I have a Ruger Mod. 77 Mark II in .375/.338 that has killed a few animals and is a favorite. I'm not reloading much these days, and thinking of rechambering to .375 Ruger for the availability of factory ammo. I took a quick look at dimensions and it looks like it will work. Anyone know for sure? Thanks.
Life Member- NRA & SCI
Posts: 228 | Location: Albany, NY | Registered: 24 December 2007
Your idea of a rechamber will work just fine should be easily accomplished by any smith with the reamer. I don't know if there will be any appreciable performance difference if that was what you were looking for. Thanks, Lynn
Sounds like an excellent idea. In one sense, the 375/338 was an attempt at modernization that gave up a little bit of capacity to the H&H in order to use a standard length case and magazine. Now with the 375 Ruger you will have full modernization with about a 11 grain increase in capacity, 5 grains over the H&H. Ballistics will be similar but you might find about 100 fps persecond more than the 375/338. It will depend how hot they load the factory ammunition. In any case, you will end up with standard cartridge that has brass and ammunition available. Welcome to the 375 Ruger world.
PS: there is an outside chance that a very slight adjustment will need to be made on the extractor. Apparently the rim thickness and groove is a tiny weeny different on the SAAMI papers. At least that is what AmmoGuide implies.
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"A well-rounded hunting battery might include: 500 AccRel Nyati, 416 Rigby or 416 Ruger, 375Ruger or 338WM, 308 or 270, 243, 223" -- Conserving creation, hunting the harvest.
Thanks for the input. My main reason for the caliber change is wildcat to factory for ammo availability. However, after checking a few supplier catalogs/ web pages, it looks like .375 Ruger ammo & brass may not be so readily available. Anyone know a good source?
Life Member- NRA & SCI
Posts: 228 | Location: Albany, NY | Registered: 24 December 2007
Brass comes and goes on MidwayUSA. Try PowderValley, MidSouth, and Natchez Shooter Supply, too. In the long run you won't have a problem. You might even check Gunbroker, but if it if offered it may be over list price these days of short supply of everything.
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"A well-rounded hunting battery might include: 500 AccRel Nyati, 416 Rigby or 416 Ruger, 375Ruger or 338WM, 308 or 270, 243, 223" -- Conserving creation, hunting the harvest.
FWIW- I live near Cabel's Hamburg Pa., they usually have all of 1 box of .375 in stock, and that's .300 gr. solid. Will a NY Ffl dealer internet-order for you, or are they not allowed to also? My condolences to fellow shooters & hunters in NY, NJ, & CA !
The NY Safe Act requires that a background check be done on all ammo purchases. The implementation date has come and gone. The NYS police will not enforce this provision as there is no procedure in place for doing the checks. I've not been able to buy ammo on line...don't know about reloading components. A large, local gun group (multiple stores) does not stock .375 Ruger...they will order if prepaid and indicated a 3-6 month delivery, if available. Maybe I won't rechamber to .375 Ruger....I have lots of reloading components for the .375/.338. Be thankful if you don't live in NY State.
Life Member- NRA & SCI
Posts: 228 | Location: Albany, NY | Registered: 24 December 2007
I have some extra brass i would be willing to let go for 50.00 for 50. They are one time fired but in very good shape. Plus 6.00 shipping. PM me if you are interested.
Posts: 81 | Location: whidbey island | Registered: 15 March 2007