot each! Getting ready to go elk hunting the first of next month and hoping they each get one! Me I am more into collecting going on 60+ years now but still love being with the boys out in the woods! I have had hundreds of rifles but have never owned a Ruger #1 even though I have had several come my way, most were either a caliber I didn’t want or they wanted to much for the gun!
I bought a Uberti Courteney Stalking Rifle in .303 British last year. Awesome rifle and fine cartridge. Happy to see this video pop up.
I’ve always had a #1 in 45-70 on my radar but never had enough money when I saw one. Don’t aggravate the knees or you might end like me. I thought I was going to have a knee replacement until the surgeon looked at X-rays and said forget the knee replacement you need a hip replacement much more. Arthritis done caught up on this 70 year old body. Now I won’t be doing any hunting this year that requires any walking, so I’ll just have to live vicariously through you guys, Happy hunting boys and girls!😊
It’s very interesting that you compare the 303 British to the 308 Winchester, Tom. Our Canadian Rangers that patrol the far North in Canada have recently gone from using the 303 Lee Enfields to a sweet little Tikka in 308. I think you can buy a civilian version for about $3000. Canadian.
FARQUARSHON ACTIONS ARE IDEAL FOR RIMMED CARTRIDGES
That's a beauty ! I have a #1 in 300 win mag , mine has a 26 inch barrel without open sights , its a pretty heavy rifle so recoil isn't terrible , I wouldn't take it to range day but in hunting situations recoil isn't noticed . I love it and mine shoots under an inch at 100 yards .
I have a #1 in .300 WBY. Mag. I love it even though it will walk & talk to you when shot. You sure don't go plinking with it. Only trouble I had was with the Ruger base that came on the rifle, allowing proper fit & eye relief. I solved it by getting a raised cantilevered mounts/rings with a longer eye relief scope. I bought it used 30 years or so ago for $400. Would like to afford one now. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
What an awesome find you have there Tom. Looking forward to the break in and just general shooting of it. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely rifle Tom! We share an affinity for single shot rifles. My CVA scout compact in 6.5mm Creedmoor was selected for very similar reasons you stated for this rifle. Though I have to admit, that Ruger is much classier!
I hunted for years in western WA with an old No. 1 in 257 Roberts and an old 4x weaver scope. Loved that gun, but the barrel was so worn out at the end it was having problems staying on target so I sold it to a gunsmith friend of mine. I now hunt with a Henry single shot in .243 with the same old weaver scope.
I have a Thompson Center Encore with a custom 303 British barrel. Very enjoyable and accurate gun.
I do hate that I didn't get an Encore back before S&W shutdown TC and they were still affordable! Great actions with so many affordable barrel options.
I had the opportunity to buy one quite awhile ago and have been kicking myself ever since. He who hesitates is lost. A buddy of mine however did not hesitate and builds mild cast loads for use on varmints.
I have that gun in 25-06 with bull barrel. Great gun.
CONGRATS on the New Toy.
Sorry to hear about the knee Pain Sucks.. 🙏 It heals up well.
On the Redfields. Leupold sold them to Accdemy Sports which is using them for there Store Brand.. No ideal how good or bad they are as havent needed one.
Leupold is supposed to still handle the warranty on the Revolution series.
One place ya might want to check out Grafs & Sons if not already.
They carry or at least try to stuff for the ol military cartridges including some special run bullets..
Best Wishes that all goes well n ya get to fill a tag with it
Thanks Michael!
I'm a right handed guy but am left eye dominant so I shoot a rifle mostly left handed even though I can shoot either way. Due to this I've always liked lever action rifles and single shot rifles are just as fast for me to shoot as a bolt action. A few years back I bought a CVA Scout 2 in 35 Whelen but the rifle turned out to be faulty. After sending it back I ordered a Lipsey's Ruger #1 in 35 Whelen. I've owned a #1 International in 30-06 before but I sold it because it was to pretty to take into the field in bad weather and I also own a Ruger #3 in .223. The #1 is a beautiful rifle and the 35 Whelen is the most efficient cartridge I've ever loaded for. Love those #1's. The only thing I have a problem with is the latch on the lever of the #1 is not strong enough and if you're not careful in the field when you unsling the rifle from your shoulder you may find the lever open and the round gone. The #3 does not have a latch and has never given me this problem.
Russell, I noticed the latch on this new one is way tighter than on my No1 B. I'm not sure if they made them tighter over the years or if that's something that just loosens up over time?
Nice rifle, good shooting
Ruger is my favorite arms maker and the No 1 is wonderful rifle. I have a long branch .303 I enjoy hunting with. Great bear gun. For the most part the .303 was never really intended to be a spectacularly accurate round to it being a battlefield rifle, but I reload and find accuracy out to 200 yards quite adequate. Topped off with a 3x9 scope it makes for a great universal hunting rifle, but it’s also just darn fun to shoot. Cant wait to hear a range report!
JH, I took my first deer with a 303 and I have no idea how many after that. It was an old Long Branch No4 and shot 3 inch groups at 100 yards before I learned how to clean a bore and then it came down 1.5 inches and that was all I ever needed. I never lost a deer with it out of however many dozens of deer even when it was shooting 3 inch groups and the furthest one was at 300 yards. That cartridge is just deadly on whitetails. And like you said, just darn fun to shoot!
I don't know what you paid for it, but you got a bargain. One of the very best single shot actions in a great classic cartridge. I shoot a light weight Martini in .303 and it is a great brush rifle. Short and light....with more than enough cartridge.
Richard, I know from past experience how great the cartridge is and my first impressions of this rifle is that it's outstanding. Exactly what you just said, short and light. The only thing left is to see how it shoots and if it shoots anywhere around 1 MOA or even 1.5 MOA I'm going to be ecstatic with this rifle. I don't even think I would be disappointed with 2 MOA at this point. Now I just have to get to the range and see?
303 is a very good Rifle caliber.
My 1st deer rifle was a surplus Enfield. 303 British, in 1975.
There was not much quality .303 British deer ammo in S.E.Texas in the mid 70s.
Federal, and Winchester in whatever grain they had at that day is what I shot , as that was what was available at the time.
I traded it with my best friend for a Springfield in .30-06.
We traded about every deer season, depending on if I felt confident with the rifle..Actually looking back it was the ammunition that was available to me at that place and time.
Just the sight of a Ruger No 1 makes me want to go to the woods and walk in nature with it. If you need a friend, here's one. If you want another one, here's Tom River.
What a great combination of rifle and cartridge
Nice rifle I am jealous.
Ive heard shimming the for-end improves the accuracy.
My go to elk hunting rifle is a No. 1-B chambered in 7mm STW. Incredibly accurate
I could see that being an ideal elk rifle!
I finally got a no1 in 280/7mm express.
It’s a fantastic firearm.
I have an issue with the scope, the rings, or the ring base. I can’t zero my rifle for anything less than 600yds.
But once I got it zeroed I look like a hero ringing the gong at the range
What an outstanding cartridge you have there with the 280. I have never figured out why it isn't more popular? I guess it just doesn't have the marketing or the history of the others because it definitely has the performance. And I have no doubt that is an outstanding cartridge in a No1! But that is strange on the 600 yard zero. 20 MOA rings or base maybe?
Beautiful rifle, especially after you took the hang tag off! I had an 1916 Enfield in 303British, great round but not always available at as many locations.
That’s a cool piece for sure!
Thanks Paul, and you're about the ammo availability.
I have one of these in .303 British and was lucky enough to get it in 2011. I had to use the offset rings for the right eye relief. Mine has a preference for the 215 grain Kynoch ammunition
Thanks for sharing that Bambi. After I made this video I decided to just put an old 4x16 Tasco on it for the load testing that I had laying around and I ran into that same problem on eye relief. I tried that 4x12 Redfield after that and it worked fine but it has a really generous eye relief just like most of the Leupolds. And I will keep that in mind about yours liking the really heavy bullets.
Very nice rifle and I love the #1's if it doesn't shoot well that means you need to go back to the loading branch. I've never seen one yet thar would not shot well given the right load sometimes it takes a while to find what it likes and then you have something to be proud of when you get the right combo of power and bullet , primer an brass you won't go hungry if get out and hunt. Sorry to hear about your knee hopefully you will be better soon and God bless you and yours until the next time have a good life.
Love #1's!!!! Looking forward to seeing what you do.
Congratulations Tom on your new rifle
Showing that the .303 is a good hunting cartridge is an easy thing to do. It is the cartridge that killed the most men in the history of the world -- it does beat the Kalashnikov 7,62 by a lot as the British .303 was used in all British-made machine guns throughout the Empire, and everywhere the British and Commonwealth forces fought in WWI and WWI. It is probably not exaggerated to say that millions of men lost their life or were wounded by the .303, mostly in MG fire. It is still being shot in hanger in places. No problem with deer...
Awesome fan. I'm a big fan of the .303 because and Enfield #4 Mk 1 was my first hunting rifle, still have it. LOL
Dragging a deer when you are old or infirmed, that's when you'll KNOW who your friends are.
That’s the reason you have sons! 3 of my 4 boys hunt and now that I am disabled and a senior I may get to shoot but then they take care of the rest! That’s my senior retirement plan🤔😳😂
I'm 15 years older than the next oldest guy in our group and smaller. Years ago, by agreement (unknown to me) or whatever, when it came time to drag or load deer onto the 4-wheelers, the young guys handed me their rifles and said "hold this". I love 'em. That's deer season right there.@@edwardabrams4972
I had a chance to shoot a few of these rifles. They are magnificent but the problem is I would never want to drag one out in the field and get it messed up as they were works of art along with being a weapon/tool. Before that I was never a fan but this action is just awesome the falling block and Ruger's design is just brilliant
Binkee it took me awhile to get comfortable with carrying my No1 B out in the field for the same reason. But I have enjoyed hunting with it so much that I finally decided that it was worth the risk and if it gets scratched up in the field then it gets scratched. And hopefully this one is the same way?
Looking forward to this project! Hope the knee is doing better
Thanks Featherweight, and the knee is much better!
Very. Interesting. A great. Rifle.
Thanks Dominic!
Nice rifle
The . 303 British cartridge has plenty of sauce for deer to moose. In that Ruger it could be loaded fairly warm without issue, but it would not change the results. The 150 grain loads at about 2700 FPS or so would be a very mild easy shooting package for deer. 180 grain loads might be a bit sharper on the butt plate but could be a bit better for bigger and thicker critters like moose.
John, that's exactly what I was thinking. This being a newer action I should be able to load it to higher pressures but then as you said it wouldn't change the results so do I even need to? I'll probably push it a little just to see what I can get out of it but I definitely don't feel I need to get any extra velocity. And I'm planning on starting with 150gr bullets and I was guessing I would end up around 2700 fps. And that's just about perfect for a deer rifle at normal ranges. But I have some 180gr round nose bullets on hand to try just in case it doesn't like the 150's. Sadly we don't have any thicker critters in my parts besides wild hogs and I rarely hunt them.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I am assuming Ruger has tightened chamber specs up over typical SMLE chambers considerably. But in any case, once fired or fire formed new brass of any reputable make will have a fairly long life if you neck size only and keep pressures moderate with handloads. And getting 2700 FPS isn't going to be hard to do . That was the Hornady factory spec. with 150 grain Interlock bullets. .303 thrives on medium speed powders of nearly any common type. Only your rifle can tell you which one it likes the best. I predict MOA accuracy as a worst case scenario is going to happen fairly easy with this one. As for bullets, I would take a look at some intended for 7.62x39. I sense the possibility of a real zippy and effective varmint load lurking somewhere with the right combo. In fact, a super low recoil deer load is there too. That little gem could really be a meat hunters dream gun with some special application loads for it.
Excellent content..
Love the #1. I did have one in the 300 Win Mag. Medium Sporter but with 26 inch barrel. It was a beast and too much gun for me, but was beautiful
. Was tempted by one in 7X57, but then found the Model 70 FW
I've been tempted by the 7x57 as well but with so few options in 303 I had to go with that in this rifle.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Understandable. That Uberti Highwall Courtney Rifle also looked good
That's a beautiful gun. I've always liked those ruger no 1s
Beautiful rifle. Will enjoy your journey into accuracy.
Hes back!
I shot my first big buck as a kid with a sportarised mark 4 303.
I would like the n1 in 7x57mm international or one of the old ones in 6mm remington.
I took my first buck with a sporterized No4 in 303 as well! And I really like your choices there in the 7x57 and 6mm!
I've got 4 number 1's, 25-06, 30-06, 270, and a 303. Love them all but the 25-06 is my pet..
That 25-06 has to be one sweet shooting rifle in a No1!
I have one in .416 Rigby. I'm never going to Africa, but it was a rifle I just had to have, lol.
Super nice rifle i have been looking for a ruger no1 for some time now it is just hard to bring myself to pay the price knowing what they used to go for but i guess that's everything now days you other channel explains that for us.i love your videos and also love the history of guns how to see another video from both channels soon.
A walking rifle, a true beauty. Iv shot a pile of elk with that round, extremely effective.
I can't believe it!! I didn't think they made it anymore it was the 1st gun my dad ever hunted with in the UP in 1968 so cool ! We're can I get that and what's it cost for it ?
Ive got one down under, im interested to see what loads you can get to shoot, an all that jazz,.... lots of reports of big bore specs etc, keep us updated on it mate! hooroo
I'm interested to see what it does on load testing too! And I will keep you updated.
It’s beautiful! And a great chambering.
I looked up the Uberti 303 single shot. They also offer it in 45/70. It weighs 7 lbs. That would hurt.
I have to agree that wouldn't be a lot of fun to shoot!
@@TomRiverSimpleLivingMy Courtney Uberti .303 is easy to pack and extremely accurate. I feel the .311/312 diameter is perfectly matched for velocity for killing game animals. The .303 sure worked great during the two world wars.
Very nice, well done :)
Great rifle, I have been looking for one for a No. Ruger in 7x57 for years. Don't know for sure but I believe your ,303 is even harder to find
AFAIK, Ruger only ever made about 250 No.1's in .303. It is a LOT harder to find one in that chambering than in 7 x 57.
If I’m not mistaken Ruger has No. 1’s available in 275 Rigby (7x57) right now.
Plenty of 303 British in use here in South Africa. Seeing as you are going to use it in close range,ever thought of putting a peepsight on it? Ideal for quick shooting.
The iron sights aren't bad on this one and a peep would be even better, but my eyes just aren't what they used to be and a scope is almost a must for me now especially in low light.
I like how u think and have good sensible idea's
Thanks!
My dad shot moose big bear with a 303 smle for years the only rifle he owned
Why do you have two different scopes? Seems that performing the load testing with the scope you plan to hunt with would be the best plan. Enjoy your videos and glad you have time to share this post.
Sometime I will do the load testing with the scope I'm going to hunt with even if it's a low power scope like a 2x7. But when I'm really trying get every bit of accuracy I can out of a rifle I like a little more magnification. It helps just enough that I thought it was worth doing for this rifle since I'm trying to get the absolute best out of it. Plus higher magnification lets me see the groups from the bench and keeps me from having to walk to the target as often! LOL
I have ibe and I'm very happy with it.
Ruger #1 is a fine rifle. I think it is better served in other calibers like 7mm Remington Magnum, or 30-06 or about anything more popular.
308dad, popularity has nothing to do with effectiveness and I have taken dozens of deer with a 303 British in the past. And so far it is the most effective cartridge I've used on them. Even better than the 308 which I have also taken a lot of deer with. There is just something about that 303 and I think it's because all of the .311 dia bullets made are made just for the 303 where as .308 dia bullets are made to be used in all of the 30 cals and have to work with a lot of different velocities? That makes it tougher to find a bullet that's a perfect match for the cartridge. Or at least that's my theory?
my ruger no.1 is very accurate for the first 2 shots when the barrel is cold after that the point of aim drifts a lot,,, perfectly acceptable for a hunting rifle.
side note lots of load development to find my no'1 's happy spot ,,,
Thanks for sharing that Brian, and it will be interesting to see if this one drifts after heating up?
That’s an awesome rifle!
I have a #1B in 243. It shoots lights out. However, I'm told that I was lucky. Gunsmiths have told me that any accuracy problems the #1s have is flex in the hanger bar. I hope you have luck with it as good as the luck I've had with mine.
Tasunko, I've heard a lot of bad stories about Ruger accuracy in general but I have yet to see it. This might be the rifle that gets me but so far every Ruger I have ever shot shoots pretty good? Even my mini 14 is just over 1 MOA. I guess there's nothing to do now but go to the range and see with this one?
Can you post a link to where the rifle came from. TIA.
I have a tc encore pro hunter in 270 I've always shot 130 grain ammo this gun was grouping looked like buckshot I tired every brand finally got a box of 150 grain problem solved now a three shot clover leaf at 100
As far a accuracy all the #1's I've owned were the easiest rifles I've ever sighted in. To be honest every rifle I own shoots much better than I am able to shoot them.
Still kicking myself for missing out on the 7x57 from Lipseys just before Covid. Still waiting for them to bring #1 production back online
I'm kicking myself for missing out the 275 Rigby m77 that Lipsey's did. That was a gorgeous rifle as well!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I missed that one too but got the 6.5x55 the next year
@@corporalpunish6089 Nice!
Has anyone ever told you that you are the "Mr. Rogers" of UA-cam gun reviews?
Lawrence the two I hear most is the Mr Rogers of UA-cam and the Bob Ross of guns. LOL And I appreciate both!
Hahaha... Ruger no 1 in 300 win mag is ultimate hunting rifle
As long as it's you shooting it and not me! LOL
I’ve heard the accuracy issue is caused by the rib the scope mounts on.
Michael, personally I think the rib adds some much needed rigidity since it lacks any from the action? And my No1 B has the same rib and shoots great. But it would have been a problem on this one if I hadn't checked the screws on it because they were actually loose on the rib. It's going to be interesting to see how this one actually shoots?
I've put the evolution gunworks picatinny rail on mine (308). It's shooting v accurately with this.
Beauties
Nice looking rifles Tom.
I pickup some Herters in 303 British at my local Cabela's in Mitchell, SD . The headstamp is Herters 303 made in the USA . What other manufacturers offer 303 British?
Winchester, Remington, Federal... web search is your friend.