375 H&H vs 375 Ruger
Im itchin all over for a 375. I think a Ruger 77 will fill the bill. The 375 Ruger cal in the African model is about half the price of a 375 H&H in the Magnum model. The ballistics are so close as to not make to much of a difference for me. Sooo anybody have a rec. or experience that they can share.?? Also I have a 2 1/2 Redfield or a 2X7 Leupold I can mount. Recommendations?? Think I'll use it for Elk, Moose, and/or Bear in North America. Maybe Africa later. Thanks
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When I wanted a .375 I went with the classic .375 H&H Magnum. To save money, I bought a CZ 550 and mounted a used 4x Leupold. I have under $1,000 in the outfit and couldn't be happier. Buy the one you want, either is a good choice, but for me, it's the H&H version. I would use your 2-7 Leupold as it's a great choice for a .375 plus it has a lifetime warranty. Save the Redfield for something with less recoil. 0 -
I don't think it makes any difference really. The 375 Ruger and 375 H & H are very close in performance. I have Ruger No1 in H & H and a T/C Encore handgun (15" bbl) in the same, also have quite a few CZ 550s including a 416 Rigby & a full stocked carbine in 9.3 Mauser. I think the CZ 550 carbine closely approximates the size of the Ruger African, pretty short rifle.
I think the advantage of the Ruger African in 375 Ruger is that it's a fairly compact platform. The CZ 550 rifle, while a great gun, is pretty long by comparison.
I think the Leupold 2 to 7X is a good all around choice, I have them on quite a few heavy recoling rifles.0 -
Like they said, either one would be fine. I have a Hawkeye (.257) with a 2-7 Leopold and it makes a real nice package. Left the .375 and .338 behind years ago after I left bear country and began limiting myself to eastern whitetail. H&H ammo might be easier to find, but you'll likely want to reload for either one anyway.
Have fun with it, whichever!0 -
Either one. The game can't tell the difference. 0 -
How hard is it to get ammo? I've seen 375 H&H, but have never seen 375 Ruger in any store I've been to. 0 -
I just purchased the Remington 798 in 375 H&H on the auction side and although I have not tested it, I am super pleased with the set up and the price new was great at $650. I think some have purchased the exact gun for less as Remington has dicontinued the model, but in considering the $900 price in the Blue Book for 100%, I was still satisfied. 0 -
I have had/do have both a .375 H&H and .375 Ruger. Can't really sway you one way I guess. They are both awesome rounds! [8D]
Ballistics are very similiar, H&H ammo is easier to find and cheaper, the Ruger is a shorter action. Recoil was a little harsher on the Ruger to me and that is comparing the 8-9 lb. Ruger Alaskan to my 2 7 lb. H&H's.
Both the H&H's I have owned were basic poor man's models that I got for less than $600, but thats all I was looking for. I wanted something that was light, not one of these 10 pound "pussified" rigs. [:D]
You will very much enjoy either caliber!
Jon0 -
I'll bet that most Alaskan shops who sell ammo, particularly in big bear country, carry 375h&h. I'd also bet, a beer, that forty years from now the 375h&h will still be going strong. 375h&h is readily available in a large variety of load combinations. The 375 Ruger is just about a proprietary cartridge. I'm not so sure that the 375 Ruger, in forty years, will be only available as limited production if not gone all together. My Win M70 classic 375h&h sports a 2x7x33 Burris. 0 -
We read this same illogical suggestion every time we discuss cartridge selection. Folks think that newer cartridges and wildcats are dysfunctional and a poor choice to hunt with because you can't find them in a local hardware store or Wal-Mart. Well, you won't find a local hardware store or Wal-Mart on the African veld or in the bush of Africa or Alaska.
In the first place, there will NOT be any stores anywhere you go to actually hunt in Alaska or Africa, no matter what you think. So it's pretty obvious that a properly prepared hunter will have already arranged to have his own ammunition whether or not it is readily available in some far away store or not. It's senseless to believe that you can go hunting in places such as Alaska and Africa and be able to just run down to the corner store for some ammunition.
I frequently hunt with both wildcats and new cartridges and yet I have never had a problem, because I was prepared with my own ammunition.
As far as which cartridge to choose, flip a coin. There is little, if any difference between the two. The slightly shorter .375 Ruger might provide a little more recoil but that can be solved in several ways. The Hawkeye rifles are proving to be worthwhile and very user friendly. If the classic cartridges tickle your fancy, the .375 H&H is the way to go. Most rifles using this cartridge though, will carry a higher price tag due to the larger action required.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Best.0 -
Thanks everyone. Your advise and shared experiences are appreciated. I own two Rugers now and like the wing safetys and integral mounting system. I think I'll go with the 375 Ruger and tame her down if I have to. I reload so as long as I plan far enough ahead I'll not worry about brass availability and bullets, powder, and primers areclose to the same as the H&H. Thanks again. 0
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