"I bought a #1 Standard in 30-06 used. According to Ruger's website it was made in 1976, so I'm not sure if it has the older adjustable trigger or not.
Earlier this week I took it to the range and the groups were all over the place. I used Winchester Super X Power Point 180 grain ammo.
When I got the gun it only had the iron sights. No scope or rings. I bought some new rings and a new Leupold 3.5-10 Vari X III.
Based on my internet research I've seen that Ruger considers a 3" group at 100 yards to be sufficient.
Earlier this week I would have been thankful for a 3" group at 100 yards.
What's the twist rate for the barrel and what kind of ammo does it like? I haven't started reloading for it yet. I thought I'd run the gamut of factory ammo first."
1."Earlier this week I took it to the range and the groups were all over the place. I used Winchester Super X Power Point 180 grain ammo."
Ruger #1's are fussy on how they are shot from the bench. The forearm must be placed exactly the same way for each shot. One way that has worked is have the front bag or rest right in front of the trigger guard. Feels awkward at first but you get used to it.
2."Based on my internet research I've seen that Ruger considers a 3" group at 100 yards to be sufficient."
I've seen stuff said that Ruger considered 2" at 50 yards, or 2" at 100 yard but I've not seen 3" at 100 yards. Must have missed that one.
3.""I bought a #1 Standard in 30-06 used. According to Ruger's website it was made in 1976, so I'm not sure if it has the older adjustable trigger or not."
You mentioned it had iron sights. That could only be a #1A (22"barrel) or a #1S (Some 24", some 26" depending on caliber ) The #1A is more common.
4."What's the twist rate for the barrel and what kind of ammo does it like? I haven't started reloading for it yet. I thought I'd run the gamut of factory ammo first."
1 in 10" for the twist. Good idea on the factory ammo.
I've hunted with and tinkered with the Ruger Number one since about 1970, currently have 19 in my modest collection that range in caliber from .22 Hornet to .416 Rigby. Some are extremely accurate and a few are, well let's just say they're stubborn. Let's also just say you have to like the challenge of hunting with a single loader.
Frankly, to be honest I haven't used any of my #1's since 2009 when I took my first outfitted hunt for antelope. In 2010 I hunted elk with the same outfitter. These are private land hunts and ranch and outfitter rules state "no single shot rifles". Their ground, their rules.
I'm thinking you may get better result from handloading the ammo to fit the gun. Mid 70's era odds are have a Wilson barrel and many had long throats which would favor the heavier bullets.
Dang, just too many things you might try and I don't remember them all. One thing I do recommend, especially if you hunt in wet weather. Seal every bit of the inside of that stock. Seal under the butt plate too. Ruger does not seal the inside wood on their rifles. Why? I have no idea. That's not only on the #1's but the M77's as well. Check the rib where it abuts the receiver. There should be clearance and usually there is none. The barrel heats up and the pressure from the rib exerts against the receiver thus changing the barrel harmonics.
One thing about a Ruger #1, regardless of model. You'll either love it or hate it. No in between.
Paul B.
Earlier this week I took it to the range and the groups were all over the place. I used Winchester Super X Power Point 180 grain ammo.
When I got the gun it only had the iron sights. No scope or rings. I bought some new rings and a new Leupold 3.5-10 Vari X III.
Based on my internet research I've seen that Ruger considers a 3" group at 100 yards to be sufficient.
Earlier this week I would have been thankful for a 3" group at 100 yards.
What's the twist rate for the barrel and what kind of ammo does it like? I haven't started reloading for it yet. I thought I'd run the gamut of factory ammo first."
1."Earlier this week I took it to the range and the groups were all over the place. I used Winchester Super X Power Point 180 grain ammo."
Ruger #1's are fussy on how they are shot from the bench. The forearm must be placed exactly the same way for each shot. One way that has worked is have the front bag or rest right in front of the trigger guard. Feels awkward at first but you get used to it.
2."Based on my internet research I've seen that Ruger considers a 3" group at 100 yards to be sufficient."
I've seen stuff said that Ruger considered 2" at 50 yards, or 2" at 100 yard but I've not seen 3" at 100 yards. Must have missed that one.
3.""I bought a #1 Standard in 30-06 used. According to Ruger's website it was made in 1976, so I'm not sure if it has the older adjustable trigger or not."
You mentioned it had iron sights. That could only be a #1A (22"barrel) or a #1S (Some 24", some 26" depending on caliber ) The #1A is more common.
4."What's the twist rate for the barrel and what kind of ammo does it like? I haven't started reloading for it yet. I thought I'd run the gamut of factory ammo first."
1 in 10" for the twist. Good idea on the factory ammo.
I've hunted with and tinkered with the Ruger Number one since about 1970, currently have 19 in my modest collection that range in caliber from .22 Hornet to .416 Rigby. Some are extremely accurate and a few are, well let's just say they're stubborn. Let's also just say you have to like the challenge of hunting with a single loader.
Frankly, to be honest I haven't used any of my #1's since 2009 when I took my first outfitted hunt for antelope. In 2010 I hunted elk with the same outfitter. These are private land hunts and ranch and outfitter rules state "no single shot rifles". Their ground, their rules.I'm thinking you may get better result from handloading the ammo to fit the gun. Mid 70's era odds are have a Wilson barrel and many had long throats which would favor the heavier bullets.
Dang, just too many things you might try and I don't remember them all. One thing I do recommend, especially if you hunt in wet weather. Seal every bit of the inside of that stock. Seal under the butt plate too. Ruger does not seal the inside wood on their rifles. Why? I have no idea. That's not only on the #1's but the M77's as well. Check the rib where it abuts the receiver. There should be clearance and usually there is none. The barrel heats up and the pressure from the rib exerts against the receiver thus changing the barrel harmonics.
One thing about a Ruger #1, regardless of model. You'll either love it or hate it. No in between.
Paul B.