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

[375Fox]

Didn’t you post a picture of the thick brush in the suppressor thread talking about how hard it would be to use a supressor in the thick jungle?

You have difficulty seeing how a suppressor hanging off the end of your barrel would be a hindrance in that environment? You are trying invent qualities that make the 375 Ruger superior to the 375 H&H before you’ve even hunted dangerous game. It’s not target shooting. The 375 H&H comes in a superior rifle selection compared to the Ruger. I want a reliable hunting rifle. I don’t want limited to Ruger or a custom rifle and custom ammo.

 

[pilar]

There are a number of PHs that would be unhappy to see you arrive with DGX when there are better options although most will let you use it still. It’s a relatively thinly jacketed bullet and it’s not partitioned or solid copper base to prevent failure on heavy bone resulting in low weight retention on some shots. The bonding made it a lot better but it still is a major limiter to a 375 Ruger with factory ammo. It would be a mistake to use a 250 gr CX or TTSX on a buffalo and shouldn’t be suggested.

I wouldn’t argue with that, Doc my hunting buddies dad , shot a buffalo with a 300gr DGX just a smidge wrong and spent 6 of his 14day trying to kill it, PH finally called off the search, next Dugga boy they found same results, his son using 300gr TSX stepped in on the follow up and punched both shoulder and was under the skin, the DGX was found in a lung after passing through part of the pounch.
When he saw my hand loads in a Hornady DGX box first thing out of his mouth was “ you’re not gonna shoot that crap are you? You know what happened to my Pops “
I had hope for the 250 cx but it will not happen on DG after we tested it on penetration

 

[375Fox]

I wouldn’t argue with that, Doc my hunting buddies dad , shot a buffalo with a 300gr DGX just a smidge wrong and spent 6 of his 14day trying to kill it, PH finally called off the search, next Dugga boy they found same results, his son using 300gr TSX stepped in on the follow up and punched both shoulder and was under the skin, the DGX was found in a lung after passing through part of the pounch.
When he saw my hand loads in a Hornady DGX box first thing out of his mouth was “ you’re not gonna shoot that crap are you? You know what happened to my Pops “
I had hope for the 250 cx but it will not happen on DG after we tested it on penetration

I think they are likely minimum acceptable standard for a buffalo bullet. I’ve been in camps where PHs made their clients use better camp ammo or solids rather than risk the DGX. It’s widely available but that is it’s only superior quality. I previously used the 250 gr TTSX on PG and had some penetration issues. It’s the most accurate bullet I can shoot in my 375 H&H but doesn’t matter if can’t reach where it needs to go on dangerous game.

 

[Bonk]

Proud Fudd here. I own rifles in 300H&H (CZ550), 375H&H (CZ550) and 404J (Ruger RSM). Most of my rifles are chambered in cartridges older than I am. That eliminates 300Win, 375Ruger and 416 Ruger. FWIW, I own a Ruger Guide Gun chambered in 30-06. Superb rifle.

 

[Rafiki]

OK, been watching this thread thinking no way was I going to jump in yet here I am.

What I'll say will be in my hunt report if I ever finish the thing. About a year and a half ago I bought a Ruger RSM in 375 H&H for a 2024 buffalo hunt; didn't even want the thing, didn't trust a medium caliber for buffalo but that's just me. Anyway, I bought the thing and immediately sent it to my gunsmith to have it modified the way I like things and took it to TZ. I have to say I was really amazed that it did what it did; one shot, express sights, 104 yards, down and out.

Now, I've never fired a 375 Ruger in my life. I'm sure it's terrific but really it only has about 100fps over the 375 H&H according to what I read; that's in the "so what' range. I handload everything I shoot. What I took was 2534fps using a 300gr mono bullet from a 23" barrel. That is about what a 375 Ruger gets out of a 22" barrel; again, "so what". Velocity isn't everything and in this case it's almost meaningless.

Yes, the rifles in 375 Ruger will likely be a bit lighter, and a bit handier and that's great if you need that. The comments about ammo availability is probably true enough but who the hell is so poor at planning that they don't take more that enough ammo for their hunt? Personally I took 40 rounds of 375 H&H shot 1 at the bull, a few more checking zero, and gave the rest to my PH when I left.

My reasons for going the 375 H&H route were simply esoteric; I wanted a classic style African rifle in a classic caliber and the rifle/caliber combination fit the bill for me.

 

[Daisy]

You have difficulty seeing how a suppressor hanging off the end of your barrel would be a hindrance in that environment? You are trying invent qualities that make the 375 Ruger superior to the 375 H&H before you’ve even hunted dangerous game. It’s not target shooting. The 375 H&H comes in a superior rifle selection compared to the Ruger. I want a reliable hunting rifle. I don’t want limited to Ruger or a custom rifle and custom ammo.

I fully see why you would want to use an h&h.

I don’t think you see why others would want to use a Ruger.

Having a 20” barrel in the bush vs a 24” h&h is the same reasons you wouldn’t want a supressor on the end.

 

[375Fox]

I fully see why you would want to use an h&h.

I don’t think you see why others would want to use a Ruger.

Having a 20” barrel in the bush vs a 24” h&h is the same reasons you wouldn’t want a supressor on the end.

Again you are choosing the shortest barrel on the Ruger compared to the longest barrel on the H&H to exaggerate the difference. It’s 20 vs 22 for standard short barrels and 23 vs 25 for longer barrels. 2” on both sides of the spectrum. I have no problem seeing why someone wants to use the 375 Ruger especially if they like Ruger rifles. It’s available in lower cost rifles and has slightly better ballistics. However, overall the 375 Ruger has more cons and the 375 H&H has more pros.

 

[TOBY458]

I think they are likely minimum acceptable standard for a buffalo bullet. I’ve been in camps where PHs made their clients use better camp ammo or solids rather than risk the DGX. It’s widely available but that is it’s only superior quality. I previously used the 250 gr TTSX on PG and had some penetration issues. It’s the most accurate bullet I can shoot in my 375 H&H but doesn’t matter if can’t reach where it needs to go on dangerous game.

I’ve also seen people advocating for the 235gr TSX for buffalo. Not sure if it was a fluke, or not, but I saw a guy shoot a warthog with one of those and it blew up on the shoulder and never made it to the vitals. No way I’d trust those on a buffalo. Maybe the CEB Raptor and a few others would do better, since they are built a bit differently. In fact, I’m sure they would, due to the solid brass shank that continues on after the initial expansion. But I just feel better using a 300-350gr bullet in 375 Caliber for buffalo. It’s just a proven formula that’s stood the test of time.

 

[375Fox]

I’ve also seen people advocating for the 235gr TSX for buffalo. Not sure if it was a fluke, or not, but I saw a guy shoot a warthog with one of those and it blew up on the shoulder and never made it to the vitals. No way I’d trust those on a buffalo. Maybe the CEB Raptor and a few others would do better, since they are built a bit differently. In fact, I’m sure they would, due to the solid brass shank that continues on after the initial expansion. But I just feel better using a 300-350gr bullet in 375 Caliber for buffalo. It’s just a proven formula that’s stood the test of time.

There was a report here with photos where 235 gr TSX stopped on buffalo rib. I’ve had a 250 gr TTSX fail to penetrate and only make a flesh wound on an impala almost like it deflected, but shot was in open floodplain. 300 gr TSX has a very good reputation. I think it has enough mass behind the mushroom to keep it going. I’d like to try Raptor. It’s a very different bullet. For now though, I trust 300 gr lead core bullets like swift A frame or trophy bonded bear claw. I’ve never seen anything other than perfect repeat performance every time.

 

[TOBY458]

There was a report here with photos where 235 gr TSX stopped on buffalo rib. I’ve had a 250 gr TTSX fail to penetrate and only make a flesh wound on an impala almost like it deflected, but shot was in open floodplain. 300 gr TSX has a very good reputation. I think it has enough mass behind the mushroom to keep it going. I’d like to try Raptor. It’s a very different bullet. For now though, I trust 300 gr lead core bullets like swift A frame or trophy bonded bear claw. I’ve never seen anything other than perfect repeat performance every time.

I’ve used the Raptor in my 458 Win Mag on a buffalo. It worked perfectly for that. Did massive damage and penetrated completely through.

 

[Rafiki]

I’ve used the Raptor in my 458 Win Mag on a buffalo. It worked perfectly for that. Did massive damage and penetrated completely through.

That's wonderful but what does that have to do with a 375's and TSX's.

 

[pilar]

There was a report here with photos where 235 gr TSX stopped on buffalo rib. I’ve had a 250 gr TTSX fail to penetrate and only make a flesh wound on an impala almost like it deflected, but shot was in open floodplain. 300 gr TSX has a very good reputation. I think it has enough mass behind the mushroom to keep it going. I’d like to try Raptor. It’s a very different bullet. For now though, I trust 300 gr lead core bullets like swift A frame or trophy bonded bear claw. I’ve never seen anything other than perfect repeat performance every time.

Yep , I shoot deer and nilgai with 235gr ( haven’t been elk hunting yet with my 375 )
But not to jump on a soap box , but the Mer mention of using a swift A frame, gives me a case of the RED Arse , because swift really does not make any 270-300gr bullets with any kind of consistency and usually are out of stock, TSX & north fork are now kings of available options for us 375 ruger owners, so since I am regulated by availability
I don’t see swift as much of a choice now days!

And I have a 23” barrel, but I don’t think a 20” barrel is either an advantage or disadvantage in that regard, in either ruger or H&H , shoot whatever you’re comfortable with or have availability to. Use a canned rifle at the range, but imo leave the breaks & cans @ home when you’re going hunting, be it NA , Africa, Oceania ,Asia
The debate over the two calibers is fine internet fodder LOL , but the H&H has better factory ammunition DG selection, both have decent none dangerous game ammunition availability.
So it’s a bit of a tie on performance.

 

[375Fox]

That's wonderful but what does that have to do with a 375's and TSX's.

250 gr CX was recommended as a bullet that would do well at 375 Ruger Velocities, but seems to sometimes have penetration issues. The raptor may be an option to use a lighter bullet on dangerous game.

 

[TOBY458]

That's wonderful but what does that have to do with a 375's and TSX's.

Absolutely nothing. Just a one time experience with a CEB Raptor. Somehow we started talking about different bullets for the 375, so I was thinking maybe that would carry over to 375.

 

[generalzip]

With all due respect, anyone having issues with recoil from a 375 in hunting situations and wanting a lighter bullet to lessen recoil should probably not hunt dangerous game to begin with.

Dangerous game hunting, at least for the big stuff with thick skin and heavy bones, calls for large caliber rifles shooting heavy, stoutly constructed bullets. That is not the place for lighter bullets that inherently don’t penetrate as well as heavier bullets. Those guns kick, and they kick a bit more with the heavier bullets that are most appropriate for game such as buffalo, elephant, rhino, hippo. If recoil is an issue, perhaps sticking to plains game makes more sense.

Are only 200+ men allowed to hunt? People do have wives…many of which aren’t butch

 

[generalzip]

So, do you think that long tapered brass and belt on the H&H were done for no reason at all???

Yes don’t for a reason that’s no longer relevant. Modern machine practices allow us to have precision reamers and tight chambers and good brass that don’t require head spacing from a belt. With a belt you move to a larger bolt and case head for no actual benefit other that being able to fit it. Almost worst chambering smoothness

 

[Rafiki]

Yes don’t for a reason that’s no longer relevant. Modern machine practices allow us to have precision reamers and tight chambers and good brass that don’t require head spacing from a belt. With a belt you move to a larger bolt and case head for no actual benefit other that being able to fit it. Almost worst chambering smoothness

Uh, a 375 H&H and a 375 Ruger use the same bolt face.

 

[NDWoods]

OK, been watching this thread thinking no way was I going to jump in yet here I am.

What I'll say will be in my hunt report if I ever finish the thing. About a year and a half ago I bought a Ruger RSM in 375 H&H for a 2024 buffalo hunt; didn't even want the thing, didn't trust a medium caliber for buffalo but that's just me. Anyway, I bought the thing and immediately sent it to my gunsmith to have it modified the way I like things and took it to TZ. I have to say I was really amazed that it did what it did; one shot, express sights, 104 yards, down and out.

Now, I've never fired a 375 Ruger in my life. I'm sure it's terrific but really it only has about 100fps over the 375 H&H according to what I read; that's in the "so what' range. I handload everything I shoot. What I took was 2534fps using a 300gr mono bullet from a 23" barrel. That is about what a 375 Ruger gets out of a 22" barrel; again, "so what". Velocity isn't everything and in this case it's almost meaningless.

Yes, the rifles in 375 Ruger will likely be a bit lighter, and a bit handier and that's great if you need that. The comments about ammo availability is probably true enough but who the hell is so poor at planning that they don't take more that enough ammo for their hunt? Personally I took 40 rounds of 375 H&H shot 1 at the bull, a few more checking zero, and gave the rest to my PH when I left.

My reasons for going the 375 H&H route were simply esoteric; I wanted a classic style African rifle in a classic caliber and the rifle/caliber combination fit the bill for me.

I love reading these caliber discussions and your reply has me searching deep into my 53 years on this earth in search of an answer

After giving it an appropriate amount of thought, I am convinced I can stand by my response.

With complete certainty, I can say that never in my 53 years have I used the word esoteric. To see it used in a caliber discussion on an international hunting site is even more impressive.

Thumbs up, Like, and double internet points for you sir.

 

[colorado]

375 H&H

375 Ruger

 

[375er]

Yes don’t for a reason that’s no longer relevant. Modern machine practices allow us to have precision reamers and tight chambers and good brass that don’t require head spacing from a belt. With a belt you move to a larger bolt and case head for no actual benefit other that being able to fit it. Almost worst chambering smoothness

Well actually it was done for several reasons, not the ones you describe. The tapered case was done intentionally to avoid stuck cases when hunting dangerous game in the heat of Africa. The belt was added to headspace off of because of the very shallow shoulder of the tapered case. One of the most well thought out cartridges in history.

Good hunting.