Talk Me Out Of A Large Caliber Rifle In The 375 H&H - 416 Rigby Range

[jonp]

I was recently looking through articles online and saw one talking about the 375 H&H which led to the 375 Ruger which led to the 416 Rigby etc and suddenly buying one seemed like a good idea to me as I've never had one that size. I saw a couple of Ruger No. 1's in 375 and 416 online but I really like the CZ 550 African.

Talk me out of buying one in that large of a caliber. Maybe hard to cast for? Find brass for? Uses too much powder?

[3leggedturtle]

They both can loaded down to 38/55 and 41mag range with boolits to extend their usefulness.! So I think you should get which ever one shows up 1st.. Todd/3leg

[bubba.50]

Okay. Don't do it! now you're on yer own.

[Artful]

I have a 375 Weatherby Magnum (improved capacity H&H) - my only complaint is the amount of powder it uses (88 grains per shot in full power load) to move that 300 SMK to 2850 fps. It does kick and you can down load it and the cases are more expensive than others I shoot - but I haven't gotten rid of it (even though it killed a couple of scopes before I put the Leupold on it). I'd say go for it.

[marlin39a]

Unless you are going to hunt African game, don't do it. You will get beaten up, and develop a major flinch.

[shooter2]

I have a Ruger #1 in .375 H&H and love it. Easy to shoot, accurate, and good for anything in North America. The minimum for most dangerous game in Africa. Don't shoot it much anymore however.

[brtelec]

I have a CZ550 in 416 Rigby. I really enjoy playing with it. I do warn people outside of forums such as this to look at ammo prices before considering calibers in this range. With cast bullets however it is not expensive to shoot.

[dubber123]

I think my Rigby eats 108 grains of powder per boom. It is a pretty big boom though, so whatever.. :) If you don't have a ton of big bore rifle experience, the .375 H&H will probably keep you entertained for a long time. It's no slouch, and a very versatile caliber. I have one in a Ruger #1 that I like quite a bit.

[ascast]

ditto shooter2, will take anything on the planet and can be loaded down for chucks and squirrels...

[johnson1942]

their was several years ago a gunsmith that made long distance rifles. he also made 416 rigby rifles for the navy seals to test. he made the bullets out of pure brass on a small good lathe. it out shot the 50 cal sniper rifle by 16 ft at 1200 yards in dropping and shot tighter groups at that range. then he suddenly developed a brain tumor and passed in 3 months thus ending his sniper seal team rifles. just before he died he took a elk at 1725 yards. get the 416 rigby, it is a wonderment and really something you can develop to what you want. get a quality rangefinder when you get the gun, you will need it, as you got the creme de le creme of rifles.

[ole 5 hole group]

The 375 H&H is an "across the pond" rifle for those puny Englishman - Look for an American man's rifle, the 378 Weatherby with no damn muzzle break. Had one for 35 years - recoil increases as the rifle ages.;)

[Harter66]

I have a set of 375H&H dies I'll make you a deal on and a few 300 H&H brass too. Also a set of 338 WM . You should have 1 for sure .

[Bohica793]

Would you like to see my shoulder x-rays?

[runfiverun]

the 375449 is wonderful in the 375 H&H.
it even works on top of 2400 [but so does my 375 Winchester]

[tygar]

I was recently looking through articles online and saw one talking about the 375 H&H which led to the 375 Ruger which led to the 416 Rigby etc and suddenly buying one seemed like a good idea to me as I've never had one that size. I saw a couple of Ruger No. 1's in 375 and 416 online but I really like the CZ 550 African.

Talk me out of buying one in that large of a caliber. Maybe hard to cast for? Find brass for? Uses too much powder?

Don't even think about it! Get it!

I have a CZ in 458 Lott, it's very nice, accurate, safari sites, great wood, heavy enough to keep it manageable.

375 is my favorite medium/big bore caliber, as I have 4 or 5 & as said above, they can be loaded down for deer & up for elephant.
Shoots as flat as an 06 & smacks like a truck. I also have 416 RemMag but I think they & the various 45 cals are really more suited for african bad boys. Although, I do sometines take a .458 on brown bear hunts, as a screw up gun when one is wounded & you have to go in the alder after it. That's not to say the 375 isn't just fine but on pissed off griz, you can't be over gunned.

In North America, I think it's the perfect moose, bear & elk gun.

And, in response, to the "hard recoil" statement, the 375 is actually rather easy to shoot. It is a tapered case with no overbore & it's more a push, than slap, recoil wise. 250 & 270gr bullets are fairly easy on you & 300s, not bad. I have 2 with breaks & 2 or 3 without & the recoil on the ones w/o is not at all severe. Then again I have around 6 416-450 Watts caliber guns, so not all that recoil sensitive.

But, to reiterate, the 375 is not bad.

[tclubber]

I have a 375 H&H pistol, most fun gun I have to shoot!

[smoked turkey]

You will love either the 375 H&H or the 416 Rigby. I say get them both and then you can spend the next 10 years trying to decide which one you like the best. I would get it in a bolt action if given the chance. Casting for it and only shooting cast boolits is the way to go. Literally mild to wild.

[Greg S]

I own a 375, 416 Rig and a 458 Lott. The 375 doesn't slap you likema 338, it's move of a push. The 458 Lott is very verssital (sp) from mild to wild. Had a friend with a 458 win mag. I shot alot of 400+ grainers out of it with 18.0 of unique and iron sights.

[Artful]

Unless you are going to hunt African game, don't do it. You will get beaten up, and develop a major flinch.

Ruger #3 in 45-70 with "MAX" loads hurt way worse than my 10 1/2 pound 375 Weatherby Rifle.

[B. Lumpkin]

Current production Winchester Safari Express model 70 in 375 H&H.

[Wayne Smith]

... and you have tickets/passport/etc. for Africa starting when??

[jonp]

... and you have tickets/passport/etc. for Africa starting when??

I went on a photo safari in Tanzania after climbing Kili nd still have my passport. All i could think while there was "i wish i had a rifle"

[jonp]

I see more 375 than 416. I found a 375 H&H CZ 550 for under $800 and might go that way

[Parson]

I used a pre 64 model 70 in 375 while living in Africa but when I got back I built a 416 on a p14, but unfortunately never got back to Africa. Both are good cast bullet shooters when downloaded

[deep creek]

go ahead knock yourself out:roll:

[dverna]

For use in NA, a .358 Winchester seems ideal. Brass can be formed from relatively cheap .308. It uses a lot less powder. Range will not be long as the .375 H&H.

A lot depends on recoil sensitivity. I shot a .338 Win Mag off the bench and was done after a dozen rounds.

[kens]

I was recently looking through articles online and saw one talking about the 375 H&H which led to the

Talk me out of buying one in that large of a caliber. Maybe hard to cast for? Find brass for? Uses too much powder?

I got a Ruger #1 .375, and you are correct, it is too big, uses too much powder, uses too much brass,
Aint that cool ?? Its almost too much fun…..

[JWT]

My 375H&H is a Ruger #1, my 416Rigby is a Ruger 77, and my 458WinMag is a Winchester 70. I haven't had the 458 out yet. The #1 is a stiff action so it transfers the recoil pretty well. The 375 and 416 are fairly low pressure so the brass lasts a while if treated well. Recoil is manageable with the 375 and 416, more of a shove than a punch.

[Beagle333]

Man..... reading this thread has got me wanting a 375 H&H. :violin:

[jonp]

Man..... reading this thread has got me wanting a 375 H&H. :violin:

mission accomplished :evil:

[Wayne Smith]

I went on a photo safari in Tanzania after climbing Kili nd still have my passport. All i could think while there was "i wish i had a rifle"
If you can afford to pay for a safari go for the .416. I assume what you have is plenty for plains game. As for me, I'll never make it there. My 30-06, 405 Win, and 9.3x57 will do all I need and more.

[Moonie]

I've recently gotten a 375 H&H 26" barrel for my encore, I'm really enjoying it. I thought I was not going to like the recoil but it really is more of a big push, doesn't hurt nearly as bad as expected. It has lots of recoil but it really isn't as sharp as I expected. Oh wait, I'm supposed to try to talk you out of it??? Yea, can't do it...

[white eagle]

two cals I personally have wanted as well
along with the 35 Norma mag
I have shot a bunch of big boomers 338 WM
45/70 but the worst had to be a 12 ga.with full bore slugs
off the bench can only handle 5-10 a session
I say grab it and have a blast

[chuckbuster]

You're thinking this bunch would actually make an honest effort in talking you out of a new toy is PROOF beyond shadow of a doubt how crazy you actually are. Crazy enough in fact to end up with both a .416 and a .375, ability/probability of an African trip not even being in the decision making process.

(disclaimer; I have the .416 already, a "Taylor" built 20 odd years ago. Working on .375 Ruger acquisition now. Namibia, SA or similar really nowhere on horizon)

K

[country gent]

Im really going to enable you here. Really do it up and a have Holland and Holland double rifle built to fit you in 416 super grade wood engraving and the whole package done up. Depending on the exchange rate it might end up being a real bargin. Both are good calibers and easy to load and shoot. Those big bullets really drop your lead stores fast though.

[Ithaca Gunner]

Either one is an amusing caliber, but not of much practical usage in North America unless they bring back the Wooly Mammoth in numbers to hunt. That said, the problem with either of those calibers is this, you're always gonna want a better rifle. You'll get a fully capable and practical rifle and want one better, fancier, just a few more little custom touches. I had a Ruger #1 Tropical in .375 H&H, then had to have a Witworth Mark X Express rifle, then...I woke up and realized I had no real use for a .375 H&H to begin with. I was diagnosed with a severe case of Britriflelust, but have since been cured with treatments of .30/06illian, taken daily.

They're both fantastic cartridges though, just not practical for me. I might do a .338/06 or a .338 Federal these days, but the lust for Magnum Power is gone in me for good.

[jonp]

If you can afford to pay for a safari go for the .416. I assume what you have is plenty for plains game. As for me, I'll never make it there. My 30-06, 405 Win, and 9.3x57 will do all I need and more.

I think either my 308, 30-06 or 35 Whelen would do ok for plains with preference given to the 30-06 or 35 Whelen and heavier bullets

[Walla2]

can you say detached retina?

[Mk42gunner]

I've never shot either one, but they do sound intriguing. I did see a guy shooting a Ruger No. 1 from the bench at a gun club, no idea what level of loads he was shooting; but he wasn't getting bounced around by recoil the way I did years later with a No.1 in .45-70 loaded with Elmer Keith Memorial Loads.

CZ makes a fine rifle, and probably one of the most affordable ones in the larger calibers.

Robert

[Artful]

two cals I personally have wanted as well
along with the 35 Norma mag
I have shot a bunch of big boomers 338 WM
45/70 but the worst had to be a 12 ga.with full bore slugs
off the bench can only handle 5-10 a session
I say grab it and have a blast

Wonder how many know that you don't sit at a regular rifle bench rest to shoot
the large heavy kicking calibers for sighting in and group shooting?

http://www.thegunmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Fulmer-010.jpg
Notice the one in the back - it's made for standing while sighting in.
Used for shotguns with slugs, double rifles, Dangerous game rifles.
Take your lumps and learn

[Storydude]

Simple. It's not a .50BMG.

[TXGunNut]

I was somehow able to talk myself out of a Ruger Hawkeye in 375 Ruger awhile back when so many hit the used gun rack in like new condition. No idea how I did it, I even have a few 375 moulds. Even saw a few in .416 but couldn't get very excited about them. Since then I've acquired a Hawkeye in 35 Whelen, fine little rifle. If my wallet recovers by the time another Hawkeye in 375 crosses my path I won't be asking this bunch of enablers to talk me out of it, I'll be looking for brass & dies. A #1 in 375 H&H sounds like a good time as well.....someday.

[Harter66]

I don't have any surplus dies to help you guys out .
178496
I'm keeping the 7-30 , and 458 but the others are available. I have a 2 die 338 also .

Me ? I've become a 45 light junky . It all started so innocently with a companion rifle ........ Now there's a Mauser off to get for fitted for 45 Raptor . It's a rimless 460 S&W . 141-535 gr of 45 cal goodness . The 308, x57,06' donor brass is good for all the abuse I'll ever need. The 458 dies should be the perfect neck dies.

[nicholst55]

If you're determined to buy one, buy a .375 H&H. The cartridge has been around for nearly 100 years, and I don't expect brass or factory ammo to become unobtanium anytime soon. I have owned both a .416 Rigby and a .416 Remington (which Remington has since abandoned, as they are prone to do with new cartridges). At the time, 100 pieces of Remington brass cost less than 25 pieces of Rigby brass. Now, you can't even find Remington brass.

Jacketed bullets for the .416 cartridge are extremely expensive, so unless you're going to shoot strictly cast through it, it will get expensive, and fast!

I personally wouldn't consider the .375 Ruger because I expect it to disappear just like so many new cartridges have done in the past 20-25 years. Ask all the guys who rushed out and bought rifles chambered for the WSSM cartridges what they do for brass (or factory ammo) now.

Fun guns? Yes, they can be. Practical? Not so much. JMHO, and worth every penny that you paid for it.

[Duckiller]

Jack O"conner hunted brown bears with a 375 H&H. Elmer Kieth recommended a 375 H&H for elk. Lots of places say 375 H&H is the minimum for animals that can readily kill you. Why wouldn't you buy one?

[shooter2]

Enough talk, make a choice and use it!

[clintsfolly]

Can't do it as I live I Mi and our biggest game is a very small elk herd. I have a 458AccRel( 458Lott size case). So far it has been used on a few whitetails, and one pig but am thinking it is going on my upcoming bear hunt!

[NavyVet1959]

I remember reading about a "12 Gauge From Hell" project awhile back. There were various firearms he used, but one of them was the H&R 12-gauge "Ultra Slug" (rifled barrel). From a pure kinetic energy and shoulder punishment standpoint, I think it will put any of those you have suggested to shame. I don't think it was quite .50BMG energy, but it was real close.

[osteodoc08]

375 H&H gets my vote. Has such a rich history and can be loaded from mild to wild. I imagine it's one of the more common calibers (of the African calibers) if looking for a used gun. Brass will always be available and can find used brass here from time to time.

[Harter66]

And there is a set of dies for sale right now .

[Mytmousemalibu]

Hey I have just 5 loaded cartridges of the famed 3" 500 Nitro Express loaded with 570gr. Woodleigh copper solids laying around. Maybe someday I'll be something that shoots them...

[Hardcast416taylor]

Since it sounds like you want a `factory` rifle that is ready to go I won`t bore you with the virtues of the .416 Taylor that other shooters like Chuckbuster and others already know about.

I found the Speer 350 JSP to be both economical to purchase and very accurate as well as lethal for about anything in N.America.Robert

[Cheshire Dave]

Don't over look the Ruger No 1 in 9.3x74. They make them on the medium sporter and are much lighter and handier then the No.1 in .375. Both great calibers but I think the long lean 9.3 looks even cooler. Use a .375 round ball for no recoil plinking, a 200gr. paper patch to copy the 35 remington or the 280gr, NOE cast to give 9.3x57 power level. Go all the way with 286 jacketed to just shy of .375 power level in a 7 1/2 pound rifle.
A No.1 in 450/400 would be very nice too. Damn to many toys and not enough money.

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

Get the 375 H&H and be happy. Larger caliber boolits are much easier to cast. My FN Mauser custom 375 is an improved version, and at 10lbs is easy on the shoulder at the bench.

[Southern Son]

You have been given some good advice, so now here is mine. I say START with the .375H&H, then move on to the .416. After that you could try a .458 (Win Mag or Lott).

Jut my thoughts, anyway.

[NavyVet1959]

I think I might have a source for some spent 20mm cartridges if you are really wanting to punish your shoulder.

Go big, or go home...

20mm on the left, .50BMG on the right:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/b8/39/01/b8390165d60f1c54ae143261fe21fdde.jpg

[Beagle333]

Now THAT'S going big. :shock:

[ironhead7544]

Had a 375 H&H in a M70 Winchester. Great fun to shoot. The 235 gr Speer bullet with a minimum charge is very accurate and wont kill your shoulder. This particular rifle fit me and standing it was not bad on the shoulder with any load. Fit becomes very important with the heavies. When shooting from the bench, use a high enough rest to keep your back straight up. A standing rest is better.

Long eye relief is needed in a scope. I would use a scout scope.

If I could afford it, I would look for a CZ550 in 375 H&H. Cast boolit loads will be fun.

[mortre]

Don't over look the Ruger No 1 in 9.3x74. They make them on the medium sporter and are much lighter and handier then the No.1 in .375. Both great calibers but I think the long lean 9.3 looks even cooler. Use a .375 round ball for no recoil plinking, a 200gr. paper patch to copy the 35 remington or the 280gr, NOE cast to give 9.3x57 power level. Go all the way with 286 jacketed to just shy of .375 power level in a 7 1/2 pound rifle.
A No.1 in 450/400 would be very nice too. Damn to many toys and not enough money.
I bought one of the 450/400 NE #1's earlier this year. It hasn't made it to the range yet, brass and dies were expensive so I haven't bought a mould yet. But I did break down and buy some 300gr 405 Win bullets the other day, should be here next week. I'll break it in with the 300gr bullets before I decide if I want a 400gr mould.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[David2011]

It's a great cartridge for cast boolits and wild pigs. A 250-275 grain boolit at 1800-2000 fps won't break the shoulder or the bank but will be plenty for hog control. If it will take hogs, it will take pretty much anything short of bear. You can always go full house for bear, caribou, moose and anything else dangerous.

David

[Three44s]

I have a Savage barrel in .375 H&H from Numrich Arms that cost just $107 shipped. It's a stainless small shank muzzle threaded with a protector and it's just a shade under 25" long as I recall.

It fits the long actions. I have not mounted it yet.

Last time I checked they had a few of those left.

They also have over 100 of the same but longer by just under 2" or there abouts.

I am thinking about getting the longer version just because .... they are also $107 shipped. I am thinking a re-chamber on that one ......... just for something different!

Best regards

Three 44s