That puppy will handle 'em just fine, but you might not. The Ruger #1 is a modified Fahrquarson action, and, truth to tell, I wouldn't be too surprised if it could hold a .50BMG. Well, maybe not...but it's strong enough for hot .45-70s. The gun is light, though, for hot loads like that, and might be a little punishing. Of course, I'm speaking from the stand point of a guy who shoots maybe 4 or five ten-shot strings from cross-sticks. The first one isn't anything compared to the last one. It can get to you.