Do any of you have an experience with how the .375 ruger cartridges feed in an original pre-64 Model 70 action that was originally factory chambered in the original short magnums ( .264, .300 W.M., .338 & .458 win?

Well..have you tried it?

no: I have the rifle but no cases or loaded ammo and non in the shops in my area.

Its sure not unusual to change over any action to another case size, its an art to do right and many smiths just never get it right, a proper rifle should feed any case/bullet 110% on a DG rifle, but its surprising how many show up in Africa and they don't feed to one degree or another..both factory and custom rifles, particularly custom rifles has been my take,so test them hard before you invest in an expensive safari..do your homework, get the best smith and cross your fingers and pray.

The larger calibers can be especially finicky.,.First, you really have to accept that a reliable smith will make the rifle function with FACTORY ammo.

Been down that road a few times...client complains of functioning,,,when sorted out, ammo is longer than SAAMI or CIP specs with his handloads.

If you handload, make sure you furnish dummies. Do not expect a gunsmith to fire any of your handloads, though he should test with available factory ammo.

Not a broad brush here...I willingly fire some clients handloads based on experience and data.

I'll be the first to acknowledge that some custom makers care more about finish and appearance. Wouldn't know or even care if it works.

For what it's worth

I have built two 375 Rugers on Pre-64's. I made the magazine boxes and followers as well as all the other alterations required.

Both assemblies hold 4 down and 1 up and is not a drop box design.

thank you for your input.

quote:

Originally posted by DArcy_Echols_Co:
For what it's worth

I have built two 375 Rugers on Pre-64's. I made the magazine boxes and followers as well as all the other alterations required.

Both assemblies hold 4 down and 1 up and is not a drop box design.

Nice!
4 down is a major accomplishment with a 375 Ruger. Do you happen to have pics of the box/follower?

Here is D'Arcy's 375 Ruger mag box and follower...

Thanks!
Looks much wider.
Was the bottom of the receiver opened up as well?

D'Arcy puts as much time and effort into such "little" details as many local gun plumbers put into the entire project !

Which is why he has earned a reputation for building rifles that work as close to perfection as is humanly possible.

The feed well does require significant metal to be removed due to the wider shoudler diameter on the Ruger case, the rails will also need to be widened and the bullet ramp addressed.

It's not rocket science or I wouldnt have a clue as to how to attempt it but does take a quite bit of time. You need a Milling machine and the fixtures to hold the action then some skilled handwork to tie it all together.

Making the magazine and follower take many more hours than altering the action.


just changing out the follower and or mag spring isn't going to cut it properly on this conversion.

Thanks for the reply. The winchesters narrow factory mag box was why I was unable to build a 375 and 416 Ruger off of a model 70 donor.
I used a Ruger Mk2 and tang safety with no feeding issues. However only 3 down.
Obviously your setup is a serious custom Model 70, great job!