Older custom/unique .375

686 · Oct 20, 2017

I LOVE THIS RIFLE!

Here's a video shooting a group, let me know if I could improve my form/technique:

https://www.africahunting.com/media/shooting-my-vintage-375.56493/

PHOENIX PHIL · Oct 20, 2017

I was afraid that short stock was going to result in a nasty pop to your head. Looks like recoil is very manageable. The arm in the sling helps greatly doesn't it?

686 · Oct 20, 2017

PHOENIX PHIL said:
I was afraid that short stock was going to result in a nasty pop to your head. Looks like recoil is very manageable. The arm in the sling helps greatly doesn't it?

The stock maybe just about right for me at 13" with the recoil shield added - I'm only about 5'8". I think the fact that the stock is really thick makes it look even shorter than it is.

686 · Oct 20, 2017

Here’s a pic that shows how the brass look after they are “fire-formed” to the Weatherby chamber, notice the slightly sharper shoulder on the fired brass:

Ray B · Oct 23, 2017

I have fired several 300 H&H loads in a 300 Weatherby chamber with excellent results- I suspect the same is true for the 375s. as to form, Your left arm is about where I like it, where if someone was looking down from above they could see daylight between the rifle and your elbow. I find it steadier if my right elbow is held higher than the rifle so that I lifting the rifle up rather than holding/pushing it up. But that's what works for me- give it a try and if it doesn't work, go to what feels comfortable.

686 · Oct 23, 2017

Ray B said:
I have fired several 300 H&H loads in a 300 Weatherby chamber with excellent results- I suspect the same is true for the 375s. as to form, Your left arm is about where I like it, where if someone was looking down from above they could see daylight between the rifle and your elbow. I find it steadier if my right elbow is held higher than the rifle so that I lifting the rifle up rather than holding/pushing it up. But that's what works for me- give it a try and if it doesn't work, go to what feels comfortable.

Thanks for the input!

Red Leg · Oct 23, 2017

Always good to be excited about any new/old gun. But 13 plus pounds for a .375 is in my humble opinion, a little excessive. You will be what - over 14 with ammo? That might as well be a crew served weapon.

That said, it should be a fine rifle to do what you are doing with it - learning to be comfortable with a .375 H&H. My R8 with scope and ammo on board is less than ten pounds. I have another built on a FN Mauser action that is the same weight class - ideal I think for a rifle that will be carried all day. With a little experience, you will find the .375 is not a recoil issue chambering - particularly off sticks.

In my purely personal opinion, I think the .375 Weatherby, unlike the .300 Weatherby, is a bit of an abomination. The .375 H&H will do anything the Weatherby will at the practical ranges you would use such a caliber - and it will do so with far less drama. The Weatherby chambering takes a beautifully balanced weapon and turns it into a stiff kicking mule. Moreover, with the H&H, you also will never have to worry about your PH cocking a questioning eyebrow when you pull it out of the case.

Good luck with your project.

686 · Oct 23, 2017

Red Leg said:
13 plus pounds for a .375 is in my humble opinion, a little excessive.

Oh I'm sure its excessive, I'm just basking in the excess right now

I probably sound like a teenager that just discovered Led Zepplin or something, and to quote another band: "I know its only rock-n-roll, but I like it!"

Regarding all-day carrying/hiking; I've ordered a good sling based on a review posted on AH, and I'm going to do some hiking with the rifle and see if it will work or not.

Regarding the 375 Weatherby load, yeah it seems a little much. This rifle came out of Oregon. My guess is that somebody had it built as a long range moose/bear rifle and put that heavy barrel on it to try and tame the recoil from the Weatherby load. One of the things that does intrigue me regarding this rifle is the potential for working up a load somewhere between factory H&H and factory Weatherby loads; could be a lot of fun.

Ray B · Oct 23, 2017

686 - I've shot the 375 H&H and it works well for all-around use, For stretching the distance on bigger game I prefer the 375 RUM. barrel length and weight is increased and I find both reasonably pleasant to use when shooting 250 gr bullets. Going up to 300-350 grain bullets noticeably increases the back-thrust. I suggest you approach the Weatherby loads to safe levels using either 235 Speers or 250 Sierras. I think you will be surprised how shootable your rifle will be.

Red Leg · Oct 23, 2017

Ray B said:
686 - I've shot the 375 H&H and it works well for all-around use, For stretching the distance on bigger game I prefer the 375 RUM. barrel length and weight is increased and I find both reasonably pleasant to use when shooting 250 gr bullets. Going up to 300-350 grain bullets noticeably increases the back-thrust. I suggest you approach the Weatherby loads to safe levels using either 235 Speers or 250 Sierras. I think you will be surprised how shootable your rifle will be.

Just don't get a 235 0r 250 in a .375. In that weight, I much prefer a .338 with far better BC. Nice thing about a .375 is using the 300 gr for everything from a buff at forty yards to a kudu at 250. If I am going just PG hunting, then I leave the .375 at home and take a .30 or a .338. And for what "bigger game" are you stretching the .375? "Bigger game" in Africa is about closing distance - not stretching it - at least in my experience.

686 · Oct 23, 2017

I was thinking about the Barnes LRX 270 grain (BC of .449) could be an interesting long range thumper, more for North American big game.

AZDAVE · Oct 23, 2017

Just think of your 375 weatherby as a 375H&H Ackley improved. The affect is to have a bit more powder space and straighter case walls. The sharper shoulder will help cut down on having to trim the cases as often and you can get a little more performance or the same ballistics at lower pressures. Once you start reloading for it you will find in most cases that your accuracy will improve. Like you I like a little heavier rifle. Have a heavy barrelled 9.3x62 that is a real shooter with most anything your feed her. shoot allot and have fun!

Ray B · Oct 23, 2017

Just to clarify, I was pointing out that for me using a lighter bullet results in less felt recoil than shooting heavier bullets at reduced velocities. selecting the bullet for full power game loads is another issue.

Older custom/unique .375

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