I am currently keeping my eye out for a Ruger Alaskan or Guide Gun in .375 Ruger.

The .350 Rem Mag just doesn't offer me much over what my .300 Win Mag can do.

I am currently pretty well covered for bullet weights ranging from 55 gr to 400 gr, with the exception of the 300 gr, High Speed.

I might also look at getting some hotter loads for my 45-70. A reloader and dies might be cheaper and more flexible than just another rifle.

BH63

quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:
I am currently keeping my eye out for a Ruger Alaskan or Guide Gun in .375 Ruger.

The .350 Rem Mag just doesn't offer me much over what my .300 Win Mag can do.

Not in an 18" carbine. Your .300WM goes ka-poof ... Dude, do the research.

Not to mention, the last time I checked, a .35 diameter bullet was bigger than a .30 diameter bullet, and typically heavier - 250gns, 280gns.

^
I was referring to the 300 Win Mag I currently own. (and not to start an opinion war, but a 200gr bullet moving 300fps faster can be more effective than a 250 gr bullet of similar construction moving much slower (E = Mass * Velocity squared).

And bullet diameter is more important in terms of sectional density rather than the size of the hole it makes in the animal, and larger diameter bullets will have less penetration than smaller bullets with all other variables the same.

Buying another gun in .300 Win Mag just so I can have a carbine, makes absolutely no sense.

The .350 Rem Mag, much like the 9.3, are both good medium cartridges, but have too many negatives for me personally to even consider buying one (lack of variety and availability of factory ammo, offer only moderate improvements ballistically, etc).

As I recall, factory loadings are about 200 to 225 gr bullets running around 2500 fps for the Rem 350, and about 250 to 275 gr running about 2600 fps for the 9.3.

Both of these are not quite up to the bullet weight and speed of the .375s and not up to the speed of the .338s.

Other than buying a carbine in .338 or .375, I am beginning to think my best bet, is to find factory ammo (Garrett) or reload the 45/70 I currently own, to 2000 fps loads with good bullets.

BH63

If you want a 338 why not a 338 RCM which was designed to work in a short action and equal the velocity of the 338 Winchester. A Ruger guide rifle would be your ticket in either 338 RCM or 375R.

Yesterday, I went ahead and ordered a Ruger Guide Gun in .375 Ruger. Should be in within a week or two.

I figured there was no use half stepping LOL

Now to start thinking optics. I understand the rifle has the mounts already milled into the receiver so I will wait and see.

I think the guide guns are ugly as sin, but I plan on wrapping it up in camo tape so hopefully it won't be too bad.

Again, thanks for all the good information.

Now, anyone got any good ideas how to tell the wife?

BH63

quote:

a 338 RCM which was designed to work in a short action and equal the velocity of the 338 Winchester.

That's advertising talk. The 338RCM is actually the ballistic equivalent of the 338-06. They are good rounds, and even a 338WM can be given a reduced load to match them, should someone desire.

The thread starter should probably continue with either the 338WM or the 375Ruger. Both excellent. And if one looks hard enough you will find the Ruger Alaskan, 20" stainless barrel, in 375 Ruger. My wife has one, special edition left-handed laminate stock.

Here is what her sub-MOA rifle can do:

^ That is impressive! Don't make her mad at you!

BH63