450 No 2 Nitro Express Project

ET1775

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I am going to embark on a project to convert a ruger No 1 into a semi-bespoke 450 No 2 NE rifle. I want to do this for a number of reasons, first, I want to. Second, I think the cartridge is very neat and I don't want it to pass into complete obscurity and disuse. As a handloader, the case offers some very interesting potential for experimenting with a wide variety of .458 bullets. I like challenges and think this will be fun to figure out.

So this thread will become my depository of information as I gather it, photos as the project materializes, and hopefully a place where members far more knowledgeable than me can share data and wisdom about the cartridge, and anything else related to it. Lets keep it alive and well.
 
Sounds like an interesting project. Thank you for allowing us to follow along!
 
Just purchased a No 1 in .405 Win. Will be planning on re-bore and re-chamber.

I am starting the unhurried hunt for some nice walnut.

Found 20 pieces of new brass on the forum, many thanks to @GeorgeGibbs505

If anyone here has dies they would like to sell I am interested. I am also in need of a reamer if any of you knows who makes a good one that can purchase or if you have one I could rent when the time comes I would be much obliged.
 
My goal is to create a very reliable, durable, all-continents, all-weather, BG/DG rifle that is low maintenance and will not rust. Classy but utilitarian. Thoughts so far:

Ruger No 1 .405 Win Stainless/laminate

- rechamber/rebore to 450 #2 NE

- proper density and grain structure walnut stock shaped to fit me and with better dimensions for using Iron sights/red dot and absorbing recoil. will weather proof stock as best as possible.

- get a solid quarter rib machined. Ideally with integral quick detach or rmr mount capability.

- finish receiver/lever etc in a traditional coin gray and finish barrel in black

-will get trigger/ejector tuned for consistent and reliable action with proper trigger weight.

-proper front and rear sights for DG

- once rib is installed, will add weight to forend and stock to maintain balance as best as possible but improve recoil characteristics if necessary.

-In order to get the rim of the cartridge to clear and load correctly I will need to get the loading ramp relieved and reformat the safety a bit.

This will be fun.
 
As a Ruger No 1 enthusiast who abuses them by rebarrelling/rechambering them, this appeals to me a great deal; a classic caliber, in a modern, but classic-looking rifle. Waiting patiently to see how it turns out.
 
As a Ruger No 1 enthusiast who abuses them by rebarrelling/rechambering them, this appeals to me a great deal; a classic caliber, in a modern, but classic-looking rifle. Waiting patiently to see how it turns out.
Happy to have you along for the journey.
 
My goal is to create a very reliable, durable, all-continents, all-weather, BG/DG rifle that is low maintenance and will not rust. Classy but utilitarian. Thoughts so far:

Ruger No 1 .405 Win Stainless/laminate

- rechamber/rebore to 450 #2 NE

- proper density and grain structure walnut stock shaped to fit me and with better dimensions for using Iron sights/red dot and absorbing recoil. will weather proof stock as best as possible.

- get a solid quarter rib machined. Ideally with integral quick detach or rmr mount capability.

- finish receiver/lever etc in a traditional coin gray and finish barrel in black

-will get trigger/ejector tuned for consistent and reliable action with proper trigger weight.

-proper front and rear sights for DG

- once rib is installed, will add weight to forend and stock to maintain balance as best as possible but improve recoil characteristics if necessary.

-In order to get the rim of the cartridge to clear and load correctly I will need to get the loading ramp relieved and reformat the safety a bit.

This will be fun.
I agree with all this. Best of luck to you!!
 
I have the same proyect!

 
I have the same proyect!

Excellent, we can compare notes and share successes!
 
An informal poll for the fine folks following my project:

Which type of metal treatment would be best for my project, and why, if you are so inclined to explain your thoughts? The rifle is high gloss stainless steel and ai don't plan to leave it that way as this will be primarily a hunting rifle and I am allergic to glare.

-Glass bead blasted, satin stainless

-Cerakote to look like traditional bluing

-DLC/PVD/CVD to look like traditional bluing

-Hot blued

-Two tone, using above methods for black barrel with french grey receiver?
 
I am leaning toward this matched set of French walnut for this project, as I can also get my .300 H&H re-stocked with the second one.

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A4AA4556-FC6F-40BB-BFFC-1E0FBA426907.jpeg
 

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Ray B wrote on JMJ888's profile.
I am righthanded, so not interested in the rifle, but I have a 375 RUM and 350 gr bullet loading data is very hard to come by. If you could reply with information regarding your loads I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Ray Boone, Leavenworth, WA
mcr wrote on gbflyer's profile.
Hello - I was looking at your post from several years ago regarding the Winchester 300 H&H. Any chance you still have the lefty M70 300 H&H for sale?
Thank you, Mike
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Wife and I will attend ah dinner in Nashville Friday night. Jay Sheets and wife Chris
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An excellent AH member right here! I had a fantastic transaction with Hornedfrogbbq (I was the seller). His communication was first rate, payment was extremely fast, and I would have absolutely no reservations at all dealing with him again. Thank you, F!
Here we are, the last day of the show in Denver, it's been a good show but expecting a quiet day today. I will be back for-sure to do this show next year and maybe also do the one in Sacramento California.

On Monday I will be hitting the road driving from Denver and eventually make it down to Atlanta for the flight home.

its going to be a good year!
 
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