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Range Report from a big-bore virgin....

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17 December 2011, 23:07
Eland Slayer
Range 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....


_______________________________________________________

Hunt Report - South Africa 2022

Wade Abadie - Wild Shot Photography
Website | Facebook | Instagram
17 December 2011, 23:12
GeorgeS
That's a handsome rifle, Wade.

George


17 December 2011, 23:14
Biebs
Wade, 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 Slayer
Also 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).


_______________________________________________________

Hunt Report - South Africa 2022

Wade Abadie - Wild Shot Photography
Website | Facebook | Instagram
18 December 2011, 00:04
Biebs
Yes, Talley quality at 1/3rd the price.
18 December 2011, 00:20
LWD
quote:
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
BaxterB
Nice 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 Shooter
Congratulations on a very nice rifle tu2 A Model 70 in .375 is tough to beat! Good luck on your upcoming hunt.
18 December 2011, 03:47
Hizzie
Lovely rifle. If you do not handload there are more affordable options for ammo.


Budget 375 H&H

More Budget 375 H&H

Even 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
MileHighShooter
I'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 H
375 H&H... The gateway drug to the big bores.
22 December 2011, 07:23
Atkinson
Thats 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! old

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


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

rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
22 December 2011, 08:11
Todd Williams
There 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 Brooks
quote:
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) Wink


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23 December 2011, 03:56
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 Wink


_______________________________________________________

Hunt Report - South Africa 2022

Wade Abadie - Wild Shot Photography
Website | Facebook | Instagram
23 December 2011, 04:27
jeffeosso
the british always have considered it a medium, though legal for all african game


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
23 December 2011, 04:33
Hizzie
quote:
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 Wink


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