*can they outcompete the CZ in quality vs cost? (alot of .375 buyers don't need it, so it really don't matter how good it is, if its a 2000$+ rifle *what if you're in Africa somewhere, and you are out of ammo? *its a classic AND its not unpractical
just my thoughts
Posts: 930 | Location: Norway | Registered: 31 March 2007
I don't think that the two are exactly the same comparison. The 300 H & H wasn't really much more than a "tropical" version of the .30-06. Designed to give .30-06 performace at safe pressure in African or Indian temperatures. So it was always underloaded and with that odd shaped neck.
The .375 H & H is a different kettle of fish. It has performance that is about perfect for its designed role. Adequate velocity, ease of feeding and extraction, good bullet weights, a decent case neck and all within tolerable recoil limits.
This is what the not always true Wikipedia reports on the Ruger "wunderkind"... Handloading for this cartridge can be somewhat tricky. The high pressure rating means that producing loads near the pressure limit frequently result in a stiff or "sticky" bolt, indicating potential pressure problems. Also the cartridge is reported to be difficult to crimp, which is a concern for dangerous game hunters where crimping is deemed to be essential.
The "wonder" cartridges like the 350 Remington, 358 Norma Magnum etc. etc....where are THEY now? They keep saying that the .45ACP is dead. Replaced by the 10mm, the .41 Auto, etc., etc...where are they now?
The classic comparison? Maybe .458 Winchester vs .470 NE. Well, guess what? The .458 Winchester is about dead and buried killed off by the .458 Lott. Because when it came down to it in Africa the .458 Winchester couldn't do it at safe pressure in the tropical heat!
And the .470 NE? Loaded by Hornady!
Posts: 6823 | Location: United Kingdom | Registered: 18 November 2007
It is possible. I already know classic custom rifle makers going to the .375 Ruger in M98 actions to keep from opening them up. The H&H will always remain in the heart of riflemen but the Ruger is real.
Posts: 2627 | Location: Where the pine trees touch the sky | Registered: 06 December 2006
I found the article very informative and quite interesting. The part I didn't understand is how he could continue to "pimp" Hein rifles, even though he knows through this website/forum that Hein has been ripping off it's customers by taking their money and not delivering a product. In fact, there is a on going lawsuit that the author of the article is aware of, because he has posted on that thread (in the defence of Greg Hein never the less), but he still continues to endorse Greg Hein.
Phil Shoemaker, who is an AR member, wrote that article. He's Rooger biased through and through. He's been beating the drum for the Johnny-come-lately .375 and Ruger's rifle from the get-go. You can't expect fair and balanced from him.
Posts: 4799 | Location: Lehigh county, PA | Registered: 17 October 2002
The .375 is not likly to fade. The cartridge has simply been around to long , and been used by to many people. The Ruger is likly to stick, in my opinion too, but is any body other than Hornady loading for it commercially ? Does anybody other than ruger chamber off the shelf factory rifles for it ? There may be some one who does either or both, but I am unaware of it. Until both of those things happen I would say the H&H is on firmer footing. ...tj3006
Phil Shoemaker is a well respected guide here in Alaska but sometimes he thinks different than others, he took some heat on another forum for this article on long range shooting
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Posts: 28849 | Location: western Nebraska | Registered: 27 May 2003
I work at a gun shop, and the next generation of shooters that I have encountered have very little interest in these older cartridges like the 375 H&H. Most of them couldn't tell you what is good about a 7x57. I'd say that in a few years this fine round will be forgotten about, except by older gentlemen that may still have one. FS
Posts: 698 | Location: Edmonton Alberta | Registered: 18 January 2005
The venerable 375 H&H has faced some stiff competition since 1912; the 338 MAG, 376 Steyr (hipped by MR Cooper) to name two
Fads come & go, the real deal sticks around
Its like another venerable round -- the 45 ACP which came out in 1911, many have tried to replace it but no one has succeeded, just look how many manufacturers offer their gats in 45 ACP
Jim
fur, feathers, & meat in the freezer "Pass it on to your kids"
Never happen. I understand Mr. Shoemaker is a well respected Brown Bear guide, and knows his stuff in that regard. HOWEVER; hunting in Alaska, where it gets cold; and hunting in Africa where it gets really hot are two different things. The .375 H&H got it's reputation of reliability in the hot African climates with it's mild, sloped shoulder and low pressure, which aids in feeding, and extraction of the fired case. The .375 Ruger has a sharp shoulder, and runs at very high pressure, which are both detrimental in African heat. I also read an article on the Ruger, by a very well known writer and hunter, that the Ruger was very hard to reload. Personally, I believe the Ruger will after time, fade away. But maybe that's just me.
FASTEEL, when I was a teenager, all I wanted was a fast motorcycle but couldn't afford it, now that I'm in my 50's I own both a pickup truck & mini van and could buy a motorcycle if I still wanted one
Jim
fur, feathers, & meat in the freezer "Pass it on to your kids"
Originally posted by Abob: Phil Shoemaker is a pretty well respected guide here in Alaska but sometimes he thinks different than the rest of us, he took some heat on another forum for this article on long range shooting
Thank you for posting that article by Phil Shoemaker. I had not read it before. Now I have, and I must say I avidly agree with every single word of it.
On the subject of the Ruger .375 replacing the H&H. It would not surprise me if either of the cartridges died. Folks at places like these forums will continue to use both for probably many years, but the general gun/cartridge ignorance of the urban and suburban public in general never ceases to amaze me. And, they are the ones who "make" the markets, every last Walter Mitty of them.
Sorry if that offends anyone. Was not the intent. But the ignorance of ethical adult behavior, grammar, science fundamentals, and many other aspects of modern society disappoint me greatly. I was raised on the hope of a better future for us all. What I find is hardly that.
My country gal's just a moonshiner's daughter, but I love her still.
Posts: 9685 | Location: Cave Creek 85331, USA | Registered: 17 August 2001
but the general gun/cartridge ignorance of the urban and suburban public in general never ceases to amaze me
Just been to a local gunshop. The two good folks there were talking about that amazing cartridge that will shatter your whole arm if struck on the finger! "Ahhh ... That one. Yes, it was used in Vietnam - the 223! That's why they developed it .... " Oh my @#%&! They work there! (Oh my Hat!)
Regards 303Guy
Posts: 2518 | Location: New Zealand | Registered: 02 October 2007
The venerable 375 H&H isn't going anywhere. We'll see which one's around in another 75 years. I agree with vapodog, et al that said it won't go anywhere in our lifetime. Look how much the 375 Ultra Mag, 375 and 378 WBY have cut into the H&H's popularity over the past 40 years. Not much from where I sit. Lou
**************** NRA Life Benefactor Member
Posts: 3316 | Location: USA | Registered: 15 November 2001
If and when I get to Africa, it will be a 375 H&H that I take. No new flashes in the pan for me. And i'd rather carry a .270 win or 7mm Rem mag, than a wissim too. "If in ain't broke, don't fix it."
Posts: 4709 | Location: South Island NZ | Registered: 21 July 2008
I used to own a couple of 375 H&H's. I currently own a 375 Wby and just purchased a 375 Ruger. IMO if a person was in the market for a 375 H&H I would suggest the shorter action Ruger 375. It will do everything the H&H will on a shorter action. I love the H&H but honestly feel if offers no advantages over the Ruger.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
Dang, here I am late to the game. Just as I'm getting ready to rebarrel my pet project into a 375 H&H its obsolete. Since the Ruger has come on the scene I've had no calls for a rebarrel to one. H&H +4 done.
Posts: 188 | Location: nc | Registered: 03 February 2008
Originally posted by Snowwolfe: I used to own a couple of 375 H&H's. I currently own a 375 Wby and just purchased a 375 Ruger. IMO if a person was in the market for a 375 H&H I would suggest the shorter action Ruger 375. It will do everything the H&H will on a shorter action. I love the H&H but honestly feel if offers no advantages over the Ruger.
Ditto.
Posts: 8827 | Location: CANADA | Registered: 25 August 2004
I've got 4 .375 H&H and they all have loads they like. I'm not selling them, much less selling them at a discount. Most of my African game was taken with them and besides, I have the loads worked up and piles of brass.
Not gonna rob me, JOEYBONES.
For the record, I also have a couple .300H&H rifles, the Rem 721 being the best of breed, and a .458 Lott so I'm inclined to agree with ENFIELDSPARES. Got .45-70s too and those aren't going away either. They'll go away about when .45ACP, .30-30, .30-06, or even .30-40 Krag go away. Bonus points for me. I culled a spike with my sporterized and scoped .30-40 Krag last week. Seemed quite effective as far as the spike was concerned, what for being an irrelevant antique and all...
As one whose two main rifles are chambered for cartridges designed in the 1890s I think the newer all singing and dancing 375 H&H is ok, is it any good? It's too early to say.
Posts: 1374 | Location: New Zealand | Registered: 10 February 2005