Reeder Custom Guns

I have an opportunity to buy a new Ruger #1 rifle for about $1,000. Either a 450 bushmaster or 450 marlin are the only options though. I don't have any experience/knowledge with either of these cartridges but it seems like a good price for the rifle.

Thoughts? Any options to rechamber to a different round?

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It's a unique variation of a fine rifle. Brass much easier to find too.

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Too bad you can't get the #1 in 45-70 or 458 Win. both better than other 2. Being limited to those 2, I would choose 450 Marlin, because of greater case capacity.

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My LGS snagged me one of the final 257 Weatherbys.

The 450 Bushmaster is a fun toy and can double as a serious hunting round. Ditto on the 450 Marlin. It's just an ill fated attempt to mimic heavy 45-70 loads. It did so, but didn't catch on.

I always wanted to see the 444 Marlin in a Ruger #1.

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as the brass cannot be made from anything else. The belt is extra wide so folks could not mess up and chamber it in say a .300 Winchester....

But there is still some brass around. It has lots less capacity than a .45/70 and is about maxed with a 400 gr. bullet.

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It's easier to find cartridge makings than a GNR. If you reload and have Gary's fabulous cartridges than no sweat.

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450 Marlin if I can't have a T4. Not a 45-70 fan but I have one and 444.

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I don't love cases that headspace off the case mouth. I don't love messing with belted cases either, but I'd rather a belt in this instance. Small difference, but for the trouble I'd take 458 bullets over 452 so again the nod to the Marlin round.

Maybe it could be reamed to 458 Win Mag, but I wouldn't.

That said, I'm a 45-70 shooter for the above reasons and haven't reloaded either of these rounds, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I have a strong preference for rimmed rounds in single shots, and enjoy my 44 mag, 45 Colt, 357 max, 45-70, 7-30, and 50 AK Contenders and No's 1&3.

If I was running the Bushmaster in an AR I'd bit the bullet on the No 1 in the Bushmaster round. Maybe this is an excuse to build a big-bore AR?

Ruger #1

Both are good rounds. My nod goes to the 450 Bushmaster...

Ruger #1

Several models, including these two, have been dropped...

I'd be a little hesitant on the .450 Marlin

But still better performance than the alternative.

I'm with you...

450 Marlin for me

the 450 marlin has more power if that is what you are after

450 Marlin, "cause sometimes .357 just ain't enough" :)