I just returned from Africa on a plains game hunt where I used my .300 Ultra Mag and it performed perfectly. With that said for any future plains game hunts and for most North American hunts I will be using this gun. Now for my next gun I need a lefty in a bigger caliber, for buffalo or maybe some other big game. I was thinking of getting a 375 but since I got that 300 Ultra Maga, maybe a 416 would be better? I think a 458 might be too big hugh? Any suggestions (and why)would be appreciated. (I also am not into the "expensive guns" I prefer something like the standard Remington 700s not a several thousand dollar gun.) Thanks

FWIW the .375 and 416 Taylor is an easy rebarrel from a lot of standard magnums. These IMO are excellent DG rounds and I agree.....the .458 mags and bigger are a lot of gun and not for me either.

They can also be built on very smooth '98 Mausers but not cheaply.

The thing I really like about the .375 is that it can easily double as a elk/moose round and the 416 just don't do it as well....it'll do it but the .375 from my experience is a real 350 yard gun.....a true performer.

If the 416 Rigby and .404 Jeffery are true big bore DG guns then the 416 Taylor is as well.....and the .375 Taylor does not take a back seat to the .375 H&H.

Not sure I can help, but I will share some thoughts.....

Have to agree for Plains Game, your 300 is a good choice. I used my 300 Win Mag in SA and was totally satisfied with its performance.

When hunting in an area where dangerous game is present something larger is a requirement. In the Selous I had a 416 Rem Mag and 470 NE with me at all times. The 416 did an excellent job on Wildebeast, Hartebeast, and Zebra. When we ran into a Buffalo it handled the situation without a problem.

I recently purchased a 375 (CZ) and am very impressed. It is much easier to shoot well than the 416. The bullistics of the 375 (350yds ±) are such as I plan to use it for Elk. At the same time it is recognized world wide as a dangerous game cartridge.

While I will never part with the 416 (model 70) the 375 will be my plains game rifle on my next trip to Tanzania.

Looking on Remingtons website at their ballistic calculator, it looks like the 375 Ultra Mag is a real preformer as well. Maybe this would be the better choice. Its trajectory is better and shoots almost as hard as a 416 Rem.

Thanks for the replys so far. I guess heavy recoil should also be considered. I am a very big guy and young so I can handle a pretty big kick but that dosen't mean I like it.

Here's the best recoil comparisons I can give you:

My Win. Model 70 in 375 H&H is at the top of my "fun recoil" range. I can shoot it a lot. I would not hesitate to shoot it prone.

My Reminton Model 870 12 gauge shotgun with 3" slugs kicks harder than the 375. Well, the shotgun hurts more, but the 375 can pick my right foot (I'm left handed) up off the ground whereas the shotgun doesn't. If you can learn to like the kick of a 3" slug, the 375 will be a pleasure to shoot.

My buddy's 470 NE kickes a lot harder than my 870. It kicks harder than a Mossberg 835 with 3 1/2" turkey loads in it. The recoil of that rifle felt as if it was doing something to me.

I have never shot a 416, but my Speer manual says a 416 Remington Magnum has more calculated recoil than a 458 Win. Magnum. I doubt that what you feel is actually worse with the 416, but I don't have the experience to tell you for sure. If Speer's calculated recoil is what things feel like, and if a 470 and 458 Win. Mag are (roughly) comparable, I would say the 416 will thump you good.

As far as the economics of it goes, if you get a 416, congratulations, you have something close enough to a 375 or a 458 that you may always figure you don't need either. If you're inclined at this point to covet an actual heavy rifle at some point, maybe the 375 is a good choice, since the programmed "deficiency" in your battery will help you to make the case for a 45 cal. or bigger in the future.

I can say that my first fly rod (a 5 weight) has kept me from buying a 4 weight, whereas my initial purchase of a 6 weight (my second choice) would have left that option open for a fly fisherman of my casual level of interest.

H. C.

quote:

It is much easier to shoot well than the 416.

What I really said is the 416's recoil is more "upleasant" than my 470NE.

the 416 either remington or rigby is a pussy cat.....

i was culling deer with my ruger 1 416 rigby with 400 grain pills at 2500fps+ and out of 8 deer 4 were shot from the full prone position with no ill effects.

the ruger had a stock recoil pad the only thing i had on it was a compact lepould 1.5-5 vxlll

fwiw,
the AR rounds, 416, 458, and 470, will all easily go into a lefty 300 winmag class action. A ruger 77 mkII is the perfect candidate

jeffe

After looking at the cost of ammo for the 416s anf 458s I am thinking a 375 H&H or a 375 RUM might be best for me. I like to get good and comfortable with my gun and shoot it alot and by looking at the cost of ammo I think it would be wise for me to stick with one of those 2. I do consider myself a pretty good shot as well and I think either of these two calibers will bring down a buffalo or any other big game I am hunting with it with no problem.

Another port side shooter here. On my first safari I use a M700 7mm Rem mag. Not satisfied. Next trip, bought a LH M70 375H & H. It shot 4" groups until we set the barrel back and re-chambered. Now it shoots 1/2 " all day. However, I decided that for buff I wanted to do it right, so ordered another M70 LH 375 and re-barrelled it to 458 Lott. This is not cheap if you do it right, with proper bottom metal, sights, swivels, etc. I've got at least 4 grand in it, using factory stock. However, I am totally pleased with it and it's performance. Incidentally, it weighs 10.5# and has a recoil device in the stock. It's not bad.

The 375 vs bigger for buff is a very personal question. I made my choice when in Kruger NP and got close to 4 or 5 dugga boys. When hunting buff in Zim, we had a problem and I realized that lives were dependant on my rifle and my ability. I have not the slightest regret about the choice. Good luck. (Yeah, I know you can't buy a new M70.)

Just have MRC build you a barreled action in your choice of calibers for $900 and stock it as you see fit.

Was kind of in a similar fix, having a lefty 700 in 7mmSTW built up. Wanted to have a big bore, but was concerned about recoil, so a .375 H&H mag was built up on another 700 lefty action. It does rock you, but does not bite you. I've shot up to and including a Weatherby 460mag (with and without the recoil reducer). I'll have to say I enjoy shooting my .375 and am 58, 6', 200lbs. You'll find more uses for the .375...and will look for even more uses, although you WILL get some stares.

I am leaning toward the 375. Just not sure if I want to go for the 375 Ultra Mag or just stick to the H&H. I would like the extra punch of the Ultra but we will see. Thanks for all of the advice.

The 375 H&H is Africa Ammunition is more readily available than most any thing else. Nostalgia? Probably.

I will be bringing my 375 H&H and 470 NE on my next safari.

Since you asked for opinions..Mine is without hesitation: ..The .375 H&H.
More variety of factory ammo, enormous variety if you reload, more selection of off-the-shelf rifles out there from which to choose.
Cheers,
Don