Best Value on a Reliable 375 H+H ?

[Huntolive]

My interest has been peaked in 375 H+H, and that spells trouble

I have 30-06 and 300WM. I have harvested deer out to 300 Yards w/ 300 WM
I am willing to train, and possibly learn to hand load.

This 375 H+H itch may need 2 b scratched for better or worse

I have identified these:
Wthrby VNGRD Synthetic

Wincstr. M 70 Safari Exprs.

375 Ruger Alaskan Guide

375 Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan

Can't go over $1000 for rifle. I know optics will be additional.

My priorities in order are:
Dependability
Accuracy
Reasonable recoil
Manuverability/Portability/Ergonomics
Consider iron sights a plus, but do plan to mount scope.

Are there any semi-autos, such as a BAR to seriously consider? I am leaning bolt gun.

Advice on set up for scope?

 

[Reloadron]

Personally I would be looking towards and older Remington 700 BDL or and older Winchester Model 70. Simply because I happen to like those two in their older earlier versions. There are any of a dozen or so other rifles that are also just fine including rifles made by Sako, Browning and others. There is no shortage of quality 375 H&H guns out there.

Ron

 

[Robert]

Pretty sure all the rifles listed are over $1000

 

[Gtscotty]

Nah, the Vanguard synthetic sells for right around $600 at grabagun when you can find it in stock.

 

[FSJeeper]

I went through the same exercise about a year ago.

Ended up with the Ruger Alaskan in .375 Ruger and am very, very happy with it. Got it for $599 at CDNN in the left hand model. This has to be the best value on the market.

I was hung up on the .375 H&H until I started researching the Ruger .375. The only downside is that the .375 Ruger cartridge will be hard to find outside of North America.

 

[jmr40]

I'd at least research the 375 Ruger. I don't know a lot about it, but from what I can gather it duplicates the 375 H&H power, or at least comes close enough to not matter. But it will feed through an unmodified 30-06 length action thus keeping costs down.

Many of the 375 H&H's are built on much longer magnum actions which are expensive. Or in the case of Winchester and some others they modify a 30-06 length action by opening up the loading/ejection port and doing some modifications to the magazine and bolt stop. This adds extra manufacturing steps and increases cost.

I think the round has enough of a following that ammo will not be a problem.

On a rifle intended to hunt stuff that could kill me I'd settle for nothing but a CRF action. That narrows the field a lot with Ruger and Winchester being the top 2 choices.

 

[Huntolive]

CRF action Please explain

375 Ruger Please explain relative capability and why you love the Ruger Alaskan. CDNN

All the rifles i listed can be had for +/- $700-$1000

 

[highlander 5]

Control round feed,when the bolt is pushed forward the cartridge rim is picked up/slides up under the extractor where it's heald in place. This also aides in extraction/ ejection upon reloading. Best example is the Mauser or pre 70 Winchester action.

 

[Deaf Smith]

.375 Ruger 300 gr SP at 2,660 ft/s

.375 H&H 300 gr SP at 2,645 ft/s.

So they are virtually the same.

Deaf

 

[tdbmd]

You don't want a light gun for a .375. I have shot a number of them and lean towards the Winchester Safari myself. Mine has a Leupold VX-3 in 1.75x6x with a heavy duplex.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Winchester Safari or the Winchester Alaskan. Both take some work to get sorted out to be reliable accurate hunting rifles as do most factory guns.

 

[Gordon]

I have a Brown Precision on a Rem 700 Stainless action, it cost $3000 19 years ago very accurate, LIGHT at 8.5 pounds scoped and ported so it does not kick very much , about like an unported 30-06 of the same weight. It went to South Africa and also Moose in Alaska works great, not CRF but tuned to feed upside down by Brown.
I have a Whitworth , which is basically a CZ Mauser type (but made in Yugoslavia and finished and proofed in England . With very slight tuning it is a very fine CRF rifle. You can find them for about 1000$ in good shape, or get a new CZ equivalent about same $.
The Ruger Safari LOOKS good to me.
The Weatherby made in Japan guns look and from feed back I hear work very well.
I agree that if you can find a Winchester Safari that would be the best option for you.

 

[krinko]

Both of these rifles are .375 H&H Magnum.

2004 CZ 550 Safari Magnum---$800 second hand from a local shop. CRF, cut checkering, Roman Nose comb and Express sights.




1978 Winchester M 70 Magnum---$700 NiB at an auction in Council Bluffs. Push feed (upside down, too), pressed checkering, single leaf back sight and alloy parts.



The Model 70 was unused by the previous owner and the CZ 550 was not used enough to be considered really broken in, who knows why?.
I suppose some people just fall out of love with their Dream Rifle.
-----krinko

 

[Huntolive]

375 Ruger v 375 HH

I have researched 375 Ruger (and besides real concerns about ammo availability) I really like what I see.

I am leaning towards Ruger Alaskan Guide $915 on Buds. I also saw CDNN Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan w/ muzzle break, rings and other gizmos for $800, but it's out of stock.

Wincester M70 H and H Safari or Alaskan solid options for the weight to lower recoil, and reliability, but $1100.

Still liking Wthby Vngrd Synthetic H and H value, but not sure about its low weight and recoil?

Ammo in general is gonna be big $, and recoil no joke, but the 375 HH or Ruger still have great attraction

 

[KCJ]

I would vote for the CZ 550. Mine has the "hogback" stock, express sights, set trigger and is CRF. Though it is heavier than some, recoil is minor and is more of a shove than a wack! I don't know if this has changed, but my rifle's multi-leaf express sights were set at the factory and work quite well. However, if they don't work for you the rear sight can be "drifted" for windage but the elevation adjustment requires installation of a new front sight blade which takes about a minute to install.

 

[silicosys4]

From what I've researched, a 375 h&h can be rechambered for .375 weatherby, gaining 150fps over the h&h and will still safely fire both calibers. The .375 h&h brass will fireform to a .375 weatherby chamber for reloading. This will also help extend the life of your brass if you reload.
.375 h&h ammunition can be found much easier than .375 ruger, especially if you are overseas.
If I find my brass life is too short for my liking, that's what I intend to do with mine.
At $70 per 20 rounds factory ammo, the .375 h&h benefits a lot from reloading

Oh, and consider a used ruger no. 1 if you are looking to stay under $1k. I picked mine up for $650, ANIB. Bolt guns will generally be more accurate than a falling block though.
Odds are you probably wont get into a .375 then have it accurized to be suitable for hunting at extended range for that price, if that is your intention.

 

[RecoilRob]

The Ruger #1 Tropical in 375 H&H is a beautiful rifle and should not be overlooked in a search. Despite it being a single shot, it's relatively light with a long barrel for the overall package length and rapid follow-up shots can be done with just a wee bit of training.

Low recoil a must? In the same conversation as 375's? This is kind of a conundrum as you're going to be forced to deal with some swat launching the heavy 300's to 2600 as they'll do, but in the #1 a good Limbsaver pad made mine a pleasure to shoot rather than a torture device after a few shots with the stock hard rubber butt.

A low magnification 1.5 x 4 scope works really well for both eyes open up close and personal type work or making a precision shot at 150 yds and just looks right on the #1. Of course...if you have your heart set on a bolt gun...nevermind.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I have researched 375 Ruger (and besides real concerns about ammo availability) I really like what I see.

I am leaning towards Ruger Alaskan Guide $915 on Buds. I also saw CDNN Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan w/ muzzle break, rings and other gizmos for $800, but it's out of stock.

I think you are on to something there. The new Ruger Guide Gun in .375 Ruger is probably one of the most well put together "good to go" DG/general purpose hunting rifles ever made. Unless you are emotionally locked into a .375H&H the Ruger is simply a better design that offers slightly better ballistics from a standard length non belted case.

If I had it do all over again I'd buy a Guide Gun in .375 Ruger sand blast that god awful multi color, laminate stock, paint it black, throw away the muzzle break, bed it, and call it good.

BTW is your call sign here

Hunt to live or Hunt olive? Just wondering?

 

[Jim Watson]

I know you have been talking about looong range shooting and "hunting" so I will mention that it used to be commonly said that the .375 H&H had about the same trajectory as a .30-06, just with a 90 grain (50%) heavier bullet.

H&H, does the Typical Big Game Hunter have to worry about ammo availability? I figure you will be shipping adequate .375 Ruger or whatever and not be buying at the Indian Store, but that used to be a big gunzine asset for the Hollands; ammo available worldwide.

 

[H&Hhunter]

I know you have been talking about looong range shooting and "hunting" so I will mention that it used to be commonly said that the .375 H&H had about the same trajectory as a .30-06, just with a 90 grain (50%) heavier bullet.

H&H, does the Typical Big Game Hunter have to worry about ammo availability? I figure you will be shipping adequate .375 Ruger or whatever and not be buying at the Indian Store, but that used to be a big gunzine asset for the Hollands; ammo available worldwide.

The issue comes in when the airlines lose your luggage so your gun arrives but your ammo does not. I would suspect that the .375 Ruger is becoming available world wide. It has become a very popular round. Alaska will not be an issue, South Africa probably not an issue. Further north in Africa any ammo is going to be an issue! But you are more likely to find a box of .375H&H than Ruger in the back country of Africa. The ammo thing is not really a make or break for me.

 

[RevJim]

I think the Vanguard Dangerous Game may be a little heavier than the Vanguard synthetic, which might help. I liked the Mod 700 BDL SS in H&H, recoil was like a hot loaded 30-06 to me. I have a soft spot in my heart for the Whitworth Express, left it in South Africa with a friend. The Winchester Express I've used ( both wood & synthetic) were quite heavy, same with the CZ 550 ( mine was in 416 Rigby) For a range gun, or shooting from prone, you really want as heavy as you can get! For regular hunting, I am sold on the Mod 700s, first choice ( and you can still find them on gunbroker,etc) is that BDL SS, then the Classic. Put a 2.5x8 on it, good to go. Now IF I lived in Alaska or was going to hunt there, I'd look into a Ruger Alaskan 375 Ruger also. That Ruger is loaded to higher pressure and will run close to the 375 Weatherby, not equal but close enough. If you use a push feed (ala Mod 700) I'd have the bolt converted to an M16 extractor. I've had the little spring extractor fail before...and I love Mod 700s! I have never had a problem with one converted to an M16 extractor ( some use a Sako extractor) It gets a good purchase on the rim of the case. Of course...I too have always agreed with Jack O'Conner...he wrote that every rifleman should own a .375 at some point in their life, ha. Lots of good choices and if you take your time you can find a good deal...why? Most guys get one, shoot it a few times, dream of Africa/Alaska...then sell it. Same with the 458 win and Lott. Good luck to you pard.

 

[Float Pilot]

I recently bought a used CZ-550 Safari chambered in 375H&H for $725. It is in very good shape. I am re-finishing the stock as we speak. One of the previous owners dropped and lost one of the bushings that goes in the action screw holes. So it was not very accurate. I just made up a new bushing and will test fire it for groups this coming weekend.
The CZ550 Safari's with the sporter stocks have a 25 inch barrel just like the old 375H&Hs did back in the 1920s and 30s. They are a long and heavy rifle with a nice strong long action and controlled feed.

In the past I have owned a couple old SAKO full stocked rifles in 375H&H, An old Parker Hale which I should have never sold and two or three Winchesters and Remingtons. I usually end up with one every couple years in a big trade of some sort.
35 years ago the SAKOs were $1200 rifles and they had soft wood that showed dents and scratches almost immediately. They were the Alaskan Guide limited numbered editions. So I was afraid to take them into the bush. I think I traded them both for a Jeep CJ5 back in 1983.

I still have a 375 Ruger chambered 1917 action with a Shaw barrel and a fairly lightweight laminated stock. It kicks that crap out of me. In fact it sheared off the scope mount screws after about 60 shots. I am going to sell it off to the first person who wants a project rifle, dies and brass. My 416 Taylor kicks less.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Look for a used Ruger M77 Hawkeye "African".
I bought one that sat on the used rack of a local shop for over a year. Got it for $500 out the door. Story has it that former owner used it in Africa and took lion, sable, hartebeast, and Cape buffalo with.

From the 23" bbl, it bests the .375H&H by 90-120 fps, it roughly matches the H&H when H&H is fired from a 26" bbl, and the Ruger from a 20" (Alaskan) barrel.

Mine is VERY accurate, and I particularly enjoy shooting it with reduced loads using H4895, and 225gr Hornady Spt's or Speer 235's At ~2,600, it kicks less than my .30/06 due to extra weight (9lbs w/scope) than my ultra-lite .30/06. I have however, installed a Pachmayer Decellerator Old English recoil pad to replace the factory 1/2" solid pad, a vast improvement!

.375 Ruger ammo was still available during Obamagedden. I have scrounged from dusty shelves of long time gun shops .375 bullets as cheap as .10 each (250ct, 250gr Sierra GameKings!) I also discovered by tinkering, you can "make do" by fire forming necked up .300WinMag. They're UGLY, but they WORK. All the deer I've killed with mine were using reformed win mag cases so I don't loose my Precious Hornady .375 brass.
Besides, my Lee 255gr cast bullet loads over 10gr of Unique will completely penetrate deer or pigs!

 

[Tract Optics]

I had the 375 Ruger Vs. 375 H&H debate for a while as well. My deciding factor was I had lots of H&H brass, so it was a no brainer for me.

That being said, on my plains game hunt in South Africa this year, both PH's had a 375 H&H they carried. That at least made me feel better for when I return in 2018 I know they will have ammo in case the baggage monkeys do their worst.

Doesn't mean a 375 Ruger isn't on the wishlist for my NA hunting....

 

[MCMXI]

Given the cost aspect I won't recommend a Kimber Caprivi or Talkeetna which are CRF Mauser style rifles, but I will add that a Zeiss Conquest 3x9-40mm with the RZ600 reticle sits on my Talkeetna and I have no plans to change it. I have accurate holdovers out to 600 yards and would without question drop an elk or mule deer at that range with this rifle/scope/load combination. I shoot a Barnes 250gr TTSX bullet at 2,800 fps. The rifle as shown weighs 9lb on the nose and is a joy to shoot.