I have owned Ruger no. 1 rifles in many calibers, and currently have them in 6mm Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7x57, 30-06, 300 H&H 375 H&H, 450/400, and 458. I’ve owned the 300, 7x57 and 450/400 for about 15 years. I recently sold a 416 Rigby that I shot for a bit. I found it to be a bit much in the no. 1 platform. I have hunted with them twice in Africa and once in New Zealand. I do not find a single shot to be a hindrance in hunting. I like the simplicity of the rifles, and the assurance with knowing if it is fully loaded or unloaded. The safety mechanism is unbeatable. Of course they are incredibly strong. The extractors do not have any camming ability so keep that in mind with hot hand loads. Therefore, my favorites are in calibers that can achieve the desired velocity with reasonable pressures. Long range shooting is seldom needed in Africa, except perhaps in a desert environment like the Kalahari for gemsbok. I have personally not hunted in that environment, but don’t doubt the ability of the 300 H&H to do reasonable long range shooting. Taking them on an African hunt enhances my enjoyment of the experience. I have, and would again hunt dangerous game with them. My favorites are those in the classic calibers, which befit the rifle. They have generally been quite accurate, although they can be finicky. The 458 is a lot of fun loaded down. I have handloaded black powder in the 450/400. Lots of fun there. I do not find the 450/400 to have excessive recoil if 400 grain loads are kept below about 2100 ft./s.
