Author Topic: 375 Winchester. (Read 1679 times)

Fred M · « **on:** April 15, 2006, 07:15:48 AM »

Does anybody shoot a 375 Winchester. I recently picked up an excelent Ruger#3 in that caliber. Because it was such a good buy I could not resist.

I can find only one brand of ammo for it, a 200gr Winchester. I suppose it will handle any .375" diameter bullet. But a 200gr factory load is more than enough for what I am going to use it for, if I find any use for it at all.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2006, 07:50:57 AM »

I don't shoot one Fred..but have a co-worker that has one in a Winchester..He says it works great on deer and resonable ranges..Seems you should be able to work up some pretty good hand loads in your Ruger..Speer's 235 SP should work well ...

Mac

Couger · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2006, 09:12:06 AM »

Congrats Fred

Your posts are always interesting, and informative! Ever want to sell your 257Bob barrel?

The .375 Win is a good round and VERY OVERLOOKED - not unlike the .358 Win and others! Biggest challenge with the .375 Winnie is obtaining ample brass, then obtaining enough bullet choices.

I believe only ONE loading is/was available. Hornady offered one of the best reloading bullets actually suited to that cart.

If you go to Rocky Raab's (ReloadingRoom.com), he wrote an article on the .375 Win Contender he owns and might have some info you'll find useful. Good luck!

greenjeans · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2006, 10:42:10 AM »

I have one in a Marlin lever action. I like mine for a woods gun because it is so compact. The 200 grain Winchester PP's are the only factory load that I know of, but the will do the job. I have a few 250 grain that came with the rifle.

Fred M · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2006, 12:32:33 PM »

Thanks all of you for the replies.

Couger! If I ever were to sell the 257 Roberts it would have to be the whole thing not just the barrel. It is a fitted unit and it would be a shame to break it appart.

The Reloading room featurs the 375 Win on a Contender pistol. It has to be a hand full.

My Ruger #3 is a bit unusual since it has a pistol grip sporter stock with the Alxander forearm but has no barrel band and no sling stud? . Looks like someone removed the barrel band or changed stocks? Should not be too hard to find one?

The under leaver is ala #3 and the stock ala #1. Since this is not a collector gun it does not matter. I came out of the factory in 1981.

Yes I can only find the one 200 gr PP win factory load.

Origionally I was looking for a 44 mag Handi, but never could find one. Besides the 432 bore turnrd me off. I don't see why H&R can't make a 429 barrel. Otherwise I would brought a barrel and forearm back fron the US.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2006, 01:37:16 PM »

Congrats on the .375 Win, Fred, nice one!! Conley sells ammo for it, but they don't ship to Canada...

http://www.cpcartridge.com/375win-P.htm

Tim

myarmor · « **Reply #6 on:** April 15, 2006, 01:43:06 PM »

..see this is what's great. Though this forum is dedicated to all things Handi, it's a nice pit of information for different tastes, people, and needs.
Congrats Fred :grin: And I have to say, 81 was a good year indeed

Couger · « **Reply #7 on:** April 15, 2006, 04:35:03 PM »

Fred,

Do you live in western Canada? And ever get to Seattle vicinity? If you do, and if you ever wanted to part with your 'Bob,' I'd definitely be interested!

My first comment above was meant a little facetiously/in jest, but I sure do wish the .257 Rbts was offered in the Handi-R.

As for what Rock Raab said in his .375W handgun article, at least you've seen the column.

Please let me know if you ever want to sell your 'Bob,' otherwise enjoy the wonderful round!

Fred M · « **Reply #8 on:** April 15, 2006, 05:46:36 PM »

Couger.
Yes I live in western Canada, Calgay that is. I have friends in Seattle and two daughters in Vancouver BC. We go out your way once or twice a year. If I get to Seattle I can call on you if you give me your Addi.

Quick.
Had not planed to hand load for the 375 Win but then you never know, see how she shoots with the factory stuff. Looks like I have to get a special low power scope for it. I will stick on my Banner test scope and see.

I think the 375 Win would make a fine Handi caliber with the moderate power factor and resonable recoil with a 7.5 lbs rifle and a 1 lbs scope if desired. Capable to take moose and elk out to 150yards.

myarmor.
It is gladly observed that no one is upset about the off subject. But since it is a single shot I toke a chance. I appreciate your comments.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** April 15, 2006, 06:15:09 PM »

Fred, I seriously considered the .375-06 instead of the .338-06, a .375" something is still a very attractive caliber to me.

Ian had a barrel rebored/rechambered to .375 Winchester....

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?p=506660&highlight=#506660

Tim

handirifle · « **Reply #10 on:** April 15, 2006, 06:50:43 PM »

Fred
Haven't posted with you for a while, but yes I do have a Winchester 94 Big Bore in 375 Win.

The 200gr factory load is the only one produced but handloading can bring it to a whole new level of power. I have one load using 250gr Hornady bullets (self made, see my web site) pushing 2150fps and it is not at the top. I exceeded 2200 but found diminishing returns on velocity for powder burned. This is using RL-7 and 38-55 brass also.

See Paco Kelly's Article and see he has pushed it way beyond my loads. I feel a sprire pointed 200gr Hornady bullet, In the Ruger, pushed to 2400 plus (as per Hodgdons manual) would give great ballistics and should still expand well out to 200yds plus.

It's a fun caliber and recoils about like a 308. When you compare the 375 Win pushing a 250gr to 2200 it site side by side with a 30-06.

tallyho · « **Reply #11 on:** April 15, 2006, 09:00:23 PM »

I am moving to Birch Bay WA (just south of Blaine) in a couple of weeks.

I'd be interested in connecting with another Handi-holic in the area... I know Seattle ain't exactly next door, but it is not that far away.

Since I couldn't find a PM or email link for you, I'm putting this on the thread. If you are open to it, you can email or PM me through my links.

Oh Yeah - congrats on the #3 Fred. I've had a couple of them in 45-70 and though a lovely little gun, and I kinda wish I still had one (or more) I sold them when money was tight. And FWI I'll be going across the line fairly often, I have relatives in VR and Calgary, so I'd be happy to connect with you too Fred if we are ever in the same neighborhood.

Cheers
Kerry

Fred M · « **Reply #12 on:** April 16, 2006, 07:20:41 AM »

handirifle.
Thanks for the input. I read that article and I am impressed with that wee Big Bore. The Hornady 225 Spire point should be a very good one, if I decide to hand load.

I only bought this gun because I liked the looks of it and figured it make a good tree stand rifle. For a rifle that is 25 years old it is simply a beauty. Never thought it had that kind of power. Of course the Ruger SS can handle any sort of high pressure cartridge.

So handloading to max is not a problem. But I don't need that kind of power shooting deer from a tree stand at spitting distances.

Note: The 38-55 is 0.110" longer how does it fit in 375 chamber.

DPRinks · « **Reply #13 on:** April 16, 2006, 06:25:15 PM »

Fred;
Winchester has made some changes in the cases available in .25-35, 30-30, .32SP. 32-40, 38-55 and .375W.
In an attempt to reduce costs, all the cases are now from the same blank and are the same length when finished.
You can make all the cases you want from .30-30 cases, easiest way is to anneal the neck and fireform with a few grains of shotgun powder , a wad and a case of corn meal.

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #14 on:** April 17, 2006, 04:10:23 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo

Ian had a barrel rebored/rechambered to .375 Winchester....

Not yet Quick... had some money issues raise their ugly heads and it's been postponed to mid-summer. I expect an ample amount of overtime in a few weeks, but nothing is in stone yet. That 24" 223 ultra barrel is leaning there against the wall as if saying, "Well... I'm waiting...."

Ian

quickdtoo · « **Reply #15 on:** April 17, 2006, 04:31:28 AM »

Heh heh, I wondered why you hadn't give us a report, now we know.

Thanks for the update, Ian.

Tim :wink:

handirifle · « **Reply #16 on:** April 17, 2006, 11:35:58 AM »

Quote from: DPRinks

Fred;
Winchester has made some changes in the cases available in .25-35, 30-30, .32SP. 32-40, 38-55 and .375W.
In an attempt to reduce costs, all the cases are now from the same blank and are the same length when finished.
You can make all the cases you want from .30-30 cases, easiest way is to anneal the neck and fireform with a few grains of shotgun powder , a wad and a case of corn meal.

Actually the 38-55 brass I have is slightly longer and can be easily seen in the pics on my site. I never measured the diff.

Fred,
If the COAL is kept the same it is no problem, so that means less bullet out the brass. Some concessions are made, but it worked out fine in my test case.

I agree that max loads are not needed in your case. I was curious about using it for elk to 150-200yds, figuring on getting as close as possible but pushing the load for that "just in case" shot at 200.

For your needs, I'd go with the 200gr round nose (assuming you're keeping velocity/recoil down) because at lower velocities the spire point "might" not expand. I'm sure a call to Hornady would answer that question. The RN 200 would be a great deer satopper at anything from 2000fps and up.

Now if you were stretching the distancxe a bit, then a higher velocity load and that spire point would add some reach for sure.

You can always load to 38-55 levels, even in 375 brass. The 38-55 is an excellent deer stopper as well.

Let us know what you settle on.

Fred M · « **Reply #17 on:** April 23, 2006, 08:23:19 PM »

Handirifle.
Bought a box of 200gr Win Factory loads. Don't know what they clock at but by the amount of recoil they have, they have more than enough power. The rifle with that 4-12 Banner scope weighs 8.5 lbs. Of course this scope is not suitable for this rifle

Need to do something with that #3 underleaver which is a knuckle buster. Had to keep my hand away from the leaver and shoot the rifle free recoil. With that style the kick is no fun. Never thought that cartridge had that kind of recoil.

But the rifle shoots well 3 shots 3/4" at 50yards 2" high and 3 shots to sight it in. That is enough for this baby until I get that underleaver modified. I think that rifle will spent a lot of time on the pegs in the gun cabinet, like a lot of other bruisers I got.

handirifle · « **Reply #18 on:** April 23, 2006, 09:24:47 PM »

Fred
I find that interesting cause I don't mind the recoil of my Win 94 at all. Seems like 308 or 30-30 to me. Maybe closer to 308. It does have plenty of power with the factory stuff. How long is the barrel on the Ruger? Mine is 20" on the BB. The 20" barrel is what I get the 2150 for the 250gr loads I have. I just loaded up some 200gr rounds with H4198 so I'll see if the recoil is different.

With the Buffalo Classic I had, the 405 at 1300 was much less recoil than the 300gr loads at 1800. Might be the same deal here. Maybe a handloaded 250-300gr bullet at 1900 or so?

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #19 on:** April 24, 2006, 04:13:00 AM »

The bullet I had in mind was a gas checked 225-250gr WFN at about 18-1900fps. Should be a real deer stopper at moderate ranges.

Ian

txpete · « **Reply #20 on:** April 24, 2006, 04:21:33 AM »

I bought one of the early BB94's in 375 win.excellent round and have dropped my fair share of deer with it.99% of them dropped straight down with the 220 gr hornady with RL-7.
the lyman 264 gr gc(277 gr my alloy w/lube and gc) is also a great cast bullet.again deadly on deer.
I have tried just about all the powders in the 375win but for accuracy RL-7 has turned the best groups.
enjoy your ruger :grin:
pete

handirifle · « **Reply #21 on:** April 24, 2006, 06:41:11 AM »

Pete
I get very good accuracy with my 250gr Hornady's and RL-7 also.

Fred M · « **Reply #22 on:** April 24, 2006, 06:54:27 AM »

Well there are all sorts of things wrong with this rifle causing the heavy perceived recoil. The stock is too long and the scope too far ahead. Can' get a firm grip on the pistol grip because of the cramped interference with the under lever.

Once I get all thes problems out of the way it should be ok. The rifle has a sturdy 22" barrel. I know it will shoot a lot better witha proper setup. The rifle needs a scope with a 5" eye relieve for comfort. I may buy some handloading equipment next winter.
Thanks for all the replies.

txpete · « **Reply #23 on:** April 24, 2006, 04:01:34 PM »

fred when you set your reloading stuff and if you want to try some of my cast bullets let me know.I'll send you a few to try.
pete
ex cdn

Fred M · « **Reply #24 on:** April 24, 2006, 04:19:40 PM »

Thanks Pete I keep that in mind. Just stripped that action down and cut the leaver reddy for rewelding.

Talk about a bucket full of parts to remove, to get the falling block leaver out. Done a trigger job at the same time..

andrewtheelder38 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 25, 2006, 03:36:35 PM »

Fred: I don't know if it is any help, but I have a winchester model 94xtr big bore in .375 winchester and it is one of the most accurate rifles of any design I have ever shot....very accurate at 100-yards puts ass 6 shots into less than a 3-inch circle with iron sights from a rest....and recoil is nothing!....and that is with the winchester factory ammo.....hope this helps...Go Western Canada!...keep resisting gun registration!

Fred M · « **Reply #26 on:** May 05, 2006, 03:26:17 PM »

Well I edited this post to get rid of that ugly head line.
I have since made the leaver changes, which turned out just ducky. Not quite done yet on the scope bases.

Here are the two designs top is the origional Ruger#3 and the bottom is my own conversion.

Fired a couple of test shots through a heavy gauged 45 gal steel drum full of wet burned ashes. The bullet made a big entry hole made a 4" split on the other side and exited.

My friend wanted a drain hole in the drum near the bottom and got two for the price of one. Incredible power for a 200 gr factory bullet. Me thinks it will do a deer in just fine.

handirifle · « **Reply #27 on:** May 06, 2006, 07:21:48 PM »

Fred
I like the mod. Ruger needs to "import" :grin: you to work for them.

Fred M · « **Reply #28 on:** May 07, 2006, 09:13:56 AM »

Handirifle.

My new leaver design came fro a Brooking Arms falling block action. #3 actions are not made anymore. There are a few minor differences between it and the #1, leaver and lockup are two of them.