Opinions please: Pros/Cons of .375 Ruger vs .375 H&H

[RAVEN ROCKS PRECISION]

I'd like to know if anyone can find any 416 Rigby brass...

We have brass https://ravenrocksprecision.com/norma-416-rigby-brass/

I’ll get a a count and reallocate some 50 ct tomorrow.

 

[62flint]

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I have both the 375 H&H and 375 Ruger. They both work great, and both did a fine job in Africa and have done so in Alaska. I google for all the stuff often. It all goes in and out of stock quite rapidly nowdays.

Brass is listed but click on the links and its sold out, yes the ammo is available right at the moment

 

[Daisy]

Brass is listed but click on the links and its sold out, yes the ammo is available right at the moment

HandH is listed as out of stock too….

 

[Ridge Runner]

The only significant difference that really is apparent is that if you shoot left-handed, the Ruger is available for that. A LH 375 H&H is like the Easter Bunny, or a nymphomaniac. I've heard about them, but never met one.

In my younger college days I dated the latter for about 6 months. Never seen nor met the Easter Bunny.

 

[akrifleman]

Brass is listed but click on the links and its sold out, yes the ammo is available right at the moment

I believe you. I put one in my cart to ensure it wasn't backorder when I posted. There were a couple on the shelf in Wasilla an hour ago. Internet speed drives me nuts.

 

[akrifleman]

We have brass https://ravenrocksprecision.com/norma-416-rigby-brass/

I’ll get a a count and reallocate some 50 ct tomorrow.

Truly appreciate it. I've had "notify me when in stock" all over. Haven't had any luck.

 

[TOBY458]

Having owned both and having owned many more H&H rifles, my vote always goes to the well proven 375 H&H. What I can never understand is, why would someone be preoccupied with buying a cheap rifle, if they are willing and able to spend the money to go hunt a buffalo in Africa? If you’re just buying a rifle to punch paper, and are not concerned with actually using it to hunt DG in Africa, I completely understand not wanting to spend the money on a high end rifle. But if you’re actually going to hunt DG in Africa, go ahead and spend the money to buy something you know will be reliable. You won’t be sorry.

 

[akrifleman]

Having owned both and having owned many more H&H rifles, my vote always goes to the well proven 375 H&H. What I can never understand is, why would someone be preoccupied with buying a cheap rifle, if they are willing and able to spend the money to go hunt a buffalo in Africa? If you’re just buying a rifle to punch paper, and are not concerned with actually using it to hunt DG in Africa, I completely understand not wanting to spend the money on a high end rifle. But if you’re actually going to hunt DG in Africa, go ahead and spend the money to buy something you know will be reliable. You won’t be sorry.

I 100% agree bring sh!t that works. But, I've also had four rifles CZ550, Win70, Savage, and Ruger medium-large bores. All under 1K, and all worked every time for hundreds of rounds each. I spent a lot more on glass and taxidermy. I wouldn't bring an untrustworthy rifle no matter the price point.

 

[Ryan]

I own a 375 Ruger.
Pro for me, it came in a left-handed M77 action rifle at a pretty reasonable price compared to the H&H's in Lefty I could find in 2011.
In 2011 through around 2020 brass was readily available and I hand loaded up mine for giraffe in 2013 and buffalo and some plains game in '21.

But, Cons
Brass since 2020 to now is tough to find if not downright impossible. Maybe something changed without me knowing it, but I'm glad I have mine. I don't know what's up.

 

[Deepfork]

Having owned both and having owned many more H&H rifles, my vote always goes to the well proven 375 H&H. What I can never understand is, why would someone be preoccupied with buying a cheap rifle, if they are willing and able to spend the money to go hunt a buffalo in Africa? If you’re just buying a rifle to punch paper, and are not concerned with actually using it to hunt DG in Africa, I completely understand not wanting to spend the money on a high end rifle. But if you’re actually going to hunt DG in Africa, go ahead and spend the money to buy something you know will be reliable. You won’t be sorry.

You don't get it...."many more" .375 HH rifles? There are people who save for years to hunt Africa and will not own "many" rifles in their lifetime. Snobbery!

 

[RichD]

Thanks all for valuable insights to my thread. They are all appreciated, believe that. There's a gin show this weekend on metro Denver that I will visit. And a couple more shows coming up soon. I also have a couple former co- workers at my former Cabelas hopefully keeping an eye out for me. Have been reloading almost 50 years (now 71 y-o), so pretty comfortable with the process. I also understand the overseas availability and lost luggage issues. H&H seems to win on those points.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Only because I've read this so many times and disagree with the comments that an OP needs to spend big bucks on a firearm for Africa.

The OP is kind of hinting he's on a tight budget and most likely sell the rifle after his hunt.

Yeah, okay, we all know once bitten there's always going back....even if it's several years, or a couple, 3, 4, decades later.

Then there's the horror stories of the airlines possibly loosing, or miss including your rifle on your flight.

My African rifles are cheap by some folks standards. But these guns are reliable and accurate. Most of all if for whatever reason something was to happen to them I'm not out 5, 10, 50+, 100+ thousand dollars for:

1) a rifle that the insurance company will only pay pennies on the dollar.

2) an expensive rifle that shoots and feels no better than my less expensive rifle.

3) that expensive rifle definitely looks prettier. To pretty to get marked, scratched up.

I like the R8 concept like the T/C Contender and Encores. I just don't
care for the style of the R8 bolt action.

As for double barrels I much prefer the traditional SxS, but I won't pass up an O/U. Then there's the quicker follow up shot, if needed. The bad; finickiness for regulation, accuracy, and reduction in range compared to the same caliber in a bolt action, lever action, pump, or single shot, I just can't justify the expense, when I can buy 3, 4, or more rifles, sufficient ammunition for each and have money left over for a safari or 3.

When it comes to optics and ammo: there should be no skimping! I'd rather take one less animal and fly economy class than skimp on optics and better ammo.

As for affording a buff hunt. Well there are sponsors here on AH and outfitters not here on AH that offer cull buff hunts for at or less than the price of economy class airfare and quality trophy buff hunts at or under $10,000USD.

I for one can say I've never had an animal I've killed complain about the brand and price of the firearm I shot them killed them with.

 

[BeeMaa]

You don't get it...."many more" .375 HH rifles? There are people who save for years to hunt Africa and will not own "many" rifles in their lifetime. Snobbery!

It’s not snobbery. It’s about using the proper tool for the job. A reliable tool, doesn’t need to be pretty but it does need to go BANG…every…single…time!!!

And what gives you the right to throw shade on @TOBY458 for having owned several rifles. I fail to see how his personal finances and firearm collection is anyone’s business except his. He’s not bragging, just sharing his experiences.

Having one quality 375 rifle will give the hunter the opportunity to hunt any of the largest animals on the planet. Wether they can afford to do so has nothing to do with owning the rifle.

Hunting trophy bull cape buffalo isn’t an inexpensive endeavor. Trophy fee, daily rates, flights, tips, and yes…equipment to include a proper rifle.

Everyone's has a budget to stay within and if a rifle is a limiting factor, I would recommend talking to your PH about renting a camp rifle for the hunt. It will be much less expensive than buying the right tool for the job.

 

[uplander01]

Look at a lot of rifles in both calibers and find the one you like. Any 375 will get the job done. I might add that if you’re into Africa the gun can be a big part of it, creating lasting memories and family possession to pass on and keep the memory alive. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more than you normally would for the rifle for such an occasion.

 

[uplander01]

Only because I've read this so many times and disagree with the comments that an OP needs to spend big bucks on a firearm for Africa.

The OP is kind of hinting he's on a tight budget and most likely sell the rifle after his hunt.

Yeah, okay, we all know once bitten there's always going back....even if it's several years, or a couple, 3, 4, decades later.

Then there's the horror stories of the airlines possibly loosing, or miss including your rifle on your flight.

My African rifles are cheap by some folks standards. But these guns are reliable and accurate. Most of all if for whatever reason something was to happen to them I'm not out 5, 10, 50+, 100+ thousand dollars for:

1) a rifle that the insurance company will only pay pennies on the dollar.

2) an expensive rifle that shoots and feels no better than my less expensive rifle.

3) that expensive rifle definitely looks prettier. To pretty to get marked, scratched up.

I like the R8 concept like the T/C Contender and Encores. I just don't
care for the style of the R8 bolt action.

As for double barrels I much prefer the traditional SxS, but I won't pass up an O/U. Then there's the quicker follow up shot, if needed. The bad; finickiness for regulation, accuracy, and reduction in range compared to the same caliber in a bolt action, lever action, pump, or single shot, I just can't justify the expense, when I can buy 3, 4, or more rifles, sufficient ammunition for each and have money left over for a safari or 3.

When it comes to optics and ammo: there should be no skimping! I'd rather take one less animal and fly economy class than skimp on optics and better ammo.

As for affording a buff hunt. Well there are sponsors here on AH and outfitters not here on AH that offer cull buff hunts for at or less than the price of economy class airfare and quality trophy buff hunts at or under $10,000USD.

I for one can say I've never had an animal I've killed complain about the brand and price of the firearm I shot them killed them with.

There are insurance companies that cost almost nothing to insure firearms for total value, optic included if attached to gun.

 

[Deepfork]

It’s not snobbery. It’s about using the proper tool for the job. A reliable tool, doesn’t need to be pretty but it does need to go BANG…every…single…time!!!

And what gives you the right to throw shade on @TOBY458 for having owned several rifles. I fail to see how his personal finances and firearm collection is anyone’s business except his. He’s not bragging, just sharing his experiences.

Having one quality 375 rifle will give the hunter the opportunity to hunt any of the largest animals on the planet. Wether they can afford to do so has nothing to do with owning the rifle.

Hunting trophy bull cape buffalo isn’t an inexpensive endeavor. Trophy fee, daily rates, flights, tips, and yes…equipment to include a proper rifle.

Everyone's has a budget to stay within and if a rifle is a limiting factor, I would recommend talking to your PH about renting a camp rifle for the hunt. It will be much less expensive than buying the right tool for the job.

And more of the same. A rifle that does not cost thousands of dollars could certainly be the right tool for the job.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I’d go with the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum due to the relative ease of finding factory loaded ammunition and brass, especially during these dark times when big bore ammunition is scarce.

Ballistically, the .375 Ruger is at no disadvantage.

 

[TOBY458]

You don't get it...."many more" .375 HH rifles? There are people who save for years to hunt Africa and will not own "many" rifles in their lifetime. Snobbery!

If stating simple facts makes me a snob, I guess I’ll change my name to SNOBBY458.
In all seriousness, I’m anything but a snob. It took me years of busting my ass and working to pay off all my debt so I can afford a few fine things in life. I never said there’s anything wrong with shooting a cheap gun. I just said, if I were going to take a rifle to Africa, I would take something reliable. And reliable and cheap doesn’t usually go together.

 

[hoytcanon]

I don't think of myself as a snob, I hang out in blue collar, working class circles, but I do look down my nose at Mossberg rifles, so maybe I am. I would rather Indian leg wrestle a buffalo than hunt one with a Mossberg.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Having owned both and having owned many more H&H rifles, my vote always goes to the well proven 375 H&H. What I can never understand is, why would someone be preoccupied with buying a cheap rifle, if they are willing and able to spend the money to go hunt a buffalo in Africa? If you’re just buying a rifle to punch paper, and are not concerned with actually using it to hunt DG in Africa, I completely understand not wanting to spend the money on a high end rifle. But if you’re actually going to hunt DG in Africa, go ahead and spend the money to buy something you know will be reliable. You won’t be sorry.

Very wise advice @TOBY458! Truer words never spoken. That's exactly why I purchased a reliable, good value, Ruger rifle in 375 Ruger. I actually bought it for an Alaskan brown bear hunt. My guide had a H&H, but my buddy's guide had a 375 Ruger.