Which .375?

[jrswanson1]

I asked this on another forum, but I'm asking here, too. Looking at getting a big game rifle, trying to decide between the .375 H&H and .375 Ruger. Any preference here? Yes, I reload, so ammo availability is not really an issue. Thanks.

Jim

[dorminWS]

Here's one man's opinion. His reviews tend to be from my own perspective: the practical Good-Ole-Boy who knows about guns and shooting, is a pragmatist, and says what he thinks.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Hawkeye375.htm

[Jakeiscrazy]

says what he thinks.

I disagree. I think often time he holds back negative comments or tries really hard to turn them into positives. He has really never written or filmed a single negative review. So if there are downsides to a gun(and there are on every gun) your unlikely to find out there.

[jdonovan]

I asked this on another forum, but I'm asking here, too. Looking at getting a big game rifle, trying to decide between the .375 H&H and .375 Ruger.

A bit much for Va Whitetails

I've got the H&H. Oh and a JDJ, but you didn't ask about the JDJ...

That said from a pure ballistics perspective the Ruger is clearly faster, and generally can do faster out of a shorter barrel than the H&H.

There are much fewer companies chambering rifles in the Ruger, than the H&H so your choice of firearms is a bit more restricted.

Yes, I reload, so ammo availability is not really an issue.

As you start getting to the exotics the availability argument starts to loose some merit because I'd bet 98% of the local sporting goods stores, wall-marts etc... aren't going to have ANY 375 ammo. Unless you are in Alaska, or big bear/moose hunting areas.

If you ever plan an Africa trip, then the H&H has some pluses as almost every hunting camp there has some 375 H&H ammo, and rifles around in case the airline looses your baggage.

If you've never shot the 375 its a heck of a kicker. You might want to get some trigger time before you go with one. The 375 crosses the threshold of uncomfortable for many shooters. Its the first rifle I've had that people decline a 2nd shot after taking the 1st.

If you are in the NoVA area I can offer you some time on the big boys before you commit to buying one if you are interested.

[jrswanson1]

I asked this on another forum, but I'm asking here, too. Looking at getting a big game rifle, trying to decide between the .375 H&H and .375 Ruger.

A bit much for Va Whitetails

I've got the H&H. Oh and a JDJ, but you didn't ask about the JDJ...

That said from a pure ballistics perspective the Ruger is clearly faster, and generally can do faster out of a shorter barrel than the H&H.

There are much fewer companies chambering rifles in the Ruger, than the H&H so your choice of firearms is a bit more restricted.

Yes, I reload, so ammo availability is not really an issue.

As you start getting to the exotics the availability argument starts to loose some merit because I'd bet 98% of the local sporting goods stores, wall-marts etc... aren't going to have ANY 375 ammo. Unless you are in Alaska, or big bear/moose hunting areas.

If you ever plan an Africa trip, then the H&H has some pluses as almost every hunting camp there has some 375 H&H ammo, and rifles around in case the airline looses your baggage.

If you've never shot the 375 its a heck of a kicker. You might want to get some trigger time before you go with one. The 375 crosses the threshold of uncomfortable for many shooters. Its the first rifle I've had that people decline a 2nd shot after taking the 1st.

If you are in the NoVA area I can offer you some time on the big boys before you commit to buying one if you are interested.

I'm working my way up to the dangerous game stuff. I just got a 300 WinMag, going to light that off a few hundred times and get better at long range shooting. I've heard the .375s are more of a push than a shove like the .300 magnums. Is that true?

[jdonovan]

I've heard the .375s are more of a push than a shove like the .300 magnums. Is that true?

Not in my case, but that depends very much on the combination.

my 375 is in a 7.75 lb rifle with perhaps 1.25 lb in mount/scope, for about 9lb rifle.
my 458 is in a 11lb rifle, again with about 1 lb in scope, for 12 lb rifle
My 458 is 33% heavier.

the 375 is about a 4500 lb-ft cartridge vs 458 at 5000-5500. Only 10-20% more energy.

I find the 458 to be a substantial push... much like a muzzle loader, the 375 is noticeably sharper in recoil, and IMO a bit less pleasant to shoot.

[TScottW99]

I really like the Ruger Hawkeye so my vote would be for the .375Ruger.

[jrswanson1]

I really like the Ruger Hawkeye so my vote would be for the .375Ruger.

One of the things the Ruger has over the H&H is you don't need a magnum length action for the Ruger so you get a handier and easier to carry rifle. I keep going back and forth in my head on this. The Ruger I can get for under $600, the lowest price H&H starts at $800.

Jim

[jdonovan]

One of the things the Ruger has over the H&H is you don't need a magnum length action for the Ruger so you get a handier and easier to carry rifle.

'eh the magnum length action thing is a bit over blown IMO. You might save what, 1" in over all rifle length with a magnum vs non-magnum length action?

Plus with the 375 and up weight is an ADVANTAGE. You're not going after a light mountain rifle that you're going to hike 10 miles up the Rockies with.

I keep going back and forth in my head on this. The Ruger I can get for under $600, the lowest price H&H starts at $800.

If cost is your driving factor then get away from the big bores... FAST. This end of the world gets mighty expensive, and fast.

Hell I can shoot a third of that $200 difference in a single range session with the 375.... and yes I'm using hand-loads. Factory ammo... 3 boxes would do it

[spadesofcolumbia]

the .375 H&H is classier and has alot of history to her...plus a LOT more selection in guns and ammo...the ruger is cool and in a shorter action...but really...not a big deal.