Question on Ruger Tang Safety rifle

[Graybeard]

I have an older Ruger tang safety rifle currently chambered to 7mm Rem. Magnum. My plan when I bought it was to have it turned into a .257 Whby. Magnum for which it should be ideal but the builder tells me that's gonna be heavier than my desired weight most likely as the Ruger action is quite heavy.

So this now has me thinking that perhaps this one might be better turned into a heavier rifle for a hoped for some day trip to Africa instead.

So my question is this: Can this rifle be chambered to the .375 H&H without major work since it's a fair deal longer than the Remington Magnum? I know Ruger makes them currently and I think did in the past in the real magnum chamberings but I'm thinking that might not be the same action as I have.

[StrawHat]

I read in RIFLE magazine where Scovill had a 338 converted to 375.  He also had a couple of problems but they were fixable.  If you don't have the issue let me know and I will get a copy of the article to you.

G'luck

[drdougrx]

HI GB

Nope....the magazine is too short.  I once read of a conversion where the bolt stop was moved more rearward to allow for bolt clearence.  Spoke to a couple of smiths who have said "no....buy an action that will fit the round".  Have you thought about the .375 taylor .375/.388)?  Same as the scovill I guess.  Or...wait till the specs on the 375 ruger are available and rechamber for that.

[Graybeard]

I didn't think the H&H would fit but wanted to check with others who might have some first hand knowledge to be sure.

I've asked Jim Hack if the .375 h&H is the real minimum where he hunts or is it just the .375" bore or can the 9,3 bore also be used. Once I get all the info gathered there will be plenty of time to decide what to do with the action. The maker who will be doing it for me doesn't really want it until early next year anyway.

[gunnut69]

Like the old winchesters Ruger makes a single action length, however the are a lot of parts specific to the Magnum version. The bolt stop and ejector and the mag box to name just a few. It is possible to take a lot of weight off the old M77 by converting to a standard entry front action screw. The recoil lug is removed and a washer style like the M700 uses repleces it.  Going to a blind box mag and lightening work on the action and mag box will remove even more. The result is though while lightening the action is possible there are better candidates. Check out the UltraLights buiilt by Forbes. The Remington M7 action can be really lightened but won't handle the 257 Weatherby. Likely a M700 would be the easiest way to go.  Hope this finds you feeling better!!

[NoKness]

I was under the impression that a M77 was 2 ounces heavier than a 700 BDL. was the design so weight critical that a light fill in the stock wouldn't have made up for it?

NoKnees