we hadn't considered a Ruger #1, ill run the idea past my dad. what kind of out of the box accuracy can one expect out of a Ruger #1?
it looks like he might be giving up on the 308 and settling for a 30-06 (not that there is any thing wrong with the 30-06). hes finding more choices in rifles chambered in 30-06 then 308.
-matt
Matt85,
In the 1970s, the #1 (and Model 77s as well) were a real roll of the dice for accuracy.
Some were and some were not.
When you bought one, you always said a prayer before firing your fist group with it, in hopes that God would have mercy on you for not choosing the consistently accurate Remington model 700 instead.
However, for about 30+ years now Ruger seems to be putting accurate barrels on all their hunting rifles.
The #1 generally will shoot right in there with their bolt actions, (sometimes better due to the superior trigger in them compared to the so-so Mod 77 trigger).
Incidentally, my pal with the #1 in 9.3 always de-activates the ejector in all his #1s so it is silent when he opens the action to load it (PH's do not like us clients walking behind them with a round in the chamber until the final moments of a stalk).
In this regard, the #1 has a definite advantage over the rather noisy-to-chamber-a-round bolt action.
If you email your PH about this subject, I predict that he (or she) will sing happy songs about the .308 and the .30-06, as well as the Ruger #1 rifle for PG hunting.
Both cartridges are popular in Africa for PG and they're effective, within the scope of most PG animal sizes, tenacity and hunting conditions.
However, the .30-06 is slightly superior for African animals (IMO), due to its happy relationship with 220 grain bullets at 2400 fps.
No doubt that load was designed with the Trilogy of truly "big game" in mind -Africa, Alaska and Canada.
That being said, my aging and foggy memory indicates that you and your PH both dig on TSX or TTSX or whatever they are called, type bullets.
If I have the wrong guy, please forgive and chalk it up to my long and fragmenting tusks.
But if that is so, first ask said PH what weight TSX or TTSX he recommends (my personal policy is to do as much of what my PH suggests, as I possibly can because he has hunted there all his life, therefore he knows what the heck he's talking about).
Encourage your Dad, to try whatever bullet that your PH recommends for accuracy.
If accurate, then practice from sticks with it and also standing unsupported ("off hand").
He should practice, practice, practice and then practice some more.
A #1 will not be harmed by dry firing it but I like snap caps for this, because it builds memory for loading and unloading my rifles in the bush, without having to look down at my rifle (I had to make my own for one of my oddball caliber rifles).
When I used the PHs .30-06 Mauser, the 220 gr Hornady at 2400 fps, it was a death ray but, I know that I am (that PH is as well) an old fashioned / "If it works, don't fix it" type of person.
However, last but not least, (FINALLY! ... geeze) if stuck with factory loaded ammunition, and your PH has no preferences / objections, IMO your Pops cannot possibly go wrong with 180 gr Swift A-Frames in .30-06 (probably available in .308 as well, but not sure).
I think Remington and or Federal (perhaps others) offer this bullet in their live / factory ammunition line.
(Haven't seen .30 A-Frame in heavier grains with factory live ammunition unfortunately).
Damn, this is a long rant, and if it was not so elementary/dull, it'd be a novel.
Cheerio,
Velo Dog.
. now ive got a new deer rifle on order (a Tikka in 6.5x55) to replace the 7x57 i no longer have. but sadly i doubt i will find any RNSP bullets to feed it. 
