375 H&H vs. 375 Ruger

[no guns here]

Yep, it's sort of an oddball for US shooters.  But it IS an option in the .375 caliber range.  Sort of bad for Steyr and Hornady that they didn't name it and market it right.  Mine shoots pretty well,  I picked up 5 boxes of ammo with the purchase PLUS the dies and shell holder and a set of rings for $650.  Must have been a fire-sale to get rid of stuff that wouldn't sell but I like it...  Suckered me in...  But it got me into a low end DG rifle for cheap.  I'm getting ready to order some lighter bullets for it to load for pigs and such.  I don't need the 270's for that.


ngh

[Rolly]

I'll tell ya why I think the 375 Ruger makes sense to me. I don't ever have a lot of disposable income, but like everybody here, really enjoy guns. Now like it's been said 20 times before, I am not going to Africa. It's just not going to happen. But I do have an old mauser 98 action laying around with a 30/06 barrel that needs a little something different. I can't afford to just pay $2000 for a rifle that I may use only for moose and bear. I could save and save and save and the wife just wouldn't allow it. Now I can save up a little change and head to Alaska and hunt with a buddy up there, and have the gun rebarrelled to 375 ruger. Something novel and different, not going to replace the original, at least IMO, but I will have $400 invested in the rifle, I can go to Alaska, and afford the bunch of it. Shoot....I may even use it on deer here in SoDak.

[MGMorden]

I think the Ruger certainly does have it's merits.  A previous poster certainly hit the nail on the head when he said this was an evolutionary development and not revolutionary.

Nobody is claiming that the H&H will do any less than the Ruger when all is said and done.  Just that the Ruger is designed to be chambered for a "standard" rifle a little more easily, which makes it cheaper.  It's also a little easier to reload for given the elimination of the belt.

I certainly wouldn't replace a .375 H&H if I already had one, but the simple truth is that if you ignore the tradition and history aspect of it, on pure technical merits, the .375 Ruger is the (albeit slightly) better cartridge. 

Also, no offense, but I chuckle just a little bit when people stick to the H&H because it's "proven".  "Proven" is a good measure for the rifles themselves, or really any complex machine with moving parts, but it doesn't so much apply to static products like comparing these two cartridges.  Ballistically, the cartridges are nearly the same.  It's not like in the middle of a hunt you're going to find out for some reason that the .375 Ruger doesn't work on Cape Buffalo, or that it's stopping power drops 50% after dark .  Whatever the .375 H&H can do, so can the .375 Ruger.

[Rolly]

Very good post.

[K.K]

As much as I love "traditional" calibers, I often hunt with a .300 WSM, and .450 Marlin, so I would take a hard look at the Ruger too. That said, I have had luggage get lost more than once, and I believe that you'd stand a heck of a better chance of finding .375 H&H cartrideges in Africa, or Alaska then you would the .375 Ruger.  As for utility, it is most likely a wash, unless you really need a 30-06 length action.

[Cabin4]

Put your ammo in the same case as your gun.

[S.B.]

I think the 375 ruger is here to stay because it can be chambered in a long action gun.

I know you don't want to talk about guns, but I think this is important because Howa is selling the rifle or barreled action for about the same cost as their guns (within 50 bucks I think).

So your options are pretty much a bulky 375hh for 1500 dollars, a bulky 375ruger for about the same cost, OR a standard 7.5 pound 600 dollar 375ruger.

For people hunting moose, big bear, etc in North America - I would have to think they may buy this round over a 338.

So I think because of it's price tag and rifle availability, I have to pick the 375ruger

How about the new Remington .375H&H SPSDG for around the same price as the Ruger? $650?
http://www.gunsamerica.com/969319520/Guns/Rifles/Remington-Rifles-Modern/Model-700/Sporting/700_SPS_DG_375_H_H_NIB.htm

[AtlLaw]

How about the new Remington .375H&H SPSDG for around the same price as the Ruger? $650?

Well, since it's a Remington, it's probably a good, functional, accurate weapon.  But rifle guns is like wimmins.  They can all get the job done, but some are purdy'r then others!     And most men, every once in a while, like sumpin purdy in their hands!  

So, if I was going to get a classy .375 H&H, she'd have to be dressed in clothes befitting the grand old lady she is!  A 375 Ruger OTOH, being much younger, has more leeway in her attire.  She'd look good in cut off jeans (plastic stocks) or an evening gown (fine walnut).

Now this form of reasoning may seem strange to some of you, but I have never been able to decide which I love more, guns or wimmins....    So, many years ago, I combined the two in my thought processes.  It's been working for me for 40 + years!    But that's another story...

[Cabin4]

How about the new Remington .375H&H SPSDG for around the same price as the Ruger? $650?

 I have never been able to decide which I love more, guns or wimmins....    So, many years ago, I combined the two in my thought processes.  It's been working for me for 40 + years!    But that's another story...

BALANCE, BALANCE.

[nomosendero]

How about the new Remington .375H&H SPSDG for around the same price as the Ruger? $650?

 I have never been able to decide which I love more, guns or wimmins....    So, many years ago, I combined the two in my thought processes.  It's been working for me for 40 + years!    But that's another story...

BALANCE, BALANCE.

Take both & run, makes sense to me.

[Tencubed]

I can see the Ruger if you want a short action but if your after horsepower then why not just step up to the 375 Weatherby?  An if you want to kill them extra dead, if that is possible  , the go to the 378 Weatherby.

Mike

[deltecs]

I can see the Ruger if you want a short action but if your after horsepower then why not just step up to the 375 Weatherby?  An if you want to kill them extra dead, if that is possible  , the go to the 378 Weatherby.

Mike

If you need more horsepower, step up in bore size rather than velocity.  Use a .416, .404, .425 or .458 and forget anything faster in .375 bore.  If you need more punch, you can do with heavier bullets, less recoil, and less muzzle blast by increasing bore size.  If you need more punch than the .375 Ruger or .375 H&H, then it is on dangerous game and those aren't shot at 200 yards ranges.  Anything under 200 either the H&H or Ruger will do the job, so if more is needed, go to bigger bore.

[robert4570]

This is one of the better threads I've read in a while.
 I tend to favor older calibers that have proven themselves  commercialy , have stood the test of time wth sportsmen and are readily available almost anywhere. The HH does that and most likely will continue to do so . I for one also like the Ruger 375 and would almost have to either toss a coin on it or just buy both so I could sleep better at night.
Tough call .

[AtlLaw]

This is one of the better threads I've read in a while.

Why thank you!     I thought it was an interesting query when I started it long ago.  I did however originally post it in the medium bore forum.  An unintentional oversight I assure you!  (even though, forum definitions notwithstanding, I still believe the 375 is a medium bore and large bores start at 40!     )

... would almost have to either toss a coin on it or just buy both so I could sleep better at night.
Tough call .

That has become my opinion.  If I come up on a deal I can't refuse, that's what I'll buy.  And, once the new has worn off that one I'll have to buy the other just for comparison!   

[sasu]

I went with the 375 Ruger. I just bought a Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan in that caliber. I do not have a 375 H&H.

I was of course tempted by the marketing hype on the new caliber. But it also makes sense, being chambered in more petite and more affordable rifles. Most 375 H&H rifles seem to be real heavyweights. Check for example the weight difference on Ruger #1 single shots in 375 H&H and 375 Ruger. I think that is the philosophy behind this new caliber.

[CapoWard]

…I thought it was an interesting query when I started it long ago.  I did however originally post it in the medium bore forum.  An unintentional oversight I assure you!  (even though, forum definitions notwithstanding, I still believe the 375 is a medium bore and large bores start at 40!     )

Though I’m fairly new to the forum I’d have to agree with you…when the .375 H&H was designed it was intended to be at the upper end of the medium bores, and even though it is an approved caliber for DG in Africa it is still at the upper end of the medium bores…not withstanding that many in the USA consider anything above a .308 caliber to be a “big bore”.    Oops, just remembered….”big bores” don’t start until one reaches a .500 caliber. 

[robert4570]

I just watched a buffalo hunt on Versus , Ruger was one of the sponsors so of course a Ruger will be the rifle used by the host when hunting.
Coincidentally they where using the .375 Ruger and hits plenty hard I'll have to say . It stops buffalos, now I still would feel better with something heavier when dealing with DG but evidently it gets the job done.
 Look for the hunt on Versus tv.

[S.B.]

I was down at Gander Mountain Peoria Illinois this last tuesday and did I see right, .375 Ruger ammo going for $85 for 20 rounds? And I thought .375 H&H was expensive at $50 for 20 rounds.

[robert4570]

I never priced the ammo but figured it wouldnt be cheap.
But damn $85 a box !
Right up there with Weatherby.

[CapoWard]

I just checked some internet prices, here they are:

Graf & Sons:
375 H&H – price range – (Privi) $29.99 to (Winchester) $104.99
375 Ruger – price range - $50.99 to $53.99
375 Weatherby – price range - $84.59

Midway:
375 H&H – price range – (Privi) $29.99 to (Winchester) $107.99
375 Ruger – price range - $49.99 to $53.29
375 Weatherby – price range - $60.45 to $125.99

Bass Pro Shops:
375 H&H – price range – $44.99 & $74.99 (Edited)
375 Ruger – price range - none
375 Weatherby – price range - none

Hornady Website:
375 H&H – price range –$61.27 to $76.05
375 Ruger – price range - $68.84 to $74.53
375 Weatherby – price range – none

Who knows what local prices will be, especially with increased component and delivery costs for new stock.

[Swampman]

I'd consider the .375 Ruger, if Remington chambered it in their Model 700.  It just isn't available in a rifle I'd own.

[S.B.]

 You missed the Winchester Safari Supreme Ammunition 375 H&H 300 Grain Solid Box of 10 for $110? Privi's are a I think Bosnian ammo and in my opinion not a fair comparator? Would you shoot cheap imported ammo at a charging cape buffalo?
Remember Midway, Bass Pro and others that sell for cheap prices charge very high shipping and I have personally not ordered from them when my totals went through the roof, lately, because of their excessive shipping charges.
Very little .375 Ruger ammo for sale on Midway's site.

[Drilling Man]

I just checked some internet prices, here they are:

Graf & Sons:
375 H&H – price range – (Privi) $29.99 to (Winchester) $104.99
375 Ruger – price range - $50.99 to $53.99
375 Weatherby – price range - $84.59

Midway:
375 H&H – price range – (Privi) $29.99 to (Winchester) $107.99
375 Ruger – price range - $49.99 to $53.29
375 Weatherby – price range - $60.45 to $125.99

Bass Pro Shops:
375 H&H – price range – $74.99
375 Ruger – price range - none
375 Weatherby – price range - none

Hornady Website:
375 H&H – price range –$61.27 to $76.05
375 Ruger – price range - $68.84 to $74.53
375 Weatherby – price range – none

Who knows what local prices will be, especially with increased component and delivery costs for new stock.

  Did you happen to see the Rem. price for H&H ammo?  Or don't you like Rem. ammo?

  DM

[S.B.]

I payed $54 with tax at Mega Sports in Joliet, Il. I've bought two boxes there now and Remington has a $10 rebate going till the end of '08. Best price I've seen for .375 H&H 270 grains. Maybe I was looking at the .375 Weatherbys down in Peoria?

[CapoWard]

I just checked some internet prices, here they are:

Graf & Sons:
375 H&H – price range – (Privi) $29.99 to (Winchester) $104.99
375 Ruger – price range - $50.99 to $53.99
375 Weatherby – price range - $84.59

Midway:
375 H&H – price range – (Privi) $29.99 to (Winchester) $107.99
375 Ruger – price range - $49.99 to $53.29
375 Weatherby – price range - $60.45 to $125.99

Bass Pro Shops:
375 H&H – price range – $44.99 & $74.99  (Edited)
375 Ruger – price range - none
375 Weatherby – price range - none

Hornady Website:
375 H&H – price range –$61.27 to $76.05
375 Ruger – price range - $68.84 to $74.53
375 Weatherby – price range – none

Who knows what local prices will be, especially with increased component and delivery costs for new stock.

  Did you happen to see the Rem. price for H&H ammo?  Or don't you like Rem. ammo?

  DM

I have nothing against Remington; also have nothing against other brands listed by Grafs or Midways such as Federal, A-Square, Cor-Bon, DoubleTap, Norma, Nosler or RWS.  The reference to Prvi and Winchester for the 375 H&H was only to indicate the cheapest and most expensive when the range difference was $75 or more per box of 20; perhaps I should have only listed the price range and left the brand identification alone.

That said, Remington at Midway ranged from $45.99-78.99 while Bass Pro is Remington only (edited for a 2nd cartridge weight); Grafs doesn't list Remington ammunition on their website.

[45-70.gov]

i  saw  the  Howa rifle  for  under  $500 [haven't called yet,afraid  i  might buy one] stainless  just  like my 308 win........i  will  hand load   and  save  the full power stuff  just for  entertainment....how  will  this round  handle cast   or  is  it too over bored  to  be   a  good candidate for  that.....i  really  don't  need  any thing  like  this  as  my 308  will do  anything  i  need  to do......just  always  wanted  a  BIG  gun  like  458  etc   since  i  was a kid  and  the  375  just  seemed  more practical  and cheaper    what  is  your  opinion  of  the  Howa??

[S.B.]

Who told you the .375 H&H is over bored?

[45-70.gov]

just  seemed  like  too  much case volume for  reduced cast loads   was  what  i  meant.....like some  use  fillers in  some  loads  when  they  would be  better  of  just  shooting  a  smaller  case  ....tim

[sasu]

Did some load testing with my 375 Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan today. Sierra 250 SBT and Hornady 300 RN bullets with various doses of Vihtavuori N140.

These groups were shot at 75 meters. The tape measure is in centimeters.







I am in love...

[deltecs]

Says a lot for Ruger out of the box accuracy, doesn't it.  I wonder if a Rem in .375 H&H would do the same?