I am currently working on a three barrel set for a BLR takedown. The barrels will be 300 Wing Mag (factory), 338 Win Mag (made from a 7mm, currently working and shooting fine) and a 375 barrel. I am looking for some decision making help between the 375 Ruger or the 375/338 Win Mag (aka Taylor, CT and so on). I want a 300 grain bullet at 2500 fps.

The 375 barrel will also be made from a 7mm. It will be skinny, the muzzle is 0.604, with 0.376 groove and needing 0.2 wall thickness for a total of 0.576. Due to two sight screw holes, I think I will bob the barrel back to 22 inches, and give myself 0.615 to work with.

I think that the costs will be about the same. The Ruger needs a rechamber, while the 375/338 needs special dies. Properly head stamped brass is about the same, although the Ruger should be more available. However outside of trips, I have plenty of 338 brass.

More loading data for the Ruger, and you might be able to buy cartridges if the airlines let you down. On a trip in 2009, I could not beg, borrow, buy or steal any 375 H&H in Zim, so never count on buying ammo when you really need it.

For the 375/338, the rifle should chamber, fire and eject. Not sure about the Ruger, and I will not make any changes for feeding, since it must continue to feed the 300 and 338 winny.

I am leaning to the 375/338 because of chambering, ejection, and magazines, but sense could be talked into my head. What say ye?

id do 375 ruger ... it is the cape buffalo's knees

Bet that would be a little "punchy" on the rear end..

This is a cool thread!

I may do a BLR Takedown For 416 Ruger barrel.

Would it work, do you think?
Still feed OK? or need some work?

Thanks, Brian

A Ruger 416 speaks fluent Cape Buffalo.

I dont know why not but Id go with a heavy barrel for sure..I think a 416 Chatfield Taylor would be the way to go..

Thanks Ray, I agree with the heavy barrel. I never thought of the 416 Chatfield Taylor. Brian

The CT is a tad smaller lengthwise and would re-quire less gunsmithing and easier to make feed Im thinking..