I think the .375 Ruger is a fine cartridge that makes up into a nice, inexpensive, portable rifle. However, the biggest thing it has going against it is that sales of rifles above 30 caliber are just not that great and the H&H has a heck of a head start!

Let's be clear about what .375 Ruger is really all about. Ruger and Hornady didn't put it out there because the market was just begging for a new .375. After all, in addition to the H&H, we have the RUM, two Weatherby cartridges, as well as a Dakota cartridge. The .375 Ruger is, like the short magnums, an attempt to spur sales in a moribund rifle market. It doesn't really give us anything that we don't already have.

Sometimes I think that our brothers in Europe, Africa, and Australia must be truly puzzled by us crazy Americans. It must be like a kindly grandfather sighing and shaking his head at the behavior of a wayward grandchild. They probably just want to pat us on the head. Our brothers across the pond already have a wonderful cartridge that makes up into a light, portable, short action that pretty much duplicates the performance on game of the .375 H&H. It's called a 9,3X62 Mauser and its' rimmed counterpart is the 9,3X74R and they have been around slaying all sorts of big nasty beasts for over 100 years.

Dave

The 9.3X62 is not at all copmparable to the .375 Ruger.

It may be a fine cartridge but the range difference is easily won with the faster bullet.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
The 9.3X62 is not at all copmparable to the .375 Ruger.

It may be a fine cartridge but the range difference is easily won with the faster bullet.

Oh really?

If launched at 2360 fps and zeroed at 200 yards, a 286 grain Woodliegh from from a 9.3X62 has a maximum point blank range of 228 yards. A 300 grain Woodleigh from a .375 at 2500 fps has a maximum point blank range of 235 yards.

Dave,

What are the numbers if you zero both at the same height at say 100 yards. Also, the 375 Ruger is going to be closer to 2700 with 300 grainers. Zero them at the same height at 100 yards and the 375 will be on point of aim further out.

The 375 Ruger will be as fast at 100 yards as the 9.3 X 62 will be at the muzzle.

The comparison is about like 30/06 Vs 300 Winchester.

Mike

The 375 Ruger is actually getting 2650 with a 300g

Real World test

With an 8" kill zone, maximum PBR actually equals 299 yds.

Mike, even if you assume that the Ruger is launched at 2700, it only stretches the max. point blank range to 252 yards. That's a difference of only 24 yards! Your right, it is EXACTLY like the 30/06 and the 300 Winchester. That's my point. Either one of these cartridges will take soft skinned game out to most practical hunting ranges and almost all dangerous game is shot within 100 yards and more often, much closer. There is a guy who frequently posts on the double rifle section who claims to have taken game out to 300 yards with a scoped 9,3X74R and I believe him.

Here's the point. For the first 50 years of the 20th century, the 9.3X62 did it all. It was way more popular than the .375 H&H. It was only after we Americans started going to Africa after the war that the H&H cartridge really took off.

I have a .375 H&H as well as a 9,3X62 Mauser and have come to prefer the latter cartridge because it makes up into a much more portable gun with a bunch less recoil. If you load it up with a 270 Speer semi-spitzer, it is even more versatile.

Dave

Dave,

The conclusion I came to years ago was it did not matter too much what you use....except if you are a gun nut best to use what you like.

For example, I have 378 Wbys and I like them because I like to play with different loads and I could probably equal a 9.3 or a 375 if I used black powder. But for shooting in Australia a 308 would be the logical calibre.

I tend to agree with you in general with trajectory, especally when the calibres are close. There is a narrow window where you can hold on with one calibre but have to hod over with the other calibre. But this side of that narrow window and you can hold on with both and just the other side of the narrow window you are holding over with both calibres.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by snowcat:
The 375 Ruger is actually getting 2650 with a 300g

Real World test

With an 8" kill zone, maximum PBR actually equals 299 yds.

Snowcat:

What bullet are you using to get that MPBR? In my comparison I used a 286 Woodleigh RNSP and a 300 grain Woodleigh RNSP and a 3 inch +/-, not eight.

Dave

The Euros aren't much different; hence the 9.3 x 57, 9.3 x 74, 9.3 x 62, 9.3 x 64 and the newer 9.3 x 66. I think there are also some factory 9.3 super-mags out there. I'd equate the "need" for the 375 Ruger to be as valid as the "need" for the 9.3 x 66.

If we lose this thread it could finish in Medium Bores, will all the 9.3 talk

Dave,

And what makes you think that the 375 Ruger isn't just as portable as the 9,3X62? Same length action in a slim, trim package? You just made the best argument FOR the 375 Ruger, IMO.

I love my venerable 9,3X74Rs and my old standard Husqvarna 649 9,3X62, but I've now lived with this 375 Ruger for a while and like it also. As a cartridge and rifle, I can't as yet find any meaningful fault. What in the world is wrong with a bit more compact and lighter rifle that does what the great old 375 H&H does? Nothing I can think of. I have nice rifles chambered in 375 H&H, 375 Wby, 9,3X62, 9,3X74R, and 458 Win, and I realy didn't need the 375 Ruger, but I liked it from my first encounter. I think enough others will, too. Why would you or anyone else want to help bury it is what I can't understand? Nobody is compelled to buy one, but everyone should have the opportunity to do so, if they choose. And, who the hell cares what the rest of the world thinks about our American smorgasboard of cartridges? I don't feel the least bit embarrased.

As to boosting sales, why not!? I want the firearms industry to at least stay alive, if not thrive. Don't you? Would you like to see Ruger or Hornady go the way of Winchester? I wouldn't.

quote:

The 9.3X62 is not at all copmparable to the .375 Ruger.

Bigger diameter kills better, higher velocity kills farther.

375 Ruger wins on both counts.

As far as need.... that's a whole other thread.

/

ALF,

I've "smoked" a 375 Ruger. Have YOU?? It is no worse than shooting my 375 H&H or 375 Wby, but how would you know?

And, who the hell cares about 2-3 foot pounds extra recoil when taking a hunting shot? I don't even feel them, but I do feel the extra weight of that 2-3 pound heavier 375 H&H on my old worn out back. In shooting the three 375s I own together, I have concluded that the 375 H&H pre-64 Mdl 70 kicks the worst, the Ruger second, and believe it or not, the 375 Wby the least. Its all in the rifle weight and stock configuration, as they are all so close in general power.

Also, I didn't buy the 375 Ruger for MORE POWRE I got it as a much nicer rifle to carry that does what a 375 H&H or 375 Wby does, and for the superior factory open sights. I can smoke that all day without a cough.

quote:

Originally posted by ALF:
There should be absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind, this new Ruger has the 9.3 Mauser beat in velocity and for that matter likely the old H&H as well...... BUT and this is a very big BUT it comes at a price...... RECOIL !

But this is the shear beauty and unique pleasure of shooting the old Mauser.

It's like shooting a low and slow 30-06 just with a heavier bullet and that is what made and still makes this old cartridge so special. You can knock the snot from the biggest antelope ( Eland) and you can kill a buff ( I did my very first with a 9.3) and you can do it from a relatively light rifle over and over with hardly any felt recoil. It eats about as much powder as a 30-06, and does not need special hot spark plugs and because of the relatively low velocity your dont even need premium bullets.

Now for the velocity hungry out there..... put that in your collective pipes and smoke it!

Mike,

Want to sell those two nice 378's

quote:

Mike,

Want to sell those two nice 378's

Cheers,

Blair338/378 WBY

Then I would only have two left

I think that this disscusion come down to "bench marks". I have all "bench mark" guns, 30-06, 375 H&H, 458WM, 45 colt (I have a few others but these are the goto's). Now there are plenty of cartridges that do one thing better than these will, but we all compare to these old birds, and they keep on trucking. I guess I will just keep the ones that everybody compares their superduper new cartriges to and keep killing stuff. I havn't felt under gunned yet (but I am trying)

idaho...

"but I'm trying"...Good attitude

We sometimes NEED excuses...ahhh...reasons for buying new toys.

..........I guess the 9.3x62 is nice .. Everyone who uses it really likes it ...The velocity of the 375 Ruger could definately help pull your butt out of a problem,,,,And it is more genrallyuseful at over 300 yrds......I know all the arguments about close range hunting ,, But its better to have it and not need it than vice versa.....

quote:

Originally posted by SuperSpeed:

quote:

Mike,

Want to sell those two nice 378's

Cheers,

Blair338/378 WBY

Then I would only have two left

Sounds like the 460's will have to be increased to four then Two, just won't be enough!

Better call Dean, tonight

quote:

Originally posted by luv2safari:
And, who the hell cares what the rest of the world thinks about our American smorgasboard of cartridges? I don't feel the least bit embarrased.

Bingo!

quote:

Originally posted by gumboot458:
..........I guess the 9.3x62 is nice .. Everyone who uses it really likes it ....

Oh no... BÄHHHHH!

I really don´t like the 9,3x62: It bumps more than my .375H&H Mag and it can´t make anything more, only less. For me the .375H&H is a perfect round and it shoots soft, just pushing you far back, but no bad recoil like the 9,3x62 ...

And yes, there is the 9,3x74R: it´s design is classic and beutifull. but not to compare it with the 9,3x62 I think! Unfortunally I was not able to shoot one so far.

Klaus
www.titanium-gunworks.de

quote:

Originally posted by ALF:
There should be absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind, this new Ruger has the 9.3 Mauser beat in velocity and for that matter likely the old H&H as well...... BUT and this is a very big BUT it comes at a price...... RECOIL !

But this is the shear beauty and unique pleasure of shooting the old Mauser.

It's like shooting a low and slow 30-06 just with a heavier bullet and that is what made and still makes this old cartridge so special. You can knock the snot from the biggest antelope ( Eland) and you can kill a buff ( I did my very first with a 9.3) and you can do it from a relatively light rifle over and over with hardly any felt recoil. It eats about as much powder as a 30-06, and does not need special hot spark plugs and because of the relatively low velocity your dont even need premium bullets.

Now for the velocity hungry out there..... put that in your collective pipes and smoke it!

What ALF said

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Bush:

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
The 9.3X62 is not at all copmparable to the .375 Ruger. The difference is easily won with the faster bullet.

Oh really?

Yes...Really!!!!!

I own a 9,3x62, and a 375H&H Improved. And I really like the concept of the 375 Ruger. Where does that leave me in the discussion? Just enjoying a good joust among fans of both. My 375Imp kicks harder in a one pound heavier rifle than the X62, and the Ruger is going to wallop you harder yet. It also operates at rather high pressures IMHO.

I don't see a need for one at my humble abode, but I hope Ruger sells out and lots of gunsmiths build rifles on the case, from 358 and 9,3mm to 416 as well as the 375. I may split the difference and build a 9,3x375 Ruger.

Rich
DRSS

In the game field and on a practical basis, I don't see any difference in the 9.3x62, 9.3x64 or the .375 H&H, all great calibers. I always have a 9.3x62 around and have had my old English .375 H&H for years. The discussion boils down mostly to opinnion, because the buffalo, elephant and Lions can't tell the difference. As to trajectory, not enough to make any difference except on a target range where you know the exact range and thats a maybe.

The 375 Ruger doesn't brew up any higher pressures than the anointed 375 H&H, so thats no argument for or against it.

As to felt recoil, my 6,3X62 Husqvarna thumps me just as much as my 375 Ruger, but my Ruger thumps what its pointed at a bit more than the 9,3X62. Where's the problem, and if you're too pussy to handle either, get a muzzle break...

I get a "kick" out of the keyboard experts who attribute theory and personal prejudice as fact. It just ain't so, regarding the 375 Ruger. They don't thump more than a 375 H&H; not enough to notice...I'll happily let anyone shoot my 9,3X62, 375 H&H, 375 Wby, and 375 Ruger and furnish the ammo. You'll come to the same conclusion as I have. There isn't a hill of beans difference.

The 375 Ruger is a well designed round in a nice to carry and shoot package. Get over it!

Hey Ray...it certainly is good to see you back on the forums. We have missed you and the sound and practical advice you always have. Thanks for joining in on the discussion.

Come on, Ray. Out with it...Don't feel a bit shy about giving an opinion.

Good to see you back here, and I still owe you a steak dinner. Also, the deposit was mailed today...

L2S

quote:

It also operates at rather high pressures IMHO.

The pressure limilts for the H&H and the Ruger are the same, there is no pressure difference.


Are you saying that the H&H operates at to high of a pressure?

I like the new Ruger Hawkeye African rifle, but I have to admit I got one because of the .375 Ruger cartridge. Good rifles are mo' bettah than just a new cartridge.

Hi Ray!

jim

Hello everyone and thanks, just stopped by to visit and see what was going on these days. Just got back from a month of team roping in the warm Arizona sun onl to return to the ice an snow of Idaho.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
The 9.3X62 is not at all copmparable to the .375 Ruger.

It may be a fine cartridge but the range difference is easily won with the faster bullet.

Well i agree but the 9,3x64 maybe and the 9,3x70(Magnum) is.

Fjold, the 375 Ruger and 375 HH have the same chamber pressure. Although the 375 Ruger case is shorter it is much fatter than the HH, giving it greater volume, hence faster bullet speed at the same pressure in a shorter lighter rifle...................................JJ

quote:

Originally posted by JJ_Miller:
Fjold, the 375 Ruger and 375 HH have the same chamber pressure. Although the 375 Ruger case is shorter it is much fatter than the HH, giving it greater volume, hence faster bullet speed at the same pressure in a shorter lighter rifle...................................JJ

Baloney. The 375 Ruger holds 3 grains more than a 375 H&H. The "higher velocity" comes either from higher pressure or marketing B.S.

500...

I hear 3 grains; I hear 6 grains. So what if it is real close to the 375 H&H? I don't see anything wrong with the round, except the reaction of reactionaries.

I think the reaction by some to this pretty good round in a good trim rifle is like saying we needed nothing better than black powder...not that new-fangled smokeless crap!

What in the hell does it serve to bury the round before you gave it a chance? It doesn't seem rational, IMO. It is a well thought out cartridge in a nice package. If that needs extermination, we have some real problems...

luv2

If a guy wants to use it then fine. But please don't expect me to believe the marketing B.S. which is clearly false when the case capacities are nearly identical. This is the same marketing B.S. that we heard about the 300 WSM, and it turned out to be false then too.

An honest ad for the 375 Ru might say "Duplicates 375 H&H ballistics in a standard Ruger action."

luv2safari

I think it is a case that someone is against a cartridge but maybe pointing out some things that a newer person might miss out on.

For example, if we talk 375 then on paper it is game, set and match to the 378 Wby. However, as we both know it is not quite that simple

Mike

Mike,

Understood. But, I don't subscribe to shooting a horse in the starting gate. Let it race before sending it to the glue factory.

So what will the .375 Ruger do that a 9.3X64 or .376 steyr will not do? Answer-NOTHING. I'm saving my money for things that matter not marketing hype.-Rob