50x140 3.25"

[jamned]

My new toy-Ruger No 1 in 50x140 3.25" cal. Can anyone offer reloading help?
Have a few loads that came from the last owner, but can't find any reloading manuals or data.

Fun gun to shoot, off my sled. Have not attempted to fire from the shoulder, yet.

[H Richard]

I've fired Ruger # 1's in 458 Win Mag, and in 45/70, but I might draw the line at that one. How much powder might it be capable of? One that big I'd be going back to the builder to seek loading data. Where do you even get brass?

[steveno]

get a copy of Mike Venturnio's book "Shooting Buffalo Rifles of the Old West". it should have all you need to know about reloading the old black powder rounds

[GerSan69]

Had to google that one...that's not a bullet, it's an artillery shell.

[2152hq]

The case is just about the exact same as the .500 x 3.25" BPE (Black Powder Express).
In it's original BP loadings, the 500 BPE cartridge uses a lighter bullet (around 450gr) than the 50/140 to gain it's velocity,,that's where the 'Express' name comes from.
(the 500 BPE came in both a 3" and a 3.25" case version. Not really too awfull much difference in the two)

The 500 BPE was also loaded with 'Nitro for Black' loads (smokeless powder to mimic BP pressure and therefore point of impact/sight adj.)
Also judged to be safe in older guns.
Then loaded with higher pressure smokeless loads for more modern guns.
.510 bullet dia. & paper patched (.500 lead bullet P/P up to .510)

The 50/140 was a slightly larger bullet IIRC at .512. Usually the same idea of using a .500d bullet and p/p it up in dia. The 50/140 used a much heavier bullet though IIRC.

I would dig up some reloading info for the 500 x 3" or the .500 x 3 1/4 BPE case using modern smokeless powders and start there.
In a Ruger action you certainly have the safety margin not afforded in the older rifles that even these loads are worked up in generally.

I'd try over on the Nitro Express Board, they have a section devoted to reloading the big numbers
This should get you right to the reloading section:
Forums.NitroExpress.com

My own .500 x 3" BPE is a John Rigby Double Rifle made in the 1860's so when it does get shot,it's pampered with true BP loads.
They are easy to make up,,fill the case to the bottom of the bullet so it compresses the powder a bit when seated.
But they are a chore to clean out the mechanism of a cartridge arm, especially a nice new Ruger.
I'd look around for some smokeless loads for the .500 x 3 or 3 1/4 and start there.

Good Luck,,sounds like a fun project.

[jamned]

I was lucky enough to get brass, bullets, & a few loads for it. I have fired a 565 gr bullet using 4350 powder, 85 grains of it! The gun has a muzzle brake that helps a bunch. The outfit came to me from the dealer it was traded to, so I can't get any info from the original owner. Took the scope off it & had a front sight installed. Will need to change rear sight also. Like the idea of a tang sight, but don't know if that's possible on a #1. Here are a couple pics. That's a 30-06 rd next to the 50 cal. The 565 grain in the middle & a 650+ on the right, Jim.

[Ivan the Butcher]

You just have to have the right books!

From the SPG Black Powder Cartridge Reloading primer: Bullet NEI 50-530GC 537 grains in Lyman #2 alloy.
Powder: 140 grains Fg Primer: Federal 215
Card/wad: 1- .030 over powder card from milk carton
COAL: 3.825"
Velocity: 1479 fps from 30" barrel

From Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 3rd edition.
Bullet: Lyman 515141 422 grains in Lyman #2 alloy
COAL: 3.940"
Rifle: Reminton Rolling Block 30" barrel
Unique 16 gr @1156 to 22 gr @1353
IMR 3031 49 gr @1275 to 63 gr @ 1681
Imr 4227 33 gr @1343 to 46 gr @ 1764
plus several more.

My old, old copy of Cartridges of the World 4th Ed.
50-140 Sharps and Winchester
465 grain bullet 4198 33 grains @ 1450 fps and 2190 foot pounds ME.

Enjoy. Ivan

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have seen No.1's with "Soule" type sight inlet in the wrist of the stock. Look to sights for BPCR rifles. The Browning B-78 is a short tang rifle also, and may be just the ticket. Ivan