#1 International in 7x57 questions

[Ron T.]

I've been offered a used, but like new rifle I've truly admired & wanted to own for many years.  It is a very beautiful Ruger #1 International in 7x57 caliber.

It's in like-new condition with superior grade wood… and I have a couple of questions with which I hope you can help me.

1) I've read & heard that the older Ruger rifles had some "problems" with accuracy due to their barrels.  What kind of accuracy can I reasonably expect from an older model's barrel if the barrel is in excellent condition?  Naturally, this assumes an otherwise perfect choice of bullet, powder, etc.

2) I'm an experienced hand-loader and I've noticed that all the loading tables in several reloading manuals I’ve checked for the 140 grain bullet seem to offer only relatively mild loads yielding only about 2700 fps or less and having a chamber pressure of only 46,000 CUP.  Is this low chamber pressure due to the presence of much older model rifles, like the 1895 Mauser, whose strength may be questionable or are these realistic loads for a strong, modern rifle like the Ruger #1?  I.E., what kind of chamber pressures can I reasonably expect a Ruger #1 to SAFELY handle?

3) This question is directed those of you who hand-load and have the International model in 7x57 with a 20-inch barrel. 

What are your "pet loads" for the 20-inch barrel in 7x57 caliber and what kind of chronographed muzzle velocity & accuracy do you get with these loads?

"Thank You" in advance for your answers.


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

[crow_feather]

Older rifles are accurate.  Some Number 1's had problems because of uneven pressure with the forearm.  Pressures have to be kept low in loading manuals and factory ammo because of the many 93 and 95 Mauser Rifles.  Try 48-50 grains of IMR 4350 with a 139/140 grain buillet.  Terrific load but only for strong actioned rifles.

C F

[drdougrx]

Hi Ron,

Good luck with your #1.  I have many.  I find them fairly accurate though genrally not as accurate as a bolt gun that has been tweeked.  No matter...I use them often and have never been at all concerned of lack of accuracy or even fast second shot follow-ups. 

I do not have one in 7x57.  I do have a large ring mauser conversion that is mannlicher(sp.?) stocked in 7x57.  I use 47gr H414 with a 140gr nosler accubond.  I have not put it through my chronograph but I expect it to fly at about 2700fps give or take.  It shoots about 1.5" or so, but, I picked it up just before a fallow deer hunt and really didn't do much in the way of extensive load development.  Workd fine and was an acceptable load.  The beauty of a #1 (I think they are some of the most attractive rifles going IMHO) is that you can load heavier than in other designs and reaaly experiment.

Good luck and have fun!

[Ron T.]

I bought the rifle last Monday... and it's BEAUTIFUL.

I've been gathering reloading supplies with which I'll "work up" a good, accurate load.  So far, I have 7 or 8 different rifle powders, 5 different 140-145 grain bullets, 5 different primers and virgin Remington brass together with a Hornady reloading die set.

Tomorrow, the search for the most accurate load out of the International's 20-inch barrel begins.  I figure I'll be over a year finding "THE" load for this fine rifle. 

Thanx, again, for the load suggestions... 


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.