Ruger No.1 458 Lott

[Aussie Chris]

Hi guys, I’ve bought a Ruger Number 1 stainless in 458 Lott specifically to put into a custom stock on. It scratches my itch to have a double rifle somewhat and is a fraction of the cost haha.

But I’ve got a few questions.

It’s currently got a laminated stock, the gun is in “as new” condition but it has no checkering. I’m just starting to wonder whether a beautiful walnut stock might crack with full power 550gr Woodleighs?
(I’m Australian so I must use Woodleigh’s )

So that’s question 1 will it be risky in a walnut stock. Keep in mind it’s not got an extended tang or other things that a proper double rifles might have to reduce stress on the stock.

The other question is that even though I really want a double rifle at some point and am pondering getting a Heym 450/400NE or 450NE what do you guys think? If I sneak up to a Cape buffalo and shoot it once with a well placed 550gr Woodleigh (or Hydro) is that going to kill it quicker than say two shots from a 450/400NE?

I’m not super worried about a charge as the PH will be protecting (I hope), I’m more worried about the PH shooting my buffalo as it runs off because the shot didn’t look fatal enough.

My gun is the standard grey laminate stainless. But something like what you see attached below is what I want to turn it into

1. Will the stock crack ?
2. What’s a well placed 458Lott worth? Will it be more fatal than two from a 450/400NE ?
I just really really really won’t be happy if my PH shoots the buffalo. I’m ok with him doing it if it needs to be done but I hate those situations I see on YouTube where the PH shoots heaps quickly and then there’s the usual back slapping “well done”. I’d pretend I was happy but inside I’d feel robbed

Thanks guys.

 

[Aussie Chris]

I have a Ruger No.1 in 458 Win mag already and can re load it pretty fast actually, so a second shot isn’t out of the question but I can’t count on it.
I want to wait for a good first shot to be presented and only shoot when I am confident and will assume I won’t get a good second shot.
I’ve never shot a Cape Buffalo before so I’m not sure how reasonable my expectations are.
Don’t get me wrong, I want a humane kill and don’t want to have it get away.
I guess what I want is this, (and you guys tell me if I’m being unreasonable). If I do a good shot, then the PH doesn’t then shoot it again.
But if I didn’t do a good shot then that’s on me, and I don’t want the animal to needlessly suffer just because of my stubbornness and I certainly don’t want it to get away.

 

[Mauser78]

If you have a 375 maybe take that along for plains game and 2nd shot on Buff, take your first shot with your Ruger, and let them hand you your 2nd rifle for a backup shot if needed, or even a camp gun. I am sure your PH will accomodate you.

 

[BlueFlyer]

The issue of the stock cracking probably has more to do with the person fitting the stock. If you use good quality wood with the grain in the wrist orientated correctly it will be fine.
The trouble we have down under is finding a competent stock maker and finding someone who understands how to fit the stock to a Ruger No1 is even more challenging.
Looking forward to seeing the final result.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Chris, firstly congratulations upon a fine Ruger No1, they are always special.
Firstly, upon whether to go with a single shot from the 458 Lott vs two from a 450/400. Well the Lott, properly placed is more than enough and if you get in nice and close, as you would with the double anyway, then your accuracy will be spot on. Go the extra mile and put a Swarovski 1-6 x 24i EE on it, hard to find, expensive, but correct. You may not get two off from the double anyway.
As to the stock, firstly, choose the grain for straight flow through the stress zone, ie grip. Second, get the stockmaker to drill the through bolt to be a really snug fit. I recently did a fiddly stock repair job where I installed a close fitting stainless steel tube epoxied into the wood so the through bolt takes almost all of the stress. Finally, fit recoil reducer(s), they absorb the shock for the stock as well as you.
Go for it!

 

[AZDAVE]

It is all about shot placement. You put a 458 lott- 450/400- 375 H&H in the right spot the buffalo is going to die quickly. However if you mess up the first shot and adrenaline dumps you now have a situation on your hands.

I you are going to change out with a walnut stock, I would find the dense'est english walnut blank you can find and restock with it.

 

[Aussie Chris]

Thanks for the responses. Much appreciated

 

[Rafiki]

Hi guys, I’ve bought a Ruger Number 1 stainless in 458 Lott specifically to put into a custom stock on. It scratches my itch to have a double rifle somewhat and is a fraction of the cost haha.

But I’ve got a few questions.

It’s currently got a laminated stock, the gun is in “as new” condition but it has no checkering. I’m just starting to wonder whether a beautiful walnut stock might crack with full power 550gr Woodleighs?
(I’m Australian so I must use Woodleigh’s )

So that’s question 1 will it be risky in a walnut stock. Keep in mind it’s not got an extended tang or other things that a proper double rifles might have to reduce stress on the stock

1. Will the stock crack ?
2. What’s a well placed 458Lott worth?

1. I shoot a 500 Sharps 2 1/2" Ruger No 1. The tip of the hanger broke off under recoil and a crack developed in the forend. Had both fixed and took 4 buffalo without any concern. The rifle is getting new furniture right now.

2. A well place shot with any suitable caliber is worth alot, I think you know that. If you don't maybe you should rethink this.

 

[camperx]

I have a tropical no.1 in .458 win mag and it is a pleasure to shoot with “North American” loads. My most accurate load was a 350 gr. Speer at 2300 FPS. A little faster than I need but it is an accurate load. I’ve also loaded 350 gr. lead at around 1600 FPS. Very pleasant to shoot but not as accurate as the hotter load. I have some 450 gr Barnes TSX bullets to try out. I’ll load them to around the 1850 FPS level. They are impressive rifles with their classic looks and stove pipe barrels. Keeping my eye out for a reasonably priced one in .375 H&H but they don’t come up to often.

 

[Bill Raby]

If the stock fits good it won't break. When I build a 4 bore I put a 5/8 inch steel rod through the length of the stock.

 

[Riflecrank]

If you have a SAAMI/CIP .458 WIN MAG Ruger No. 1, you can load that to beat
the SAAMI/CIP .458 Lott.
You need to re-chamber your .458 Lott Ruger No. 1 to .450 NE 3-1/4" Thin Rim S. Rigby,
as homologated by CIP.
That 450 NE reamer will clean up a .458 Lott chamber nicely.

XXX over the "Lott" and stamp 450 NE above that:

Going from .458 Lott to .450 Nitro Express may cause a pinky finger extension:

Many different scopes will work, this setup is particularly good for forehead relief, and more than workable for eye relief:

Extractor/Ejector work is easy for a qualified GUNSMITH:

Two brass pins and epoxy skim bedding of buttstock to action:

Keep the forearm hanger screw tight, check frequently, and you will not have to rebuild it like I did on a .458 WIN MAG that shoots some 500-grainers at +2400 fps MV. A firm forearm grip and torque from bullet going down the barrel in recoil causes a tendency to loosen the forearm hanger screw.
Put a thumb over the top of the barrel for better torque control with a scoped rifle that allows you to see over your thumb.

Reshaping the safety's leading edge was all it took to allow ejected brass to jump free for a rapid reload of the wide-rimmed .450 NE:

Loading to classical .450 NE ballistics like 480-grains at 2200 fps MV is all that is needed.
Or use 500-grainers at 2200 fps.
The .458 WIN MAG can be handloaded longer in COL and higher in MV than a SAAMI .458 Lott
with 500-600-grainers.
Perfect loads for a Ruger No. 1 with no magazine restrictions.

My .458 WIN MAG Ruger No. 1 is in a synthetic stock because it is more powerful than either a
SAAMI/CIP .458 Lott or .450 NE.

Short-throating limits the .458 Lott.
Essentially no-throat on a .450 NE and brass case was not designed for +60,000 psi either.
But the .450 NE makes a tingle run down my pinky finger.
Use it to tune loads and save wear and tear on that .450 NE double rifle you will be getting next ?

 

[Aussie Chris]

Wow thanks for all that. It’s a lot to digest. Good info I really appreciate it.

I think you asked what double I might get.

I do like the idea of a 450NE in a double.

I’m tossing up between a 450/400, 450NE and a 500NE.
The 500NE is the least practical and maybe I should stay away from it for a decade or two and just get one (if ever) when I can afford an elephant hunt. I like the 450/400 because it seems the most practical in the sense that it’s good on buffalo and is also not too stupid to use on deer and pigs which would be good practice so that in Africa I’m more comfortable with the rifle. I see it as a well balanced jack of all trades much like the 375’s. Maybe the best double for the big cats too?

But I like the balance between good sectional density and bullet diameter of the 450NE. I feel like it’s not really a compromise like the 450/400 is, in that I’d not feel under gunned with a 450NE on the bigger critters. It’s also something I know I can handle. Although it doesn’t seem as popular as the other calibres at least the projectiles are easy to find.

thanks again for the Ruger No. 1 info.

I love this forum. Very knowledgeable people on here and everyone is keen to help.