I'm trying to see if I can make a trip to Africa happen and have been trying to think of what would be the best choice of caliber for me.
I really like the looks and feel of the Ruger RSM and have been debating with myself wether I should get a 375 H&H or 416 Rigby.
I have no experiance with either and know only what I have read here and other sites and books.
The heaviest game I would like to hunt would be Cape Buffalo and the rest would be plains game.
I gather from reading that the 416 would be a better choice for Buffalo than the 375 H&H but the 375 might be a better choice for plains game.
I injured my shoulder several years ago and I'm somewhat sensitive to recoil (well at least my shoulder is) so with that said I'm wondering if a 375 H&H would be a better choice for me?
Given the criteria mentioned above whats your take on my 375 H&H or 416 Rigby debate? Thanks

375 H&H wins hands down! You can load it heavy or you can load it down and still have a legititmate long range weapon. Loaded with a Nosler Partition bullet you're ready for just about anything. Just my opine.

Rusty
We band of brothers!

[ 12-02-2003, 17:20: Message edited by: Rusty ]

rws2,

The .375 H&H is your best bet. There is a noticeable increase in recoil from the .375 to the .416.

Unless you plan on doing a lot of buffalo hunting, the .375 is, in my opinion, the best choice for a one-gun safari.

Buy your .375 and spend a lot of time shooting from field positions and your ready to go to Africa.

Regards,

Terry

Thanks!
I will be lucky if I can find a way (ie,funds)to even get to Africa,but its ok to dream.
One Cape Buffalo would be fine and a Warthog,everything else is ok but my burning desire is Buffalo and a Warthog.I suppose its a too each his own sorta thing.
Practicality tells me 375 H&H,my ego says 416 Rigby and my damned shoulder then reminds me that 375 H&H is a better choice for me.
Thank You for your opinions.Now to figure a way to generate enough money to get there and back.

375 H&H is the right choice.

Hamdeni

After four safaris, I still think the .375H&H is the best choice for a one-gun safari.

George

Thanks Everyone!!!
Well I did it and ordered one should be here friday! A Ruger RSM 375 H&H for $1378.00 out the door.We have 6% sales tax here.
Yes I could have searched around probably and found a better price but my buddy who owns the gunshop has gotta eat too!
Now I'm excited!!!

[ 12-02-2003, 22:38: Message edited by: rws2 ]

rws2

You made the right choice - enjoy it!

rws2,

You made a good choice. You're gonna like it! (I have one also.) It's a sweet shooting rifle. And the .375 H&H can certainly be used here in the U.S. also. Yeah, it's "too much gun" for deer and hogs, etc. but so what! Don't listen to the guys in deer camp that will tell you "it's too much gun" and "you'll have nothing left of your deer". Bull. Get out and practice with it and take it hunting here before you go to Africa. If you've never owned a .375 H&H before, I predict that you will fall in love with it.

Be sure to post again after you've had a chance to shoot it and let us know how you like it.

-Bob F.

[ 12-03-2003, 01:33: Message edited by: BFaucett ]

There's an excellent recap of 375 loads in this month's Handloader. Give the Hornady 220 FP a try for deer. I have a 375 Winchester level load (about 2100 fps) using AA5744 powder that is very mild, very accurate, and just punched through a spike's ribcage last week. Good expansion, holes on both sides, and a deer in the cooler. Bob

I'd certainly go with the .375 H&H for a one-rifle safari that is to include buffalo. It's not at all too big for any of the smaller plainsgame animals, and a sufficient minimum for buffalo.

The idea of using a .416 for everything on safari in consideration of one opportunity for buffalo is not my idea of fun.

AD

The 375 H@H is by far the best choice. I shoot 270 Barnes X and have taken everything from red flanked duiker to Eland with it. I also use it for all North American game in fact took a doe last friday. You can eat right up to the hole!

Mike

Great choice. Now to make it PERFECT take it to a gunsmith and have him run a .375 Weatherby reamer through it and you will be able to shoot both the .375 Weatherby and the .375 H&H ammo. Lawdog

/

ALF,
Thanks for your imput.Actually I would take my 7mmRM along too,I'd probably load it up with 160grs or 175grs. bullets.
I was just kinda trying to talk myself out of a 416 Rigby and was looking for imput to help me change my mind.
Haveing no experiance about Africa at all I was searching.Hopefully I'll have my new 375 H&H by friday.
I have a burning desire to hunt Cape Buffalo and figured (only from reading) that a 375 H&H would be very adequete for the job as long as I could do my part.I believe the only way to insure doing my part is from alot of practice and knowing my rifle.I simply being somewhat recoil shy would practice with the 375 more than a 416 (well at least I think)
Maybe and its a big maybe I'll someday get to Africa to pursue my dream.I appreciate your opinion.rws2

In your case I would recommend a 7x57 for all plainsgame and perhaps a 9.3x62 for Buffalo..It is adequate for buff.....as is a 338...better a proper shot with less gun than a bad shot with a larger gun and with that shoulder you should shoot what you can handle especially on buffalo, I would rather you used a 220 gr. solid in an 06 that you could shoot well than a big bore that you were afraid of....

I think thats the reason the ladies always kill buff so cleanly, they use a 9.3 or less and stick them in the heart.

The .375 H&H is a great choice and you can use it on other stuff when you get back.

Ray,
Theres is a world of truth in your post.
Thank You! I've got a Ruger RSM 375 on order it should be here today! I'll shoot it here a bit and see how I can handle the recoil if it proves too much for my shoulder I'll sell it.
At this time Africa is starting to seem like a fleeting fantasy in that my family absolutly pitched a bitch when i sprung the idea on them last night BUT I won't cave in that easy and will try to convince my wife that it would be the adventure of a lifetime and the kids that they won't contract the AIDS (damned schools here are telling them everyone over there is AIDS ridden)
Where theres a will theres a way and I'll keep trying but in the mean time thank you for your opinion and advice it is much appreciated.rws2

a) as long as your kids aren't up for "monkey love" then they will be fine.

b) tell the wife its for "the education and betterment of our children." (truth be told, my wife is threatening to veto my trip until we've completed the adoption process and can take Sophia with us at age 2-3). my wife was initially VERY skeptical, but she's very much warmed up to it now, she is even talking about taking a shot or two.

rws2
Good choice. As others have suggested use your new 375 for as much hunting as you can between now and Africa. Also be sure and take your 7mm. I think it is a good idea to have 2 rifles on any far away trip.

375

I think I like Ray's response the best ........ & I agree.