The Accurate Reloading Forums
Range Report from a big-bore virgin....
17 December 2011, 23:07
Eland SlayerRange Report from a big-bore virgin....
A couple months ago, I bought my very first big-bore rifle from a fellow AR member (Rodney H.)
It is a Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless in .375 H&H. It originally had a standard black synthetic factory stock....but I bought a "take off" stock from a Winchester Safari Express rifle from another fellow AR member (safarihunter). Everything happened at just the right time for me to buy both items. I want to say a big "thank you" to Rodney and Dan, both were a pleasure to deal with.
I also had my gunsmith install a Limbsaver pad and 1/2" spacer to add some length, for an absolutely perfect fit to me.
Here is a picture of my new baby. She is topped with a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm and Warne QD mounts, and weighs in at 10.9 lbs....
Recoil was not bad at all, just a tad more than a .300 Win Mag....but with more of a push. I shot 12 rounds off the bench, and only had to make 2 small adjustments. I would like to have shot more, but I'm trying to conserve ammo for now. I sighted in about an inch high at 100 yards....and my last two groups were 3 shots each and measured 1.25" (using Remington Safari Grade 300 gr. Swift A-Frames). Conditions were windy, and I had a decent rest with sandbags....but not quite as steady as I would like, so I am quite happy with groups that size for now.
I will be taking this rifle to South Texas in 3 weeks to hunt Water Buffalo....and will be posting a full report (hopefully with trophy photos)....so you guys keep your eyes peeled.
I foresee myself owning many more big bore rifles in the future....
17 December 2011, 23:12
GeorgeSThat's a handsome rifle, Wade.
George
17 December 2011, 23:14
BiebsWade, that will be quite comfortable to shoot at the current weight. Good luck with it, but beware. NOBODY is happy with just one big bore rifle!
17 December 2011, 23:23
Eland SlayerAlso forgot to mention that, after I got the rifle hitting where I wanted....I removed the scope and put it back on to check the reliability of the QD mounts. The scope returned to zero PERFECTLY, without any noticeable change in point of impact. I could not be more pleased with Warne products. I also have Warne QD mounts on the same model scope for my AR-15....and have the same results (PERFECT return to zero).
18 December 2011, 00:04
BiebsYes, Talley quality at 1/3rd the price.
18 December 2011, 00:20
LWDquote:
Recoil was not bad at all, just a tad more than a .300 Win Mag....but with more of a push.
Most definitely. I'd much rather shoot my CZ .375H&H than a buddy's .300 Wby. The Weatherby has as stout a recoil and the muzzle blast is just obnoxious.
Good looking gun too.
LWD
18 December 2011, 00:30
BaxterBNice rifle, have always like the stainless on wood look. And it shoots great to boot. try the Federal TSX loads, I found them just as accurate if not more than A Frames and a tiny bit milder on recoil.
Have fun!
18 December 2011, 02:40
DGR ShooterCongratulations on a very nice rifle

A Model 70 in .375 is tough to beat! Good luck on your upcoming hunt.
18 December 2011, 03:47
HizzieLovely rifle. If you do not handload there are more affordable options for ammo.
Budget 375 H&HMore Budget 375 H&HEven more budget 375 H&H
____________________________________________
"If a man can't trust himself to carry a loaded rifle out of camp without risk of shooting somebody, then he has no business ever handling a rifle at all and should take up golf or tennis instead." John Taylor
Ruger Alaskan 416
Ruger African 223
18 December 2011, 11:00
MileHighShooterI'm a sucker for a SS M70 on wood stocks. Just looks great. Nice rig man
If you think every possible niche has been filled already, thank a wildcatter!
22 December 2011, 04:34
Rob H375 H&H... The gateway drug to the big bores.
22 December 2011, 07:23
AtkinsonThats great, and a fine rifle you have BUT, I have been informed my some here that a .375 is NOT a big bore, it is rather a medium bore, medium large bore, large medium bore, medium large medium bore, and a few more honakers that have lingered to long in my upper part to remember...but you definately do not have big bore, they all agreed on that!!...
I take exception to that and I consider my 375 a big ole large bore but I am outdated I have been told.. Howsomever,I accept that with both pride and prejudice!

I am betting you will kill those big bulls with that little ole girls gun!

Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
22 December 2011, 08:11
Todd WilliamsThere certainly are no flies on that 375. I've got a stainless M70 375 synthetic. It gets the job done but it definitely is a Medium Bore.
Rob H put it best: The gateway drug to the big bores!
22 December 2011, 09:22
Mike Brooksquote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
NOBODY is happy with just one big bore rifle!
Beibs, Ya recon we should tell him about twin tubed big bore rifles? (yet)

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23 December 2011, 03:56
Eland SlayerWell....I guess I didn't realize a .375 wasn't considered a "big bore". I was just going by Saeed's definition on the forum categories. LOL.
In any case, it is the largest (most powerful) rifle I currently own. I have a .45-70 Govt. but I do not consider it to be a "big bore caliber".
Thanks for all the compliments guys.....I look forward to shooting this rifle some more, and also getting a bigger one sometime soon

23 December 2011, 04:27
jeffeossothe british always have considered it a medium, though legal for all african game
23 December 2011, 04:33
Hizziequote:
Originally posted by Eland Slayer:
Well....I guess I didn't realize a .375 wasn't considered a "big bore". I was just going by Saeed's definition on the forum categories. LOL.
In any case, it is the largest (most powerful) rifle I currently own. I have a .45-70 Govt. but I do not consider it to be a "big bore caliber".
Thanks for all the compliments guys.....I look forward to shooting this rifle some more, and also getting a bigger one sometime soon
If you want to shoot together sometime just gimme a PM. I'll let you try the 458WM. That thump is awfully addictive.
____________________________________________
"If a man can't trust himself to carry a loaded rifle out of camp without risk of shooting somebody, then he has no business ever handling a rifle at all and should take up golf or tennis instead." John Taylor
Ruger Alaskan 416
Ruger African 223