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Convert '06 Ruger #1 to 300 H&H?

Doc
I have a #1 RSI with the 20" barrel and full stock that I would like to rechamber to 300 H&H. Anyone done this or heard of it? Would the barrel have sufficient thickness for the larger diameter H&H case?
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Hawkshaw
    What cal. is it now??????????????? HAWKSHAW
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  • Doc
    Read title of post.
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  • XXCross
    Uhh...ya, but who would want a 20 inch 300 H&H ! OUCH !
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  • Ambrose
    I do not know whether it would work or not but I'd advise against it because of the short barrel. I have 3 rifles in .300 H&H, among them 2 Model 70's. One has the standard 26" barrel and the other had been cut to 21" when I got it. Chronograph results show 100 to 200 fps loss from the shorter barrel with equivalent loads depending on the load. I found that factory loads are somewhat slower than I would expect form this cartridge. 180 gr Silver Tip factory loads chronographed 2722 fps from the 21" barrel. As you know, that is the advertised velocity of a 180 gr. .30/06.
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  • Doc
    But would not a 30-06 also have less velocity from a short barrel? So if you want to maximize the performance of the short barrel, you need the bigger cartridge, no?
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  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by Doc
    But would not a 30-06 also have less velocity from a short barrel? So if you want to maximize the performance of the short barrel, you need the bigger cartridge, no?


    The answer is a resounding NO. If a 30-06 can't get all the powder burnt in a 20" barrel, the 300 magnums, surely will not. All you will be doing is creating more recoil, muzzle flash, and muzzle blast for yourself.

    Now, on the other hand if you want to go with a short, fat, efficient cartridge like the 300 WSM or 300 RCM, then you might be on to something. They burn the powder better, mostly due to better ignition of the short powder column. Still, they would be a lot more overbore than the 30-06 in a 20" barrel.

    Best
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  • Mk 19
    I would second the 300RCM. That cartridge was designed with the purpose of giving usable velocity in a short barrel rifle. Here's a review:
    http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/RS_0108_01/index1.html
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  • Justjump
    I too would vote for the RCM but to say that 300 H&H will do nothing positive is hardly accurate. It won't be the most efficient route to take but it will burn the powder. It is going to generate an incredible amount of plasma gas.
    The only other thing I would look at is rate of twist. If your going to spend the money on a rechamber, make sure the twist is the best for what you plan to do.
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  • Doc
    I asked if it was physically possible and I get a bunch of guys telling me not to do it. I wasn't asking for that opinion. Why is everyone telling me what I want? Thank you, but I think I know what I want.

    TSR 1965- You are incorrect. In fact you made yourself EMPHATICALLY incorrect. A 300 from a 20" is more powerful than an '06 from the same barrel. That's a fact. Plus, a shorter barrel does not create more recoil other than a couple of ounces difference in weight.

    And it really doesn't matter what you think my needs are.

    The point is moot. A smith said it could be done but quoted me a price that makes the project unfeasible. I am stuck with the '06 for now and later I will look for a rifle in 300 H&H as I still want one... if that's OK with everyone?
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  • dfletcher
    quote:Originally posted by Doc
    I have a #1 RSI with the 20" barrel and full stock that I would like to rechamber to 300 H&H. Anyone done this or heard of it? Would the barrel have sufficient thickness for the larger diameter H&H case?


    I think it can be done too.

    The case head on the H & H is larger than the 06, the No 1 of course ejects by means of a spring powered extractor on the lower left of the chamber - if the H & H case head is sufficiently larger than the 06 I don't think the extractor has enough width to be shaved and still be strong enough, if there is enough metal I suppose the extractor simply needs to be fitted.

    Regarding the velocity issue, I think folks were trying to say that a 20" H & H nets you about the same as a 24" 30.06, not that an 06 and H & H fired from a 20" bbl would have the same ballistics.

    I think this question comes up all the time on the Ruger forum, might want to check there. I think Ruger now sells a No 1 in 300 H & H, maybe buy one & shorten the barrel?

    Personally I think it would be a neat gun, my only 300 H & H is a 721 and it has a 28" bbl. It puts the long in long gun. [;)]
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