I have found a .375 H&H that I really like. But I tend to like shorter barreled rifes. My question is there any major drawback to cutting the bbl from 24" to say 21 or maybe even 20. I love the Ruger Alaskans but just prefer the H&H caliber. The rifle is a MK V Weatherby. Thanx to all that respond.

quote:

Originally posted by K20350:
I have found a .375 H&H that I really like. But I tend to like shorter barreled rifes. My question is there any major drawback to cutting the bbl from 24" to say 21 or maybe even 20. I love the Ruger Alaskans but just prefer the H&H caliber. The rifle is a MK V Weatherby. Thanx to all that respond.

Only if you're wanting maximum velocity...otherwise no. However you'll most likely need to use faster burning powders to obtain 100% powder burn from the 20" barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by K20350:
I have found a .375 H&H that I really like. But I tend to like shorter barreled rifes. My question is there any major drawback to cutting the bbl from 24" to say 21 or maybe even 20. I love the Ruger Alaskans but just prefer the H&H caliber. The rifle is a MK V Weatherby. Thanx to all that respond.

I have owned several 375 H&H rifles over the years, but now only own three. Two Whitworth African Express rifles, one in a synthetic stock for hunting in Alaska, and one in the origenal wood stock, and an FN Mauser origenal stock. All are fitted with express safari sights, and Quick-detach scope rings and bases to get to the irons for back-up. All are CRF actions, and the barrel lengths are all 22 inches. I see no need for shorter barrels, but see no need for longer either.

Cut the barrel on the rifle you want but I would cut it to 22 inches, re-crown, and shoot to see the rifle still shoots. If so I'd leave it at that length. Sometimes you hit the sweet spot on the muzzle at the length you want, but then somtimes you don't. If it shoots at 22 inches I'd stop there. One more cut may find a bad spot, the shortly you will run out of workable barrel from the cutting.

Good luck, and let us know how this turns out!

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My friend takes his down to 20" for his Alaskan rifles. The Bears don't seem to know the difference.

my pac nor barrel will be .670 at 24" though it is being built as a more generalized rather than specialized tool.

Only problem with a 20" bbl in a big bore is it puts the muzzle closer to the shooter giving it VERY loud report. Plugs and muffs on the ears!