ruger#1

[elk300]

Hi new to the board and hp. I am planning on starting hp this year using a very accurate ruger #1B in 270 win.
1. what weight and brand of bullet?
2. at what velocity should they be loaded, to topple the rams?
scope:
1. what brand, model and power?
2.what dot size?

thanks

[Jim Beckley]

elk300, Glad you want to give the sport a go! I have a .270 for my Deer Rifle. The standard 130 grain bullet with 60 grains of H4831 will work for all distances, however it is a 40 round match plus practice and sighters, my guess would be that your shoulder will be alittle tender by the end of the match. The plus side once you hear that bullet hit steel and what ever animal your shooting at go down, the recoil will be forgotten, and the next match date will be too far away. As far as a scope, just use what you have to start and then move to something else. I have never played around with different powders or that many different charges. My thoughts are if it was good enough for Jack, what the heck!

[Bob Mc Alice]

elk300.......Welcome to the game. Your .270 will do just fine starting out in HP silhouette. JB is right, the 130gr. Sierra, Hornady,etc. BT spitzers will do a good job for you. But full throttle loads are not needed on the C-P-T targets unless your rifle performs best with them. Recoil will be a factor with heavy loads. A padded shooting vest will certainly help. For the 55lb. ram target, I think a 150gr. BT spitzer will give reliable knockdown performance. Sierra makes a 135gr.MK in .270 caliber, but I think any brand of 150gr. BT spitzer at 2650 to 2750 fps would be a better choice on rams. Shooting a #1, you dont have to worry about lead bullet tips getting mashed in the magazine box. A look at some loading manuals shows few bullets available over 150 grains in .270 caliber. Testing different bullets off a benchrest at the actual ram targets will determine which will perform best. You describe your rifle as being very accurate. What load(s) are you shooting now? Maybe these loads will be suitable for this game as is.
As for scopes, Leupolds are the most common used with Weaver close behind. 6.5-20x variables and fixed 24X's are typical powers used, all with external turrets for adjustments and 1/4 to 1/2 min. dots. Like JB said, you dont have to make a big investment , but a new or used silhouette type scope would be beneficial. I'm a dedicated Leupold fan, JB is a Weaver guy. (go with the Leupold)
Many people got their start in HP silhouette using their stock factory rifle and hunting scope.