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I started my journey with 375 H&H shooting lots of reduced loads with 235g Speer bullets. This allowed me to become very comfortable with my rifle from various positions before moving up in power. When I moved up to plains game hunting loads I found that I shot the 250 TTSX very well at Barnes...

I think HP-38 will work well for 1000 fps, Unique for a little more power and 2400 for your top loads. With the lighter loads there will be more empty space in the case and it helps to tilt your barrel either up or down (choose one) before each shot to have a similar powder position in the...

The standard Blackhawk grip manages recoil well up to 45 Colt or light 44 mag level. After that I am MUCH happier with the Ruger Bisley grip frame. It handles full power 44 mag and heavy Ruger Only 45 Colt loads nicely. Working on revolver marksmanship is the key to successful hunting. Even...

@MauserDuff I agree. I shoot best that way too and I have been able to use it as a field position on a few occasions now. It's tricky if the ground has thorns. If so, I bring a pad to sit on. I have a pad that hangs off the back of my belt so I keep my hands free. I took a big doe in 2024 at...

@RLP I don't hunt with a tripod but with the bench shooting I've done I have not found that resting the revolver butt works for me. You might try lightly padding your tripod and resting the flat just in front of the trigger guard instead. Of course, your way may work best for you but it's...

I've always been curious about the 475 Linebaugh. I had a used FA 475 in my hand that I would have bought if it was 6" instead of 4.75" But after spending a summer doing a lot of loading and shooting of the 454 my wrist was worse for the wear. I forgot about moving up to 475. I've heard some...

I had a custom heavy cylinder 6 shot 45 Colt by Linebaugh for a while. I really liked it but my FA was definitely more accurate at 50 yards. I sold it to fund another FA - but I wish I would have kept it. I still have a custom 5 shot 45 Colt built by David Clements on a Ruger Bisley. It's a...

I should mention that I only used iron sights back then and like akrifleman, I saw no loss of accuracy going from 7.5" to 5.5 or 6". I did see a drop in accuracy with 4-4.75" barrel at 50 yards (not so much at 25 yards). This was from field positions. I rarely bench revolvers because I don't...

When I started handgun hunting I used a Ruger Bisley 7.5" 44 mag and killed several deer and a hog or two. That revolver was fairly comfortable to wear all day as long as I was standing and walking. However, the 7.5" barrel often got in the way when sitting on the ground or jumping in the...

Since you seem to be new to single action revolvers I'd like to mention another issue: The FA 83 has an older style action with no transfer bar. If dropped and the hammer hits a hard surface it can discharge. It is safest carried with only 4 in the cylinder and an empty chamber under the hammer...

That's a good deal if you like the barrel length, express sights and Pachmayr grips. I've never shot the Pachmayr grips. Those grips are no longer made. They used to be included on Field Grade 83s. They are probably not original to that revolver and the grip screw is not original. Be aware...

I've had an FA 83 454 in 4.75", 6" and 7.5". I now just have a pair of 6" - octagon and round. I sold the others after playing with them a while. I like the 6" the best for hunting but you might feel differently. I should mention that the 4.75" feels the best in my hand but I shoot better...

I apologize if my response was confusing. I shoot both the 97 and the 83. Bullet length in the 97 45 Colt is an often discussed issue and it frustrated me when I first got mine. There are many cast bullets that will not fit without deep-seating the bullet (a common solution). There is no...

I'll share a few thoughts: The FA 83 454 can be fiddly for those who want to shoot heavy/long lead bullets. The throats are tight and unforgiving. You may need to do some research and experiment with bullet sizing to find what works best with your revolver. Make sure you have a supplier that...

As a reloader with plenty of shooting opportunity you are in a perfect position to embrace handgun hunting. Accuracy under hunting conditions is FAR more important than maximum power. I've had terrific shooting and hunting success with 240 XTP and 2400 in multiple 44 mags. I shot 240 SWC over...

When I say it's enough for elk and moose size game I mean that it's enough for an experienced handgun hunter at bowhunting ranges. This would more likely be the purview of local hunters who know ways to get such shot opportunities. I'm also thinking more of meat hunters than trophy hunters. I...

I have the 2011 Lipsey African version (no ebony tip) which does have a medium profile 23" barrel. It is a very nice rifle and the best of a few 9.3x62s that I have owned. I would prefer a 22" barrel (but 23" is very nice too). I would also prefer a blued bolt. If the barrel was less than 22"...

For someone experienced in handgun shooting but new to handgun hunting I would strongly recommend staying with the 44 magnum and moving to a better hunting platform that will allow you to mount an RMR ( or other red dot ) securely. The 44 mag allows for lots of practice and is enough for hogs...

I love the FA 97 in 44 special. The FA 97 is a 5 shot and makes a very strong 44 special. You need to reload to get the best out of it. I've taken several deer with mine. It gives up little to the 44 mag for deer size game. I like the flat top Ruger too - but the sight and RMR mount options...

I bought a Tikka T3x and was surprised by the accuracy. It was no problem to get MOA at 200 yards with standard factory ammo. My other centerfire bolt rifles are Mauser relatives like M70, M77, M76. I did have a Sako M85 but I never removed the magazine and fed it from the action. The Tikka...

That's a really handy hunting rifle. I'm glad it's working out for you. H4895 works very well at starting load pressures. With that accuracy and velocity I think that my load development would be done. The Barnes 270s and 250s are great too. You might play with those.

I'm a fan of the 250 TTSX. I think it's a great hunting bullet up to and including Eland.

When you hear people talking about the short 45 Colt cylinder they are talking about the FA 97 which is a smaller revolver (super nice in 44 special and 41 magnum). The 454 Casull was designed along with the FA 83 revolver - which is their full size revolver. The 83 also makes an excellent 44...

The handling characteristics of a revolver mean a lot to me when I'm hunting. I've shot the S&W 460 and handled the 500 and I just don't care for them. They are bulky and awkward - really made to shoot from a rest. I want to be able to shoot well offhand with my hunting revolver - nothing does...

I have reloaded over 1000 rounds of 375 H&H over the years using nothing but a standard full length sizing die. The trick I learned is to set your sizing die so that instead of firmly touching the shell holder it comes up about a dime's thickness short. You will have to play with your set up and...

I've hunted quite a bit with an 3 MOA RMR (mostly for deer). I would not hesitate to choose a 5 MOA for buffalo. The most critical part of using a dot is seeing it when you need to! If your eyesight is good and the dot is round for your eyesight then the accuracy can certainly exceed 5 MOA -...

I have really enjoyed my Kimber 84 rifles over the years. I have had several Montanas, a Classic and a Classic Select. Still have my favorites. One of my favorite hunting rifles is my Kimber Talkeetna 375 H&H - Plains game and Nilgai. The most hunted 84 is a Montana in 308 Win. FYI, all of...

I'm always hesitant to work on the bolt itself and I never have. However, I have improved a few Rugers by polishing the rails a bit with ultra fine Scothbrite (gray). I take the stock off and remove the mag box. I cut a 1 inch square of the pad and use it to de-burr and polish the top surface...

The Safari Express and Alaskan are quite a bit different. The Alaskan is over a pound lighter with a longer and slimmer barrel. It handles more like a 30-06. I found the 25" barrel on the Alaskan a little awkward so I had it cut to 23". It's a nice rifle but the recoil will be a bit more...

I would probably just buy a new M70 Safari Express. You'll have the factory warranty in case any functional problem occurs. You can refuse to accept the rifle from your shop if there is an obvious defect. You can go on to have it glass beaded and maybe the trigger improved if you decide you...

I could be happy with nothing but Hodgdon powders. Varget is very useful for the 4 cartridges you mentioned. It is not optimal for heavy bullets in 30-06 but it works up to about 165 grain. I prefer H4350 for 30-06 bullets 165 to 180 grain. Always check published sources to confirm the...

If John Barsness loaded that bullet to 64 grains as above then I would consider that as max and work up to it. Of course, your rifle with your components may not be safe at 64 grains. Also, case brands and case lots can vary in capacity. You might try a different case if available.

I enjoy Ruger rifles and own several. I really wanted to like the RSM but it's just too heavy in 375 for my taste. I really like the weight and looks of Kimber 375s. I love the standard magnum decelerator pads they put on these rifles. The Kimber stock design in very effective in mitigating...

I suspect you're thinking of the limited Ruger 77 Express in 30-06. It is similar to the recent Africans but also had a quarter rib - pretty rare rifle. I think the first Ruger Hawkeye African 9.3x62 was releases around 2011. These are very well made rifles with great sights and appropriate...

I was disappointed that Ruger decided to release an African in 270 before they got around to 30-06 but your success inspired me to purchase one. I mounted a Leupold fixed 6x36 and I'm very pleased with how comfortable it is to shoot. I picked up a couple of boxes of factory ammo to play with...

I like to shoot 375 H&H and I have loaded well over 1000 rounds. The closest I ever came to a case head separation was a barely visible crack about half way around the case. This occurred with Hornady brass - I do think it stretches faster than Norma. I now set my Lee full length resizing die...

I'm looking forward to a report on your rifle as well at the Alaska Arms QD Ruger rings. I like Ruger rings and they detach (and reattach) easily if you have a tool - but I would never reattach and hunt without rechecking the zero.

I like the Trijicon RMR. I would not want a dot smaller than 3 MOA for DG. The bigger the dot, the faster you pick it up. If you have good eye-sight and red dots look sharp and round then you should be able to shoot groups smaller than the dot. If your eye-sight makes the dot look more...

I'm sure you realize that the 35 Whelen African is available now - and it's a great rifle.

I would buy a Ruger African in 338-06.

Nothing wrong with getting a nice .30 caliber if you want one but you sound very comfortable with your 375 H&H and there is nothing wrong with it for plains game if you shoot it well. I loaded my 375 with 250 TTSX for my plains game hunt and it was very effective with no tracking needed. It's...

My favorite reduced load is 235 TSX over 65 grains of H4895. This is no pipsqueak load. It’s similar to 35 Whelen but feels pretty mild in the typical 375 H&H.

I resized the other 10 Federal once-fired 30-06 cases to 35 Whelen. This time I chamfered the mouthes (and de-burred) before I resized - as Hoytcanon suggested. I then resized to 338-06 which takes only a little more force than 30-06 - no splits. With no additional lube I then resized to 35...

I've used a VX3 1.5-5x on several hunts and at least a dozen big game animals. It's the only scope I've ever hunted on my 375 H&H. I mount this scope so that the gold ring is just in front of the front scope ring ( per Leupold recommendation ). This works well but I still don't get quite a full...

Thanks for the suggestions. This was Federal Power-Shok ammo that I fired. I may try again with another brand. I'm sure new brass would work better but I'd probably put that money toward more 35 Whelen brass. I have a lot of once-fired 30-06 in original boxes. I'll probably try the 2 step...

I took 10 once fired Federal 30-06 cases and resized them to 35 Whelen using Lee dies. I split 3 necks. The force needed to resize was noticeable. I guess annealing is needed. I've done the same thing for 338-06 and this is hardly different than reloading to 30-06.

Hi Azklmsr, The muzzle velocity that worked best in my rifle was around 2650 fps with the 250 TTSX. Fairly mild for a 375 H&H - but very effective on large antelope. I enjoy testing loads and shooting groups but when I am getting serious about a hunt I shoot groups that include: Shots from a...

I did use the 250 TTSX on a mature Eland bull. It was a steep "quartering to me" shot at about 165 yards. It went through lung and liver and was lost in the gut pile. The bull stumbled, turned and made it about 25 yards and went down. I like to experiment in reloading too but I don't share...

I have quite a bit of once fired 30-06 brass and I'd like to resize to 35 Whelen and load it with a cheaper bullet for more "off the bench" rifle time. I'd rather not anneal and I'll probably toss the brass when it needs to be trimmed - I certainly won't trim it more than once. On the other...

I have enough 35 Whelen brass but would like to make some cheap brass from once fired 30-06 for some offhand practice loads. I happen to have 338-06 dies as well. Is there any advantage in resizing them to 338 first? Or just go straight to 35? This would not be worth it to me if I have to...