Need .375 Winchester Loads

[Blowtorch53]

Hi Guys,

Just bought a Marlin 375 on an auction and I should get it this week.  I have a couple of boxes of the Winchester 200 Gr. factory loads but I would like to make up some good 150 yard loads with the 220 Gr. FN bullets.  I have lots of new brass and many different powders.  What is your pet load for the .375 regardless of the bullet weight?  This should be a fun gun!

Thanks,

BT53

[Lone Star]

Hands-down the best  powder for the .375 is AA1680.  Well known to elite .375WCF shooters, this powder gives 100-200 fps higher velocities than the "favorite" powder of the gunwriters - RL-7.  The only reason not to use AA1680 is if it gives poor accuracy in your rifle - not likey IME.  Hornady gives a max load of 41.2 grains AA2680 for 2300 fps with their 220-grain FN in a 20" barrel.



.

[TNrifleman]

My Marlin 375 loves the Hornady 225 grain bullet over 36 grains of RL-7, and I'm not a gun writer.

[cwlongshot]

Mine likes the RL-7 as well... I use the 200gr bullet. Only because if I need bigger, I use the 35 Whelen or stiff loaded 400gr 45-70.

 I also love the 1680 powder, but never tried it in my 375. I shoot it in my 357 MAXI. I literally stopped dead trying loads when I found how well that RL-7 load shoots in my guns. I have about 5-7 boxes loaded up with that loading.

CW

[Lone Star]

My Marlin 375 loves the Hornady 225 grain bullet over 36 grains of RL-7, and I'm not a gun writer.

And a good thing too, as a gunwriter would know that Hornady doesn't make a 225-grain FN .375" bullet.   

I literally stopped dead trying loads when I found how well that RL-7 load shoots in my guns.

So in other words you have no idea how much better AA1680 might work in your rifles?   Hey, 1680 might not be as accurate or it might be more accurate than RL-7 in your rifle (it shoots better in my Ruger No3) - but it will certainly push the bullets faster.  Some guys swear by IMR4198.....


.

[cwlongshot]

I literally stopped dead trying loads when I found how well that RL-7 load shoots in my guns.

So in other words you have no idea how much better AA1680 might work in your rifles?   Hey, 1680 might not be as accurate or it might be more accurate than RL-7 in your rifle (it shoots better in my Ruger No3) - but it will certainly push the bullets faster.  Some guys swear by IMR4198...

 You statement is completely correct. I have no idea how it will shoot in my guns. 
 BUT, as I already stated, I have no reason to try at this time. My load shoots as good as anyone could hope to get a Marlin to shoot. It shoots even better in my pops Savage 99 and our two contender barrels. (Sub 1" @ 100) Not to mention that I already mentioned I have over 100 bullets loaded and sighted in for this caliber. Its accounted for about 3-4 Whitetails

 Not dissing 1680 powder in the least. To the contrary,  It is THE POWDER I load in my 357 MAXI. I don't use any other in that caliber. It shoots nice round 1" groups at great velocities. What I have found works and works well in my guns. This one has accounted for almost a dozen whitetails.

I pretty much try loads until I get what I want for accuracy, and performance on game. then I load numerous boxes and move on to another gun/caliber.

 I am very glad you have found AA1680 as your #1 powder for 375Win in your guns. Maybe one day, I'll try it in mine, until then, I have a lifetime supply loaded with RL-7.

CW

[Blowtorch53]

Thanks Guys,

I have AA1680, RE-7 (That really fills her up!), and IMR 4198.  I'm going to try them all and let you know.  Ken Waters says even H335 was very accurate.  BT53

[Coyote Hunter]

I've tried AA1680, Re-7 and H4198 in my .375W.  AA1680 is the winner.

[TNrifleman]

My Marlin 375 loves the Hornady 225 grain bullet over 36 grains of RL-7, and I'm not a gun writer.

And a good thing too, as a gunwriter would know that Hornady doesn't make a 225-grain FN .375" bullet.   

I literally stopped dead trying loads when I found how well that RL-7 load shoots in my guns.

So in other words you have no idea how much better AA1680 might work in your rifles?   Hey, 1680 might not be as accurate or it might be more accurate than RL-7 in your rifle (it shoots better in my Ruger No3) - but it will certainly push the bullets faster.  Some guys swear by IMR4198.....


.

Lonestar,

I stand corrected for my typo. The Hornady bullet I mentioned is a 220 grain FP (#3705). I appreciate your willingness to point out others errors. I am not a gun writer, though, even the pros occasionally make errors. I'm not even an "elite 375 Winchester shooter." I do, however, know how to treat other people. A bit of respect for others and class go a long way, my friend.  My intent was only to share some information with the guy who was asking the question.

[Blowtorch53]

Got my Marlin 375 yesterday and took it shooting.  This is a very pleasant gun to shoot and I was surprised that the recoil was so mild.  I tried the RL-7 max. loads with the 220 Gr. bullets.  Was not able to get any good accuracy yet.  Got only about a 4" group at 100 yds.  I used the max. loads and I think they are too hot for the gun.  The primers were ok but it looks like the case bulged a little at the bottom.  I need to back off an try these more.  Actually the Winchester 200 gr. factory loads shot better but about 10" lower.  They shot about a 3" group.  Max. loads of IMR 4198 with the 220 gr. shot even lower.  I think I am on the right track with the RL-7 and I am going to work up with the AA 1680 and the 220 grainers.  I was in a hurry so I mounted a Bushnell Trophy 3 x 9 and went shooting.  I didn't clean it properly until after the range session and the barrel was really fouled with copper.  No telling how many times it has been fired and not really cleaned.  Thank you guys for all your and I'll keep you posted.  BT 53

[cwlongshot]

Your gonna love this gun!!

 its one of my all time favorites as well!!

 I am Lucky enough to have both Marlins offerings in 375 Win. I don't shoot the origional, M375 very often. I bought it from a customer of the store in pristine condition and it is pretty much just a collector gun for me now, as is a couple other Marlins. Like my Marauder 35 rem and my 336 ADL. But I do shoot my M375S quite a bit!!



 I refinished the stocks and added a good set of peeps and a scout scope setup with a Leupold 2X pistol scope. Its a great, fast shooting powerful setup!!






Good luck with yours!!

 CW

[Blowtorch53]

CW, What kind of groups do you get with that beautiful rig?  Is it a 100 yard gun or more?  Do you sight it in at that range or less?  I have never tried a scout scope type setup.  Looks like they would be very fast on the target.  What' the difference in a 375 and a 375S?  Mine is a 375.  Thanks,  BT 53

[cwlongshot]

The biggest difference is the cross-bolt safety. The M375"S" has it while the M375 doesn't.

 It shoots nice round 1.5" groups.  I shoot 200 and 220 GR bullets with excellent results. Where I hunt 100 is a long shot, but I would limit this rig to 150 or so anyway.

 Thanks for the compliments, I like it a lot as well.

CW

[TNrifleman]

cwlongshot,

That is a really nice looking 375S Marlin. You have made up a well thought out hunting rid there. Thanks for sharing the photos. My 375 has a 1x3 Weaver scope that is compact and quick to use.

Blowtorch,

I've got my best results loading a couple grains below max with the Hornady 220 grain bullet. I don't think the deer will ever know the difference.

[walkingwolf]

 Slug your bore you may need .377 bullets [ 38-55 ]

[papajohn428]

I have been using IMR-4895 in nearly all my rifle calibers, the velocity isn't top end but I load for accuracy so it doesn't matter to me.  With the 220 grain Hornady I use 36.0 grains, and it will shoot into a half-inch at 50 yards all day, 3 shots at a time.  I'm done experimenting!

Papajohn