Author Topic: Picking a 375 H&H Rifle---Help wanted! (Read 7012 times)

slick00 · « **on:** March 26, 2006, 05:17:14 AM »

I'm looking for my first true big bore. I was hoping you guys that have more experience with these than I do could give me your thoughts. I have already decided on a caliber (375 H&H) but have not yet settled on a rifle. Someday I hope to go to Alaska for the big bears, so I'm leaning towards something in stainless. In reality, the most use it will probably see is on the range or local outings here at home.

Considerations:

1) CZ 550 American Safari
2) Winchester Classis Stainless (however, any remaining stainless classics seem to be bringing collector $$$)
3) Remington 700 XCR
4) Browning A-bolt

My dilemma is this: The CZ seems hefty enough to reduce felt recoil, but as far as I know is not available in stainless. It also has controlled feed. I have always liked controlled feed, but not sure how much difference it really makes in the real world. I have not picked up a Rem 700 XCR but the listed weight seems light to me ....maybe a little too light for a .375. Should be great out in the elements, nice to carry all day, but may not be so nice on the shoulder. Is the Remington 700 too light for comfortable shooting? Not sure about the Browning A-bolt...never really played around with one.

Anyone have any thoughts

?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2006, 09:51:23 AM »

If Stainless is a must, go with the Browning A-bolt, I have a 243 and a 338 Win Mag in an A-bolt. Great guns in my opinion. Now if you can live with a blued gun, I think the CZ 550 American Safari would be a great choice. I have a CZ 550 Safari Magnum with the hog-back stock in 416 Rigby and it shoots great. I am getting 1 inch groups at 100 yards.

woodsstalker · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2006, 01:09:22 PM »

I have one of the Rem 700. It weighs in at about 7.5 pounds. Shot it the first time this weekend. It shot 3/4" groups.

The recoil wasn't near as bad as I thought it would be. This is going to be a "go to" rifle.

nasem · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2006, 02:02:38 PM »

I have done lotta research on 375 h&h rifles, I seattled on the winchester classic stainless (I have 2 of them in same caliber), they shoot very well.... but like you said, those are kind of expensive nowadays...

I personally like stainless steel more than blue. As far as which rifle you want and Even though the a-bolt is sweet, but there is something about those remington XCRs that brings me to them more......regarding the XCR's weight, don't be fooled with what the internet label says, they weight around 8.5 lbs without a scope.

You should get the XCR, it will shoot JUST AS WELL AS THE A-BOLT (I don't care what anyone says, they shoot well), and save your self around $200, and you can take that $200, add a little more to it, and invest in a really nice scope (god knows, 375 h&h needs a recoil-handeling scope)....but thats just my opinion

slick00 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2006, 02:54:06 PM »

Woodsstalker..thanks for your input. Do you have one of the XCRs or just a Rem 700? How do you like the stock? Is Remington using the pillar bedded or the bedding block version of the Hogue stock? I like the fact the stock has a Limb Saver recoil pad...they feel pretty nice.

slick00 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2006, 02:59:19 PM »

Nasem, Thanks for your input. If I could find a Winchester classic I would buy it, but I just can't justify what they are bringing nowadays. I don't have anything in stainless yet, but I figured this was a good one to start with. As much as I like the CZ and the excellent trigger, I'm sort of leaning towards the XCR.

drdougrx · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2006, 01:58:49 AM »

Hi,

My 2cents. I shoot a Rem700 BDLSS. Glass bed, timney trigger, magnaport, R3 recoil pad, Leupold Varix-II scope. Weighs 8lbs. I use it often and a really like it. Will be using it this fall on bison in prep for brown bear and moose in 08.

Larry Gibson · « **Reply #7 on:** March 27, 2006, 06:24:00 AM »

I agree with nasem, go with the Winchester Classic, they are worth finding and paying for. I've had mine for several years and friends who own the A bolt and the CZ say they wished they'd got the M70 Stainless.

(tongue in cheek) Hey nasem, I live just outside of Tacoma. Is that close to "seattled"?:-)

Larry Gibson

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 27, 2006, 06:30:12 AM »

Quote from: Larry Gibson

I agree with nasem, go with the Winchester Classic, they are worth finding and paying for. I've had mine for several years and friends who own the A bolt and the CZ say they wished they'd got the M70 Stainless.

(tongue in cheek) Hey nasem, I live just outside of Tacoma. Is that close to "seattled"?:-)

Larry Gibson

Why did your friends say they wished they'd got the M70? I don't find a thing wrong with CZ or Browning's A-bolt.

BUSTER51 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2006, 06:47:16 AM »

Ever thought of getting a Remington 700 in .375 Remington Ultra Mag ? :-D

slick00 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 27, 2006, 04:22:44 PM »

I really like the CZ, but for the moment I'm stuck on that stainless thing. In reading and talking to several guys that have been to Alaska, it seems like that is the way to go.

My main concern is weight (comforting in shooting). I'm not overly recoil sensative (I have shot a 458 Win and 460 Weatherby in the past), but the easier/more comfortable to shoot ....the better.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2006, 01:35:38 AM »

Quote from: slick00

I really like the CZ, but for the moment I'm stuck on that stainless thing. In reading and talking to several guys that have been to Alaska, it seems like that is the way to go.

My main concern is weight (comforting in shooting). I'm not overly recoil sensative (I have shot a 458 Win and 460 Weatherby in the past), but the easier/more comfortable to shoot ....the better.

Then go with the Browning A-bolt. You are the one that has to be happy with your decision.

I love my CZ 416 Rigby, but I also love my 338 Win Mag in my Browning A-Bolt.

Larry Gibson · « **Reply #12 on:** March 28, 2006, 08:43:03 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

Quote from: Larry Gibson
I agree with nasem, go with the Winchester Classic, they are worth finding and paying for. I've had mine for several years and friends who own the A bolt and the CZ say they wished they'd got the M70 Stainless.

(tongue in cheek) Hey nasem, I live just outside of Tacoma. Is that close to "seattled"?:-)

Larry Gibson

Why did your friends say they wished they'd got the M70? I don't find a thing wrong with CZ or Browning's A-bolt.

Recoil difference between M70 and the lighter A-Bolt (not everyone wants a light "carry" rifle). Synthetic stocks are essentially the sameand the heavier barrel on the M70 dampens recoil to the same level as A-Bolt with muzzle break. Fellow with CZ has had the stock replaced twice (cracked). It took a full bedding job to cure it. Plus he likes "the feel" (his words not mine) of the M70 vs his CZ. Both are happy with the way their A-Bolt and CZ shoot, they just like the M70 better.

Larry Gibson

woodsstalker · « **Reply #13 on:** March 28, 2006, 11:47:49 AM »

Slick00,
Yes it is the XCR model. I do like the stock alot. It doesn't have pillar bedding or the block. The first thing I did was bed the action and float the barrel.A 3x9 Zeiss is on it with Talley rings. This should be a universal rifle for me. The recoil wasn't near as bad as I expected. If you get one you won't look back.

slick00 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2006, 04:57:05 PM »

Thanks for the input guys....looks like I have some thinking to do. I'm going to try to find a Rem 700 and an A-bolt to look at.

Woodstalker ...I'm surprised the XCR stock is not at least pillar bedded. Did you pillar bed yours or just a normal bedding job?

woodsstalker · « **Reply #15 on:** March 29, 2006, 02:07:31 PM »

Slick00,
I bedded the 700 with Brownell's Acraglas Gel with powdered steel added for strength. I don't really think the pillars are needed on this stock. If I need to they can be added later. This rifle has been alot better than I could have ever hoped. Still can't believe the first group was 3/4". Very pleased!!! :grin:

slick00 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 29, 2006, 03:08:16 PM »

Woodstalker, Thanks for your help and the info! Sounds like you have a real keeper.

AK Fireman · « **Reply #17 on:** March 29, 2006, 06:11:47 PM »

Just a little something for debate I am sure, but a true big bore is 45cal or larger.
You can order a barreled action from CZ for about $550 you can use the money saved from that and the money saved from not having to glass bed the crap stock that they would have put on it at the factory and put towards a nice Mcmillan stock that will never fail you .
You could also get the metal treated. I was looking at hard chrome but decided on NP3 from Robar. I recently got my rifle back and cannot describe how pleased I am with the job those guys did to my rifle .

It would take alittle more time to get your rifle together by going this route but you will end up with a better product and it will be custom built to your needs and will probably be about the same price in the end.
I will be posting pics soon .

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 30, 2006, 02:24:06 AM »

Quote from: AK Fireman

Just a little something for debate I am sure, but a true big bore is 45cal or larger.
You can order a barreled action from CZ for about $550 you can use the money saved from that and the money saved from not having to glass bed the crap stock that they would have put on it at the factory and put towards a nice Mcmillan stock that will never fail you .
You could also get the metal treated. I was looking at hard chrome but decided on NP3 from Robar. I recently got my rifle back and cannot describe how pleased I am with the job those guys did to my rifle .

It would take alittle more time to get your rifle together by going this route but you will end up with a better product and it will be custom built to your needs and will probably be about the same price in the end.
I will be posting pics soon .

Actually the big bore is anything .40 cal and above.

AkMike1 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 30, 2006, 09:03:41 AM »

I don't know if it's still chambered in the 375, but I'm going to assume it is. The Ruger would be my first choice using your parameters . It's a great rifle that is well suited for use up here.

nasem · « **Reply #20 on:** March 30, 2006, 11:51:24 AM »

Ruger does not make stainless 375 h&h (not that I have seen on their website)

AkMike1 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 30, 2006, 12:19:34 PM »

Then if that's the case, I'd rethink things and get a 338 win mag. This is a very popular all around Alaskan set-up.

AkMike1 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 30, 2006, 01:25:30 PM »

OR go the 416 route! That'd take care of those big brown fuzzy critters!!!!

AK Fireman · « **Reply #23 on:** March 30, 2006, 03:16:13 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

Quote from: AK Fireman
Just a little something for debate I am sure, but a true big bore is 45cal or larger.
You can order a barreled action from CZ for about $550 you can use the money saved from that and the money saved from not having to glass bed the crap stock that they would have put on it at the factory and put towards a nice Mcmillan stock that will never fail you .
You could also get the metal treated. I was looking at hard chrome but decided on NP3 from Robar. I recently got my rifle back and cannot describe how pleased I am with the job those guys did to my rifle .

It would take alittle more time to get your rifle together by going this route but you will end up with a better product and it will be custom built to your needs and will probably be about the same price in the end.
I will be posting pics soon .

Actually the big bore is anything .40 cal and above.

You are correct, thank you for pointing that out. I was confusing it with what is considered an "elephant gun". I found something interesting today that the .40 and .45's are considered hunting calibers and that only .50> are generaly considered stopping calibers.

slick00 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 31, 2006, 01:52:05 AM »

I thought about the 338 route but really want to stay with the 375 H&H. I like Ruger's but since they don't make SS and the CZ cost alot less, I kinda ruled out the Ruger even though its a nice rifle.

I thought about the Robar route, but I have a feeling that would be a little on the expensive side for a long gun. Not usre about any other coatings and how they hold up, I don't have any experience with any.

AK Fireman · « **Reply #25 on:** March 31, 2006, 08:53:10 AM »

Quote from: slick00

I thought about the 338 route but really want to stay with the 375 H&H. I like Ruger's but since they don't make SS and the CZ cost alot less, I kinda ruled out the Ruger even though its a nice rifle.

I thought about the Robar route, but I have a feeling that would be a little on the expensive side for a long gun. Not usre about any other coatings and how they hold up, I don't have any experience with any.

Its $290 for a rifle. Another quality this stuff has is it doesn't require lubrication after they say about 300 rds, Iam sure there referring to a hand gun so I just worked the bolt about 150 times and this thing is as smooth as a Ruger now. If you have ever hunted in cold weather and had your gun freeze do to the type of lube you will see the advantage of that.

You have a huge selection of gun treatments to choose from some of the more common are Teflon, hard chrome, Nickel, baked on finishes and alot of epoxy type paints.
I believe the hard chrome is rated the hardest but has issues getting an even application and has a history of flaking ounce rust starts under it.
Teflon is not very hard and will peel and flake with alittle wear and tear.
I dont understand the process that well but I believe that NP3 is a highbreed of teflon and nickel that is actually bonded to the molecules of the barrel , Its supposed to be good stuff. I'll be testing it pretty hard this spring and fall.
Robar also has what there calling Roguard that they say is top of the line stuff to I never checked on a price I am sure its less than NP3.
I am huge fan of stainless but after having this done to my rifle I wont let it affect my decission again.

flintman · « **Reply #26 on:** April 05, 2006, 04:49:33 PM »

When you do get one,that it does NOT have a plastic or metal buttplate!
Those things HURT with factory loads!
Jeff.

slick00 · « **Reply #27 on:** April 05, 2006, 05:08:13 PM »

After reading everyone comments, I going to reconsider the CZ and wait to look at the new Rem 789 when it comes out. I'm going to look into some of the coatings that you guys have suggested. Thanks!

AK Fireman · « **Reply #28 on:** April 06, 2006, 10:59:51 AM »

Quote from: slick00

After reading everyone comments, I going to reconsider the CZ and wait to look at the new Rem 789 when it comes out. I'm going to look into some of the coatings that you guys have suggested. Thanks!

Well, after looking into the Remington XCR I've decided that I need one of these in my collection. I think this will make a great gun for fishing and trapping. I dont plan on putting a scope on it . I think the light weight of this gun will make it really handy. I've checked with my FFL holding friend and can get one for between $650 and $710 depending on the availability of the suppliers at the time of purchase. I'll let you know how it shoots.

I shot a 375 HH in the REM stainless synthetic with a limbsaver on it and it was really nice. I took the limbsaver pad off and shot the factory pad on it. It made me a believer of limbsaver.

slick00 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 06, 2006, 05:47:24 PM »

AK Fireman

Please let me know how your shoots. I'm still looking for a XCR in 375 so that I can pick one up and handle it myslf. I would like to handle as amny as I can before decide......but I often suffer from gunpulse buying..Good luck!