Anyone from NE Washington?

[5shot]

I'm thinking about building a 375 H&H Bear Rifle, but have never fired anything bigger than my 35 Whelen AI or my 300 WBY. I want to build a lighter, shorter, handier rifle. Not too light, and probably around 22" barrel length. Express style sights and a synthetic stock. Might even go Stainless (gasp) as it gets very wet in the NW.

Anyone here from the Spokane area? I'd like to at least shoot a 375 before I decide to build one on the lighter side of the spectrum. Of course I'll pay for the ammo...

Thanks,

John

 

[CAustin]

Sir I have 375 H&H which I would tell you shoots just a little stouter than my 300 winmag. The 375 is not bad to shoot at all in my opinion.

 

[5shot]

That's what I have read. My 300 WBY is one of the original Fibermarks, with the McMillan stock and solid rubber butt pad. It definitely thumps you a bit, but never really bothered me too much. Haven't put it on a scale yet, so not sure what it weighs.

 

[Rick Cox]

I have both a 35 Whelen and a .375 HH. The 35 is somewhat lighter than the .375 ( 8.5 lbs. versus 11) but it is much softer shooting. The recoil from the .375 is very acceptable, but I need a shoulder replacement and I find it just tips the scales into the pain threshold especially after several rounds.
I would choose the Whelen for your intended purpose.
That said, if you are in my area (North Okanagon BC, Armstrong) I would be only too happy to go the range with you, and throw in dinner and beers around the fire to boot! Bullets are on me...

 

[5shot]

I would choose the Whelen for your intended purpose.

This is more of a want than a need

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Or you could buy a 375 Ruger.......... Same performance of the 375 H&H in a handier size rifle. Not a lot of difference in shooting my 338 WM and 375 Ruger.

There is one listed on GB: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/794001141

BTW, I did live in the Spokane area as a kid. I live on Fairchild AFB.

 

[5shot]

Back when the B52s were darkening the skies. I don't think it's a SAC Base any longer. BTW, if you have any mysterious illnesses, they found toxins in the water supply from fire retardant and you should let your DR. know.

I know the Ruger is more practical, but the H&H is calling to me. I'm going to check them all out at SHOT next month.

 

[Rick Cox]

This is more of a want than a need

Now I'm confused: is the impulse to shoot guns and talk about hunting a 'want' or a 'need'?

 

[5shot]

Well, from my perspective, I do need an H&H.

 

[JakeH]

Or you could buy a 375 Ruger.......... Same performance of the 375 H&H in a handier size rifle. Not a lot of difference in shooting my 338 WM and 375 Ruger.

Consider me to be absolutely SHOCKED that you’d be recommending that someone purchase a .375 Ruger!

(I’m about to buy one too.)

 

[5shot]

I kinda forgot about my big boomer...Ruger #1 in 45-70. I shoot it with 434grn Hard Cast bullets over a max charge of H335 at something close to 2,000 FPS. I don't suppose that would be a whole lot different than a 300grn 375 @ 2,600 FPS.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I have found the 375 H&H to actually be less "sharp" than the 3oo Win mag.
There is more power behind the 375 but it pushes you back differently.
Wish I could explain it better.

You'll end up with someone closer than me offering to let you shoot one.

 

[Ray B]

5shot, I'm not exactly Spokane area (Wenatchee) but if we can meet you'd be able to shoot a few different large bores, including a 375H&H so that you could get an idea of how the various cartridges recoil. PM if interested.

 

[5shot]

Thanks Ray...I'll shoot you a PM.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Consider me to be absolutely SHOCKED that you’d be recommending that someone purchase a .375 Ruger!

(I’m about to buy one too.)

You sir are a wise man!

 

[Dr Ray]

I have found the 375 H&H to actually be less "sharp" than the 3oo Win mag.
There is more power behind the 375 but it pushes you back differently.
Wish I could explain it better.

You'll end up with someone closer than me offering to let you shoot one.

I agree and I find that the 300 has a very distinct “sharp” recoil whereas my 375 seems (note seems) to be a big “push”.

 

[jacques smith]

Tend to agree my 375HH is more of a push than even say my 7mm Rem mag which is more of a slap
My vote, yup u need a 375 HH

 

[5shot]

I'll be loading up some of the 400+ grn loads for my 45-70 Ruger #1 and heading out for some winter shooting. It wears an NECG Peep, so it is as light as it gets. I'll run them across the chronograph so I can calculate the recoil energy.

Appreciate all the responses.

 

[ChrisG]

I agree and I find that the 300 has a very distinct “sharp” recoil whereas my 375 seems (note seems) to be a big “push”.

I hear that alot and I have to respectfully disagree. Your mileage may vary but...my .375 h&h weighs in at just about 10 lbs scoped where my .300 win mag is around 8.5. Both are Winchester M70s with a straight comb. Honestly, I have to say they are both a big push when shooting off hand, the difference becomes quite noticeable off the bench though. There, the h&h is not a big push, it is every bit of a solid jolt to me. The difference is that I can probably shoot 25-30 rounds of .300 win before my groups open up from recoil fatigue. The H&H is more like 15-20 max and by then, off a bench, I usually have got the beginnings of a recoil headache.