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I was wondering if people would have load suggestions and training suggestions for a 110 pound lady to train with a 375 Ruger?

I was thinking that about 200 grains at 2000fps would be a nice starting level for someone used to a 270. These would eventually lead to hunting loads, but not necessarily the maximum capability of the cartridge.

Rifle is 20" barrel.


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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225 gr with trail boss then work up with magic.. Err, h335


opinions vary band of bubbas and STC hunting Club

Information on Ammoguide about
the416AR, 458AR, 470AR, 500AR
What is an AR round? Case Drawings 416-458-470AR and 500AR.
476AR,
http://www.weaponsmith.com
 
Posts: 40077 | Location: Conroe, TX | Registered: 01 June 2002Reply With Quote
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Recoil is very manageable with 300gr and trail boss. I'd say it kicks less than my 270.
 
Posts: 86 | Registered: 29 December 2013Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Joe21:
Recoil is very manageable with 300gr and trail boss. I'd say it kicks less than my 270.


What are the loads?

What stages of building up loads have you tried?


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Just below this thread is a post on training for 375 H&H.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...4711043/m/7991013791
 
Posts: 1083 | Location: Southern CA | Registered: 01 January 2014Reply With Quote
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long ago when i was taking my young son to africa i loaded his 375 with 205 gr barnes x bullets. recoil was quite manageable and at the velocity they must have been traveling at they killed like lightening, on everything including eland. i don't know if that bullet is available anymore, but it sure worked well for him
 
Posts: 13466 | Location: faribault mn | Registered: 16 November 2004Reply With Quote
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The load data I found said 26gr with a 235 spear, but I've been loading mine with 25grs and that fills the case up pretty well. I used a WLRM primer and 300gr hornady interlocks. I think that's the upper range, imr calls for 26.3gr with a 235 speer in a 375 h&h which has less case capacity.
 
Posts: 86 | Registered: 29 December 2013Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by tanks:
Just below this thread is a post on training for 375 H&H.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...4711043/m/7991013791


Thanks, Tanks.

I'm pasting the training part of the post here to keep it together.

quote:
It does no good to be afraid of the recoil or muzzle blast of any rifle, but especially one that you will be carrying in the presence of dangerous game. Good fit is half the battle. The other half is following a training and conditioning program. A good first step is to start practicing with lightweight bullets at mild velocities. A near perfect starting bullet is the Speer .375”, 235-grain, Semi-Spitzer Soft Point. Use a large rifle magnum primer and load the 235-grain Speer over 29.0-grains of IMR SR 4759. Since this powder is composed of large and flaky individual particles, it is best to weigh each load. Your velocity will be ≈ 1650 fps. That is light and very controllable. It is also a reasonably accurate load. Zero it at 50-75 yards. As soon as you have a well regulated (well centered) group, get away from the bench in favor of field positions (in the future you will only visit the bench to obtain an initial zero, or to evaluate the precision [smallness and roundness] of any given load).

Start practicing from the sitting position with legs not crossed, and then crossed with right ankle on top, then with left ankle on top. Shoot five shot groups. Those force you to concentrate on the fundamentals of marksmanship and follow through. Twenty to twenty-five rounds down range should be the maximum shooting for any range session. It is ok to warm up ahead of time with a .22 LR, using the same positions.

On your second visit to the range, shoot the same load. Start with one set of sitting position shooting, and then transit to shooting kneeling. Use a tree or a bench for extra support for your first kneeling group; then transition to shooting kneeling without extra support, just your bones (and knee and elbow pads). Finish up your second session with one group shot from the standing position. A coach to supervise your progress is indeed priceless. On your third session, start out with one group sitting, one group kneeling, and all remaining groups standing. For your last group of the session, have your shooting coach hold a set of three African shooting sticks, Adjust them until they feel just right, and send the last five bullets down range.

On your fourth range session, you will be still using Speer 235-grain Semi-Spitzer bullets, but there will be some simple math involved in figuring the charge weight. For moderately reduced loads, Hodgdon offers the 60% rule. Take the maximum charge listed for Hodgdon H4895 powder, and multiply it by 60%. For example, The Hodgdon® 2014 Annual Manual of Reloading lists a maximum charge of H4895 for the Speer 235-grain Semi-Spitzer as being 74.0-grains. 60% of 74.0 = 44.4-grains. Zero this load at a full 100 yards. Shoot one group sitting, one kneeling, one standing unsupported, and at least two groups supported by shooting sticks. Spend two range sessions shooting the 60% rule loads.

Then, go through both the Speer and Hodgdon manuals, and pick a starting load of Varget™ for the 235-grain Semi Spitzer. Zero from the bench at exactly 200 yards. The load velocity will be a bit over 2,700 fps. This is a nearly full-power deer and elk load (for moderate ranges). Do two new range sessions just like the last two, with one addition; shoot at an 8” paper plate set out at 200 yards for your last group which will be done standing while supported by the shooting sticks.

Next pick up some 250 grain bullets such as the Sierra® .375” Game King Spitzer Boat Tail. Start shooting the 60% Hodgdon rule based on a maximum load of 69-grains (41.4-grains). After two sessions, go up to a starting load of either Reloder 15/Norma N 203B or Hodgdon H414/ Winchester 760 and do two more range sessions. Then, repeat for two more sessions with a full power load of your chosen powder. On your drills, make sure at least two are supported shooting off shooting sticks. A 260-grain bullet, such as the Nosler® Accubond™ will work just as well.

Ok, we are coming around the final bend. Try any one of the excellent 270-grain plains game bullets on the market. The Hornady 275-grain is a dandy, as is the Speer 270-grain Spitzer Boat Tail Soft Point. Use both starting, and full power loads with your choice of H4350, Reloder-15, H414, or Varget; concentrate your drills on shooting at the 200 yard target from the sticks. Also, practice holding the sticks yourself as you shoot.

Wow, we are now up to the 300-grain level. Pick a (relatively) inexpensive 300-grain bullet such as the Nosler 300-grain Accubond or the Sierra 300-grain Game King™ Spitzer Boat Tail. Practice shooting at 25 yards, 100 yards and 200 yards, with emphasis on shooting off the sticks.

Finally, spend some time obsessing over what is the best 300-grain bullet for your hunt. I use North Fork softs and solids exclusively these days, but pick bullets that you have trust in. Talk to PHs, and people who have at least two full hunts under their belt. Whatever ammunition you take hunting, cycle each and every round through your rifle before you go. In the middle of a charge is not the time to discover that your cartridges are hanging up!

This program takes a while, but it costs only a small fraction of the overall time and money involved in a full on ten day buffalo hunt. For a moderate expenditure of your time and energy, you will be able to confidently drill your shots at all ranges and from all field shooting positions. You will not need a muzzle brake as a crutch. Your Professional Hunter will love you for that alone.

Go out, practice sensibly (let your rifle’s bore cool between groups), and then enjoy a buffalo hunt with no drama, just satisfaction of a job done better than well.



Actual powders and results for this would help. For example, the following sounded helpful:
"The Hodgdon® 2014 Annual Manual of Reloading lists a maximum charge of H4895 for the Speer 235-grain Semi-Spitzer as being 74.0-grains. 60% of 74.0 = 44.4-grains." I wonder what the velocity of that load would be in a 20" barrel?


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by butchloc:
long ago when i was taking my young son to africa i loaded his 375 with 205 gr barnes x bullets. recoil was quite manageable and at the velocity they must have been traveling at they killed like lightening, on everything including eland. i don't know if that bullet is available anymore, but it sure worked well for him


thank you butchloc. That is helpful and current information because GSCustom now makes a .375" 200 grain GSC-HV in Michigan. Pretty nice selection of bullets in .375.

It's good to hear that the 205 grain monolithic HP worked on eland.
Broadside? Or angle?
Bullet exit, or recovered?


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Tanz,

The IMR website lists min-19.0gr and max-26.3gr of TrailBoss as the appropriate loading range with the 235gr Speer SSP bullet for the .375 H&H cartridge. I do think they blew it on the listed velocity for each loading. QL puts them in the 1600fps range rather than 1100fps as listed.

This should work just fine in the .375 Ruger case.


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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I just shot mine yesterday with 25 Gr. Trail Boss and a 300 Gr Hornady Rn.
No recoil to speak of and bet it would end for end most hoofed animals.
 
Posts: 1324 | Location: Oregon rain forests | Registered: 30 December 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by DWright:
I just shot mine yesterday with 25 Gr. Trail Boss and a 300 Gr Hornady Rn.
No recoil to speak of and bet it would end for end most hoofed animals.
Great info. Thanks Dennis.


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by DWright:
I just shot mine yesterday with 25 Gr. Trail Boss and a 300 Gr Hornady Rn.
No recoil to speak of and bet it would end for end most hoofed animals.

Would probably make a hell of a deer load. I need to check how well those 300gr hornady's expand at those speeds. I know with a full load they fall apart. I noticed in mine its not too loud either. That trail boss is some neat stuff.
 
Posts: 86 | Registered: 29 December 2013Reply With Quote
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Tanz,

It looks like lawndart has provided a great training guide for Mrs. Tanz to use with her new .375 Ruger.

Good luck.


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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techniques:

Don't put the butt of the rifle directly into the shoulder pocket. Bring it Slightly more into the chest muscles

Grip the rifle firm on the forearm to add the mass of her arm to the rifle.

Keep the arms and shoulders tight, the neck a little looser, and the stomach down really loose.

have a comfortable cheek weld. not too tight and not too loose.

It's all about adding mass to the rifle with your arms and moving with the rifle with your body.

Once she learns technique: she should actually be able to handle the recoil better than a large framed person.

Also: practice standing off hand until she is completely comfortable shooting regular loads without thinking about recoil. then move to other positions.
 
Posts: 973 | Location: Rapid City, SD | Registered: 08 July 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by capoward:
Tanz,

It looks like lawndart has provided a great training guide for Mrs. Tanz to use with her new .375 Ruger.

Good luck.


Yes, that looks like a great way to start. Now I will just need to find some of the intermediate loads. I'd like to run some 200 grainers at 2000fps, and then later some 200 grainers at 2600fps, and probably some 250 grain bullets at 2600fps as a guesstimated hunting load.

Hodgdon doesn't have much on their website for H4895 and the 375Ruger. I contacted Sierra, producers of some nice 200 gr. and 250 gr. bullets that could be used for practice, but they responded that to their chagrin they don't have any 375 Ruger data. With 250 TTSX and 250 GSC, plus CEB extended-range Raptors, and Northfolk bonded with driving bands, and many more, we have many mid-weight premium bullets available in .375.

quote:
techniques:

Don't put the butt of the rifle directly into the shoulder pocket. Bring it Slightly more into the chest muscles

Grip the rifle firm on the forearm to add the mass of her arm to the rifle.

Keep the arms and shoulders tight, the neck a little looser, and the stomach down really loose.

have a comfortable cheek weld. not too tight and not too loose.

It's all about adding mass to the rifle with your arms and moving with the rifle with your body.

Once she learns technique: she should actually be able to handle the recoil better than a large framed person.

Also: practice standing off hand until she is completely comfortable shooting regular loads without thinking about recoil. then move to other positions.


Gohip, that is also excellent advice to add to Lawndart's. My wife will probably aim more for the 250 grain bullets than the 300 grainers that were Lawndart's target. In both cases she will need good technique. We'll have fun working on that.


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Here is a link to some reduced loads in 2000fps range and less.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/reduced_big_bore_loads.htm
 
Posts: 1083 | Location: Southern CA | Registered: 01 January 2014Reply With Quote
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Thanks, Tanks.

That article had an excellent load of the kind I'm looking for. The loads are with Accurate Powder 5744.

375 Ruger, 235 grain (Speer, etc.)
Bullet - - - - - 235 grains
Velocity - - - 2000 fps
Energy - - - - 2087.1 ftlbs. (down to 243 levels)
Acc 5744 - - - - 41 grains
rifle weight - - 8
recoil energy - 14 ftlbs., (down to 7-08 levels)
recoil velocity - 10 fps
percent fill? - - 43.3
capacity - - - - 94.6

That looks very friendly for anyone who has shot a rifle before. In addition, the recoil energy and velocity would dip a little lower with a scope on the rifle, bringing a Ruger Hawkeye up to 9 pounds.

The only question will be the powder densities and max. I've never worked with Acc5744. The numbers make it sound like there is plenty of room to build up toward 2600fps. But it may be too bulky if the 'density' figure above was a meaningless calculation by weight rather than volume. Trail Boss stipulates zero compression in the charges, prudence would suggest the same for Acc5744. And a rifle powder on the 'very fast' side cannot be assumed to reach moderate hunting levels before high pressures are created.


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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If shooting reduced loads helped one learn to shoot a big bore, then anyone that shoots a 30-06 or for that matter a 30-30 could eventually shoot a 375 or larger..I don't know who decided that reduced loads helped getting used to recoil but they sure started a rumor..go figure!

The way to learn to shoot a big bore is shoot a bigger bore, when you can shoot a 404 or 416 then a 375 feels like a piece of cake..

But the bottom line is to have the student shoot a couple of factory rounds each day off hand, never off a rest or bench, and increase the number of shots each day or two..Don't rush it.


Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120

rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
 
Posts: 42226 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000Reply With Quote
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Note – bullet changed from 270gr .375 Hornady SP to 270gr .375 North Fork Bonded Core, light rifle weight changed from 8.75lbs to 9.0lbs, and all data updated.

This is long so I’ll apologize up front…

We need to remember, we are discussing acclimating a 60+ year old petite 110lb female to a .375 Ruger cartridge chambered 8.2lb 7.75lb (empty weight) M77 Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan rifle with laminate stock - so we’re likely pretty much talking about a rifle that will not weight more than 8.75lbs 9.0lbs (empty) with a lightweight rifle scope installed sans carry strap…

I figured perhaps a better way to discuss these issues is to look at rifle recoil based upon the two scoped but empty rifles. One rifle at 8.75lbs 9.0lbs and one at 11lbs (the scoped-empty-weight of a number of .375 H&H chambered rifles on the AR Forums that have trekked to Africa – typically belonging to members who are sensitive to recoil).

Intent:
1) Determine the recoil numbers for 8.75lbs 9.0lbs and 11lb rifles; each firing the same bullet weight, at the same velocity, from the same cartridge, with 24” barrel lengths.
2) Determine the appropriate velocity for the 8.75lbs 9.0lbs rifle to match the recoil numbers for the 11lb rifle.
3) Using the results of #2, adjust the 8.75lbs 9.0lbs rifle to 20” to identify the relating recoil data.
4) Identify the .375 Ruger 20” barrel loading data to match the recoil results of #3. And finally,
5) Identify the .375 Ruger 20” barrel loading data to match the recoil results of #2.

To compute this information I’m using QuickLOAD, the 270gr .375 Hornady SP 270gr .375 NorthFork BondedCore, Alliant RL-17 powder, as well as an internet recoil calculator, here is the link: http://kwk.us/recoil.html

So here we go…
Rifle Recoil Calculator:
.375 H&H with 24” barrel
1A:
Rifle Weight = 8.75lbs 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 270 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2700 fps
Charge Weight = 74.45 gr
Net Case Capacity = 80.795
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 147.2 lb-fps
Velocity = 16.4 fps
Energy = 37.4 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 35.8 ft-lbs

.375 H&H with 24” barrel
1B:
Rifle Weight = 11.0 lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 270 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2700 fps
Charge Weight = 74.45 gr
Net Case Capacity = 80.795
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 147.2 lb-fps
Velocity = 13.4 fps
Energy = 30.6 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 29.3 ft-lbs

.375 H&H with 24” barrel – Match to 11lb rifle recoil numbers
2: Rifle Weight = 8.75lbs 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 270 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2498 fps
Charge Weight = 68.60 gr
Net Case Capacity = 80.795
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 131.1 lb-fps
Velocity = 14.8 fps
Energy = 30.6 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 30.1 ft-lbs

.375 H&H with 20” barrel – Change barrel length to 20” for recoil number identification
3: Rifle Weight = 8.75lbs 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 270 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2484 fps
Charge Weight = 68.60 gr
Net Case Capacity = 80.795
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 132.3 lb-fps
Velocity = 14.7 fps
Energy = 30.2 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 29.8 ft-lbs

.375 Ruger with 20” barrel – Match to .375 H&H 20” barrel recoil numbers
4: Rifle Weight = 8.75lbs 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 270 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2343 fps
Charge Weight = 69.28 gr
Net Case Capacity = 86.225
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 132.3 lb-fps
Velocity = 14.7 fps
Energy = 30.2 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 31.2 ft-lbs

.375 Ruger with 20” barrel – Match to 11lb .375 H&H rifle recoil numbers
5: Rifle Weight = 8.75lbs 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 270 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2457 fps
Charge Weight = 72.8 gr
Net Case Capacity = 86.225
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 133.1 lb-fps
Velocity = 15.0 fps
Energy = 30.6 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 31.5 ft-lbs

So there we have it, another way to look at matching rifle performance – in this case the rifle/cartridge recoil performance.

The ability of a 60+ year old petite 110lb lady to not be pounded any harder with an 8.75lbs 9.0lbs .375 Ruger chambered rifle than many of the AR’ members who use an 11lb .375 H&H rifles.


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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Thank you for all of this, Jim.

It represents some of the kind of thinking I've been doing myself.

One little item of different input is the rifle. Lady Tanz will probably use a 13.5" LOP for now. She is 5'6" and only seems to need about 1/2" less than me, at 14" LOP. So the rifle will probably end up about 9.0-9.2 lbs. The Ruger 20" laminate is probably 8.0-8.2, but the scope will be a 2-8 Nikon at under 14 ounces. (My son's wife is shorter and may enjoy a LOP at 13" or 12 3/4", but this is Lady Tanz's rifle). On big bores I've heard that it is better to error on the long side, in any case.

Lady has shot our 338 before, which is very light 7.4 lbs with the scope, and loaded hot (71 gn R17 225 TTSX 2835 fps 4000ftlb). Accurate group, she said it 'jumps a bit'. (Limbsavers are pretty good, huh? But this would not be her day-at-the-range rifle) I calculated about 40 lbs recoil, 18.8fps recoil velocity. So I'm thinking that a moderate 375Ruger load might end up more comfortable than the 338.

Example: 250 grain 2600fps out of a 9.1 pound rifle (using 70 grains of powder for recoil calculations):
it clocks about 33.4 ftlbs, 15.4fps recoil velocity. That will be a significant step up from her 270, but I'm thinking it can be tamed with shooting technique and familiarity with the rifle. We'll see.

In fact, she may use a 200 grain GSC as a 'meat-on-the-table' bullet at 2600fps. That would be down at the 30-06 levels of energy, 3000 ftlbs. In a solid rifle like the 375 it would only generate 25.1 ftlbs and 13.3 fps recoil velocity. She might like that load.


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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PS:
In a best case scenario, it would be nice to have a 200grain GSC load in a rifle,
with a hotter and flatter 250 TTSX load available for the rare temptation to shoot 300-400 yards. Reasonable sight-in differences would need to happen. Height can be adjusted for, usually, but horizontal is best kept to 1 MOA.
For a buffalo? Maybe a 265 grain GSC at 2600fps, again, depending on accuracy and point-of-impact without moving the scope.

Compromise? Maybe the 235 grain CEB extended raptor in .375. A 2600 fps load, 3500ftlbs, would up the recoil energy to about 27ftlbs.


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Tanz,

It’s good to hear that Lady Tanz will be able to use the LOP as delivered with the rifle. I would recommend changing the recoil pad to a better one through.

Also I found an identical LH Ruger listed on Guns International; the listed weight is 7.75lbs with the factory laminate stock. So you should be at 9.0lbs with the Nikon scope mounted and an empty magazine.

I’ve revised and updated my earlier post to reflect the new rifle weight, it resulted in slightly higher performance.

It’s time to roost now so I’ll try to run numbers tomorrow with at 250gr TTSX bullet but will limit the recoil comparison listing to the 11lb .375 H&H with 24” barrel and the 9.0lb .375 Ruger with 20” barrel.

I have the 265gr GSC HV in my QL so I'll run it as well tomorrow.


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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A good way also is to practice without the scope. Also the only way to get use to it is just to shoot rounds at the range. If she only does the occasional shoot she wont get use to it.
 
Posts: 32 | Location: Australia | Registered: 28 June 2013Reply With Quote
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of interest to me is the 13.5" LOP; my echos legend stocked win 375 H&H currently has a 13.5" LOP. even with shirtsleeves, i do not quite reach the full pad of my index finger when the rifle is shouldered. in fact, the scope is set all back as far as I can get it and when in hunting jacket i have to crawl the stock to get a full sight picture which makes my neck come unnaturally forward.

i am thinking to send it back to the stock guy to have it shortened 1/2".
 
Posts: 5232 | Location: The way life should be | Registered: 24 May 2012Reply With Quote
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blue,

We're all different shaped animals and 'one size fits all' LOP only works properly for the lucky few who are optimally at that LOP.

Have your rifle's LOP properly cut for use with your winter hunting apparel. Use slip-on pads of difference thickness for everything else.

The 'standard' 13 1/2" LOP works for me only in full winter weather wear. I use full slip-on or Velcro secured slip-on pads in 1" for tee shirt weather and 1/2" for colder weather with jacket. The full slip-on pad are used with synthetic stocks and Velcro secured slip-on pad are used with wood stocks or when sharing rifles at the range.


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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I just love this particular thread.

It 100% confirms my opinion of the .375's. That of being the ideal DG game gun for women and children!

Big Grin

sofa
 
Posts: 8533 | Registered: 09 January 2011Reply With Quote
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thanks capo that is just what i intend to do.

does anyone care to venture a guess here: if one has a synthetic stocked rifle with a particular bottom metal and wanted to change bottom metal could it be done assuming some changes would have to be made to the inletting?
 
Posts: 5232 | Location: The way life should be | Registered: 24 May 2012Reply With Quote
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does anyone care to venture a guess here: if one has a synthetic stocked rifle with a particular bottom metal and wanted to change bottom metal could it be done assuming some changes would have to be made to the inletting?
If you’re referring to your Echols stocked M70 – then the answer is that almost all replacement M70 Winchester bottom metals are cut to fit the factory inletting. You just need to assure you’re buying bottom metal for the pre-64, the post-64, the Classic, or the FN manufacture action.

I believe M700 Remington replacement bottom metals are cut for the factory inletting as well.

M98 Mauser replacement bottom metal – virtually all will require some work but it’ll depend upon what bottom metal the synthetic stock manufacturer utilized when cutting the inletting. My two B&C Medalist stocks (not cut for sliding side safety) were factory cut for the ’09 Argentine bottom metal. I also have a cheap and really heavy M98 Mauser synthetic stock, with sliding side safety cut, that will also accept the ’09 Argentine bottom metal without modifying the inletting.

So there you go, the long short answer! LOL…


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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Second of four scenarios –

Scenario:
This scenario utilizes the 265gr GSC HV bullet…

Intent:
1) Determine the recoil numbers for the 11lb .375 H&H rifle with 24” barrel.
2) Identify the loading data for the 9lb .375 Ruger rifle with 20” barrel to match the recoil results of item #1. And finally,
3) Determine the recoil numbers for the 9lb .375 Ruger rifle with 20” barrel when loaded to 2600fps.

To compute this information I’m using QuickLOAD, the above noted bullet, Alliant RL-17 powder, and the following internet recoil calculator: http://kwk.us/recoil.html

.375 H&H with 24” barrel
1:
Rifle Weight = 11.0 lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 265 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2800 fps
Charge Weight = 75.90 gr
Net Case Capacity = 77.469
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 151.5 lb-fps
Velocity = 13.8 fps
Energy = 32.4 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 30.6 ft-lbs

.375 Ruger with 20” barrel – Match to .375 H&H 24” recoil numbers
2: Rifle Weight = 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 265 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2548 fps
Charge Weight = 74.35 gr
Net Case Capacity = 81.913
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 137.1 lb-fps
Velocity = 15.2 fps
Energy = 32.4 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 32.9 ft-lbs

.375 Ruger with 20” barrel – Loaded to 2600fps
3: Rifle Weight = 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 265 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2600 fps
Charge Weight = 75.87 gr
Net Case Capacity = 81.913
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 140.7 lb-fps
Velocity = 15.6 fps
Energy = 34.2 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 34.4 ft-lbs


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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Third of four scenarios –

Scenario:
This scenario utilizes the 255gr Barnes TTSX BT bullet…

Intent:
1) Determine the recoil numbers for the 11lb .375 H&H rifle with 24” barrel.
2) Identify the loading data for the 9lb .375 Ruger rifle with 20” barrel to match the recoil results of item #1. And finally,
3) Determine the recoil numbers for the 9lb .375 Ruger rifle with 20” barrel when loaded to 2600fps.

To compute this information I’m using QuickLOAD, the above noted bullet, Alliant RL-17 powder, and the following internet recoil calculator: http://kwk.us/recoil.html

.375 H&H with 24” barrel
[b]1:
Rifle Weight = 11.0 lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 250 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2850 fps
Charge Weight = 73.85 gr
Net Case Capacity = 73.802
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 146.9 lb-fps
Velocity = 13.4 fps
Energy = 30.5 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 26.5 ft-lbs

.375 Ruger with 20” barrel – Match to .375 H&H 24” recoil numbers
2: Rifle Weight = 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 250 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2595 fps
Charge Weight = 72.35 gr
Net Case Capacity = 78.257
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 132.9 lb-fps
Velocity = 14.8 fps
Energy = 30.5 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 28.7 ft-lbs

.375 Ruger with 20” barrel – Loaded to 2700fps
3: Rifle Weight = 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 250 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2700 fps
Charge Weight = 75.30 gr
Net Case Capacity = 78.257
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 140.0 lb-fps
Velocity = 15.6 fps
Energy = 33.8 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 31.3 ft-lbs


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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Fourth of four scenarios –

Scenario:
This scenario utilizes the 200 gr GSC HV bullet…

Intent:
1) Determine the recoil numbers for the 11lb .375 H&H rifle with 24” barrel.
2) Identify the loading data for the 9lb .375 Ruger rifle with 20” barrel to match the recoil results of item #1. And finally,
3) Determine the recoil numbers for the 9lb .375 Ruger rifle with 20” barrel when loaded to 3000fps.

To compute this information I’m using QuickLOAD, the above noted bullet, Alliant RL-17 powder, and the following internet recoil calculator: http://kwk.us/recoil.html

.375 H&H with 24” barrel
1: Rifle Weight = 11.0 lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 200 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 3200 fps
Charge Weight = 85.75 gr
Net Case Capacity = 84.826
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 150.2 lb-fps
Velocity = 13.7 fps
Energy = 31.9 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 27.0 ft-lbs

.375 Ruger with 20” barrel – Match to .375 H&H 24” recoil numbers
2: Rifle Weight = 9.0lbs
Inputs:
Bullet Weight = 200 gr
Muzzle Velocity = 2911 fps
Charge Weight = 84.6 gr
Net Case Capacity = 89.271
Bullet Diameter = .375
Outputs:
Momentum = 135.9 lb-fps
Velocity = 15.1 fps
Energy = 31.9 ft-lbs
Barsness’ Index = 28.9 ft-lbs


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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In my 20" and other 375's I have used the 220 Hornady, the 235 Speer with 60 and 64 grains of IMR 3031 for deer and pigs and practice shooting.

Also she does not have to shoot full power 375 H&H ammo.

I have killed a lot of game including 2 bears, most all of my african plains game, and my biggest cape buff and an elephant shot at 5 yards with a 9,3x74R double rifle.

My loads consisted of 286gr Woodleigh Softs, the 286gr Nosler Partition, and the 286gr Woodleigh Solid. Velocities were @ 2220fps.

The cape buff was killed with one Woodleigh Soft to the front chest, he was facing me, he was down and dead in under 40 yards, the elephant one solid, side brain.

So for her 375 H&H, I would load her 300gr softs and solids at a velocity from 2150 fps to 2250fps.


DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY
 
Posts: 16134 | Location: Texas | Registered: 06 April 2002Reply With Quote
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A training suggestion; confine practice to offhand and your own shooting sticks. The latter will be the method often used for some hunting if done in Africa. Either avoids the recoil effect of bench shooting while improving sight alignment, trigger squeeze, and proper rifle hold. These benefits can be enhanced with a bolt action .22 LR for recoil free and dollar saving enhancement of the fundamentals. Using heavy recoiling loads can be more pleasant with a PAST pad.
Many years ago our first week at the Parris Island rifle range was spent "snapping in" with our M14. The second week with live rounds continued the same good habits preceding the third week of more live fire.
 
Posts: 163 | Registered: 17 November 2007Reply With Quote
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Capo,

Thank you for the scenarios and the kok.us link. The Barsness Index helps compare the various recoil levels.

Here are my own levels with various bullets:
1. 200 gn GSC--all-around hunting, not for buffalo
2. 235 gn CEB--all-around hunting, including buffalo
3. 250 gn TTSX--all-around hunting, including buffalo, with longer range capability and high BC
4. 265 gn GSC--primarily buffalo and all around hunting

Reduced Recoil for the 375 Ruger
with anticipated loads for practice and mild hunting loads.
Weight of 375Ruger, 20” barrel, laminate stock, with scope, assumed 9.0 lbs.

Bullet / velocity / energy --300 yd. drop / ftlb. / recoil / vel. recoil: / Barsness’ index

200 grain Sierra (this is for practice)
2000 / / 1776 --33.4” / / 12.5 / / 9.4 / / 12
This Sierra is a sweet practice load at 243 energies, probably even more comfortable because of slower speeds. This load is for getting acquainted with the gun and various shooting positions.

200 grain GSCustom HV (recommend for comfortable hunting load to 275-300 yards )
2600 / / 3002 --11.8” / / 22.1 / / 12.6 / / 21
This is very close in recoil to a 270//30-06 rifle, but with more diameter. It drops – 12” at 300 yards, +2” zero.

235 grain CuttingEdgeB (recommended minimum all-around hunting loads, including buffalo)
2500 / / 3262 / / - - / / 25.4 / / 13.5 / / 25
2600 / / 3527 --11.1” / / 27.5 / / 14.0 / / 27
2700 / / 3802 / / - - / / 29.7 / / 14.7 / / 29

250 grain TTSX (potential high BC hunting loads, 0.424, especially for 300 yards or over)
2500 / / 3470 / / - - / / 28.8 / / 14.3 / / 28
2600 / / 3753 --10.0” / / 30.8 / / 14.8 / / 31
2700 / / 4045 --8.7” / / 33.7 / / 15.5 / / 33
2800 / / 4353 --7.4 / / 36.3 / / 16.1 / / 36
2900 / / 4668 --6.3” / / 40.2 / / 17.0 / / 39
The 2700fps load duplicates the energy of the 338WM loads that we used in Sudan. This load would be slightly better because of larger diameter, 23% greater frontal area.

265 grain GSCustom HV (potential hunting loads when primarily including buffalo)
2500 / / 3678 / / - - / / 31.4 / / 15.0 / / 32
2600 / / 3977 --10.7” / / 33.9 / / 15.6 / / 34
2700 / / 4288 / / - - / / 36.6 / / 16.2 / / 37

Comparison with 338 Tikka (7.4 lb scoped!)
225 gn TTSX / / 2835 / / 4014 --6.7” / / 37.8 / / 18.1 / / 39
The high recoil index is a result of the relatively light rifle. Its recoil is like a max-load 375Ruger//H&H.


+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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Tanz,

Looks like you have a plan for Mrs Tanz' new rifle. tu2


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by capoward:
Tanz,

Looks like you have a plan for Mrs Tanz' new rifle. tu2


Maybe we do have plans.



+-+-+-+-+-+-+

"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.
 
Posts: 4253 | Registered: 10 June 2009Reply With Quote
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tu2


Jim coffee
"Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid"
John Wayne
 
Posts: 4954 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: 15 September 2007Reply With Quote
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I like this thread, interesting stuff to read.
Maybe I am off the wall here, wouldn't be the first time. But, I gravitate to the notion, that a good portion of recoil training/conditioning,in the beginning, can also be accomplished with a 12ga, pump or o/u. At a bit less cost, and the time spent loading 375 reduced loads. And get some extra shooting in to boot. Start with 1-1/8 loads and work up from there,get to a 1-1/2oz lead turkey load.
Granted there is a difference, in handling and the style of recoil in the two guns, but interspersing it,I would think, should help in the mindset conditioning in the beginning.Use the same position regimen as suggested, sitting, kneeling and standing.And you could start that right away.
Any thoughts on that notion?
Has the wife any experience with a 12ga?


Krieghoff Classic 30R Blaser
Stevens 044-1/2 218 Bee
Ruger #1A 7-08
Rem 700 7-08
Tikka t3x lite 6.5 creedmo
Tikka TAC A1 6.5 creedmo
Win 1885 300H&H. 223Rem
Merkel K1 7 Rem mag
CCFR
 
Posts: 284 | Location: southern AB | Registered: 17 May 2011Reply With Quote
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I would start and finish any training session with lots of 22rf or similar. Don't Ruger make a 223 African that has the same weight and feel as their other big bores? Shooting a light recoiling rifle means that the muscle memory "forgets" the recoil and instead remembers the important thing such as trigger squeeze, breathing and follow through.

Recoil is also far more noticeable on the range than in the field. And most important for an any recoil is stock fit. I was shooting an old Mannlicher model m 308 the other day. It was horrible and smacked me about. Too short, didn't fit etc. shot a Heym SR21 with the same ammo - it fits me nicely - didn't even notice it.
 
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