Questions on a Ruger #3 in .375 Winchester

[Yukon Gold]

I am going to post this in this forum and in the single shots - hopefully I'm not breaking a cardinal rule - if so, give me a heads up!

I recently was handed down a Ruger #3 in .375 winchester. The rifle is in excellent condition, however, the cartridge does not seem very impressive. Here are my questions:

1) Does anyone have any experience with this round? I already have a .30-30 ,.30-06, .270 Win, and .35 Whelan - Does this round give me anything that I don't already have?

2) I really like the Ruger #3 - if the .375 Win is a tosser - could I easily get the #3 modified to something different? I guess "easily" is defined as not too costly (around $300).

[Graycg]

Got the same rifle and maybe for Alaska the round isn't too fancy, but for whitetails and black bears and pigs at sane ranges, it does real well.  If you really aren't happy with the round, you could probably have it rechambered for 375 JDJ or even 375 H&H, but you wouldn't want to shoot it with the stock it has in the big calibers...I have one in 45-70- believe me, they are light and with the shotgun butt, they just plain hurt.
  Rebarrelling these things gets real pricey....

regards,
 graycg

[Prince of Wales]

Yokon Gold I have never known anyone to have a 375 Win that did not like it and tend to brag on its killing power on deer. In your arsenal it would fit in between the 30/30 and the 06 but in a small compact arm.
 The 375 is originally from Winchesters Big Bore 94 series developed in the 1970s. Others with it are the 307 Win, 356 Win. I`d really think long and hard before doing a conversion that would not be reversible. There were very few 375s made in #3s making them somewhat rare. I`d try it for a season to test its killing power before making a final decision. It well may be a better round that you think. Cheers. POW

[BIGBOREFAN]

You could always sell it to me. I have been looking for one for a while.
 :grin:

BBF

[Yukon Gold]

Thanks for the feedback - I think after receiving your inputs from all of you, I will keep it as is, and give it a try.

Regards,

[handirifle]

youkon
I have a 94 Big Bore in 375, just inherited it from my dad.  I'm in the process of working up loads with it and have found that it's possible to push a 250gr bullet to 2200fps without a whole lot of work.  If that doesn't sound impressive, look up the velocities a 30-06 pushes a 250gr bullet, you guessed it, 2200.

The Win, too is light and lets you know when you pull the trigger, but I love it.  I have real plans for this rifle and a bull elk within 200yds.  Now all I have to do is get the elk to cooperate.

I agree with POW.  Keeps it as is.  If you don't already, learn to reload for it.  I also have a neet trick for getting bullets for mine, by cutting the tips off bullets meant for the larger 375's, but that would not be a problem in a single shot.

I'd suggest top level loads (worked up to them of course) using the Hornady 225gr spire point bullet.  Should be no problem getting 2300 or more.

[mutwagn]

Yukon Gold, That should be a sweet little rifle, I have a Contender carbine and 12" pistol in 375 and love the way both handle and shoot.
 Like Prince Of Wales said, the 375 in a #3 is kinda unusual. It is probably worth keeping, or for sure not modifing.
 I am not sure if they will send to Alaska, but email berbrassammo@optonline.net they were closing out factory 200 grain Winchesters for $12.00 a box. I got 4 boxes from them 2 weeks ago. These shoot great in my Contenders.
 By the way, if ya decide to sell, put me on that list of interested parties.
 Andy