Author Topic: 375Win vs 7x30 (Read 619 times)

freddogs · « **on:** November 17, 2004, 05:58:35 AM »

Deer hunting starts Saturday. I have a new 375Win barrel that seems to shot 200 and 220 grain bullets accurately. Do I use the 375win or my trusty 7x30 that I shot 2 deer with last year? Should I take both? I can shoot up to 3 deer here in WI. I use 120 to 140 gr.bullets in the 7x30 waters. Most shots would be under 100 yds. :?: :excuseme:

flyfisher · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2004, 08:07:06 AM »

I do not have a 7-30, but I do have a .375 Win. that is great for shots under 100 yards with a 2x scope. My .375 shoots the 220gr. Hornady's splendidly and really lays down a thumpin' on the whitetails.

I say start with one barrel, kill a deer, switch to the other barrel, kill a deer, then switch back to the starting barrel to kill the third. Do the same next season, but start with the other barrel. Probably more hassle than you want, but it sure sounds like fun.

Whatever you choose, both will get the job done.

mutwagn · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2004, 04:22:58 AM »

I have both barrels also, but I didn't have time to work up a load in my 7-30 barrel.
I did have a few boxes of 375 Win factory loads though, and the 200 grain loads give me a 1.5" group at 100 yards in my 12" barrel with a 2-6 Bushnell scope. Minute of deer to me, so I was set.
I took the Contender last Saturday morning, opening day in VA., and about 8:30 a nice little small buck walks straight on to me. At about 40 yards I shot it just off center of the chest. Found the bullet against the hide in the lower part of the hind leg. It had taken out part of the right sholder, a 1/2 dozen or more ribs, and 1 lung and part of the heart on the way. It weighed about 185 grains, and expanded to .600 before it quit.
I am pleased as can be with the factory 375 load, and since they are hard to find now, I plan on loading my own for it and the 7-30 before next year.
I have some wheelwieght, and some harder casting material and the Lee mold for the 375 that I want to tinker with also.
If you take either barrel, I think you'll do fine, but if you have the 375 sighted in, and since you have already tried the 7-30, the 375 gets my vote.
I also just wanted to post how pleased I was with the 375 Winchester.
Good luck Saturday. Andy

MnMike · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2004, 05:09:58 PM »

If most shots are under 100 yds. take the new one - the .375. It will give you a new experience and the extra diameter will be devastating. If you might get a shot beyond 100 yds., take the 7-30.

Just my opinion.

mike

grodon of the north · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2004, 10:33:05 PM »

I always say "Indecision is the key to flexibility". Take 'em both. I took 3 bbl.'s on my last hunt because I couldn't decide on the #2.

Dave1 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 23, 2004, 01:33:41 AM »

Use the one you have the most confidense in. Either will be adequate for deer.

I have taken two nice Florida bucks with my 7x30 this year. One at 90yds, the other at about 110yds. Both were hit in the middle shoulder with factory load. There was much internal damage and they piled up within 50 yards. Neither bullet exited the far side so there wasn't much of a blood trail but didn't need it.

I plan to eventually start loading my own and will probably start with the 120 gr Nosler BT and see how it goes from there but the Federal factory loads have been doing a good job for me.

Good luck

Dave1

freddogs · « **Reply #6 on:** November 25, 2004, 09:24:38 AM »

Things worked out OK. I shot a 10pt buck with a 17" inside spread using the 375 winchester with 220 gr hornadays. Unfortunately I missed a doe with the 7X30. I switched to the muzzleloader now. I'll probably use that for the rest of the season. I wish I knew how to post a picture.