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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...

I used my 375 H&H with 250 TTSX as my plains game bullet and it worked great - springbok to eland. I never wished I had a 30-06 - and I like 30-06. The key is to have a 375 H&H that you are comfortable shooting and it sounds like you do. If you bring one rifle you'll need a spare scope and a...

I think that the 22 Hornet (somewhat like the 375 H&H) benefits from only resizing the neck while still using full length dies. You just back off the sizing die a bit so you don't push back the shoulder. This will effectively tighten the headspace and should improve ignition. It also improves...

I assume you want 338 Win Mag brass. I've been happy with my purchases from Raven Rocks Precision. They have Norma brass in stock.

I suspect that the ballistic coefficient of the 300 bullet is much higher than the 35 bullet. This will make an accuracy difference at extended range in anything but calm conditions. The 300 barrel may also stabilize its bullet better than the 35. Regardless, I believe the 300 will almost...

Since I started this thread, the 35 Whelen has become another favorite - alongside my 375 H&H. I've taken 6 mature hogs with it. I've used both 180 and 200 grain ttsx and both worked well but the 180s killed a little faster. What amazes me about the Whelen is the power relative to the...

I like the 35 Whelen but I would probably choose my 375 H&H to shoot bullets heavier than 250 grains. Hoytcanon, I certainly understand choosing the 250 for large bodied moose and bears but I wonder if a 225 would be more versatile for deer, elk and African antelope?

Another way to handle 300 gr tsx at 2550 fps is to sight in the rifle 2.5" high at 100 yards. This is equal to a 200 yard zero. This gives you a point blank range of 230 yards with a 5" kill zone. The drop at 300 yards is 10 inches. The drop at 350 yards is 20 inches. This is almost dead-on...

I like 22"-23" and 24" doesn't bother me enough to cut. I find 25" barrels annoying - I realize this is personal. I'd get the new stock first if possible. You might be influenced by the rifle balance or length of the forend relative to the barrel.

I somehow overlooked that you were shooting 375 Ruger rather than 375 H&H. I'm sure Varget works in the Ruger but probably not well as in the H&H. I have no experience loading for the 375 Ruger - I suspect it benefits from a slightly slower powder.

Maybe you could load the 250 ttsx for using the CDS you have. It has a good BC too. This would be great for hogs, deer, and all African antelope. You really only benefit from the 270 or 300 on buffalo. If you really want the 270 LRX for everything then get a new CDS after you find your...

Nilgai don't leave good blood trails and they can run a long way with a decent hit. The terrain makes tracking very difficult so you want them down ASAP. In other words, you want to do more than kill it, you want it down quickly. You're gonna pay the bill whether you find it or not. I've...

I would use whatever velocity I could safely get with Varget and not worry about a predetermined velocity target. I see know reason to pursue 2800 fps. I like the idea of of the 270 TSX or LRX for everything. I hope you report back.

For SAAMI cartridges I'd say 338-06. This cartridge deserves to be much more popular and available than it is. It basically does the same job as a 300 Win Mag if you're an under 300 yard hunter but is more pleasant to shoot. I also like that it can be loaded with ubiquitous 30-06 brass. I'd...

Top velocity loads from 235 grain Speer or TSX can be unpleasant to shoot but milder loads made with H4895 or IMR4895 can be very nice for practice. I start with Barnes starting loads for these powders. This is a nice way to get a little more gun handling experience with live fire. I don't...

I was looking for a nice Kimber Classic Select in 7mm-08. They had a Classic Select for sale but listed as a Super America - which is a much more expensive model. The price reflected Super America (which it was not). I emailed them twice about this but only got automated responses on how to...

I think No. 1s are great looking rifles - an awful lot of style and quality for the price - especially with iron sight and the Alexander Henry forend. I read a while back that it is possible to create a take-down No. 1 by using a screw driver to remove the recoil pad and an extension socket to...

If what you want is a good value on a currently available "classic" rifle then the Winchester 70 and Ruger M77 Hawkeye are the way to go. They are both available in blue steel and walnut but these days you will probably have shop online or work with a good gun shop to find one. I certainly...

I bought a Ruger 77/22 LR when they first came out and have enjoyed it hunting and shooting for many years. It's been a trouble free rifle and is still in the family. I also have one in 22 magnum. You are correct that these are great companions to the Ruger Hawkeye. The safety function is...

For multiple-lifetime quality at a reasonable price I would look for a Winchester 70 Featherweight or a Ruger M77. The current version of the Ruger M77 is the Hawkeye. It is controlled round feed like most of the Win 70s if that matters to you. Both can be found in satin blue steel and walnut...

I've had good luck with Kimber 84M - especially in 308. These are the rifles with the floor plate - not the recent stainless version with a drop mag. The wood stock rifle will need to be sourced used. The "disadvantage" is the very light rifle with its lightweight barrel. I have to hold the...

I agree with Toby. I'd seat it to get the best crimp in the grove and find the load that gives me accuracy there. I want durable 375 H&H ammo that will work in all conditions.

The best hunting experience for Nilgai will be found on large ranches south of Kingsville. A good spot and stalk hunt down there is very similar to hunting southern Africa. The bulls are large and tough and your heavy plains game cartridge is just right. I do these hunts and enjoy them but...

I have handled both rifles and fired an Alaskan several times. One big difference in these rifles is the weight. The Alaskan is at least a pound lighter (regardless of the Winchester website info). Mine was about 7.8 pounds as compared to 9 pounds for the Safari Express. That's a big...

Call JES rebore and leave a message. He'll call you and discuss your options. This is a great option if you have a 270 you don't use and want to experience 9.3x62. It only takes a few hundred dollars and a few weeks. But if you want a nice 9.3x62 to take to Africa you might be happier investing...

I agree. The shoulder on your new PPU brass may be pushed back too far. Years ago I bought a box of 9.3x62 factory ammo with this problem and had several misfires.

Okay. Thanks. I'm still interested if the sale doesn't work out.

I'll take it

You may already know this but it's important to be aware that Kimber of Oregon and Kimber of America are two different companies with different rifle models made in different factories. They are both called "Kimber" on the used market. I have read (no first hand experience) that some Oregon...