Another 375 Ruger thread

[Bandera]

So I have started the load development process.
My plan was to use the Lead Sled to chrono the rounds. But getting the proper set up off the bench with the sled was not possible so I used the bags.
The starting point.
The factory Hornady 300 DGS advertises 2660 fps out of a 24”test barrel
My rifle averages 2550 with 23” barrel with the Hornady 300 Grain DGS load.
I have dialed in the velocity to an average of 2550 using the Barnes 300 grain TSX, H414 powder. This load is about 2 grains above the minimum listed load.

Accuracy testing is next. The initial results was all the loads where in a single hole at 50 yards. I had one flyer due to me pushing on the shot, but I knew it as soon as I took the shot. There will also be cold bore chrono shots.

With this load, the 375 should be staying above 2000 fps out to 220 yards carrying 2776 ft lbs. Not that I plan on shooting buffalo at that range.
At 50 yards this load is @ 2429 fps and 3930 fp lbs.

89 days to the hunt!

Initial 10 shot group while chronoing at 50 yards.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Very impressive results!

 

[Bandera]

Very impressive results!

Thanks. The 100 yard groups will be the telling data. I suspect they will group at MOA or better. The 375 Ruger seems to have decent accuracy potential.

I did possibly discover an interesting thing while on the bench.
I would chamber the round. Get a good mount on the rifle. Verify I was not going to shoot the chrono. Take the shot. On One of the shots I unknowingly let my mount on the rifle loosen up a bit. Took the shot, resulting in a very sharp pain in the shoulder, looked at the chrono, the shot was 25 fps slower. My speculation is that with the poor mount the rifle recoiled back faster resulting in reduced velocity. I did care to try verify that speculation.

 

[Bandera]

80 days till I leave for Africa, not that I am counting.
Range trip yesterday.
I decided to weigh the Barnes TSX 300 grain bullets.
The weight ranged from 299.6 grains to 301.4 grains.
Powder charge bumped up to 73.7 grains gave me AV of 2532. Getting closer to the factory velocity of 2550.

Decide to test the Ruger Factory rings repeatability.
Verified the bases were torqued to 30 inch pounds.
Took the test shot.
Removed the scope.
Reinstalled it, torqued to 30 inch pounds.
Took the shot, impact low about 2.5 inches.
Took a second shot, impact was back at original point of impact.
Tells me there was a shift and scope settled back after the first shot.
So I will remount the scope make sure the recoil lugs on the rings are set right.

Will be off to the range here in a bit.

 

[Javaman]

The rifle is the Ruger Hawkeye African. Being left handed I went with an available 375 Caliber. I do reload so that is not an issue. Of course you look for months and nothing and then after you purchase a rifle several more come up for sale.
I have shot the Hornady 270 grain and 300 grain factory ammo and my 270 grain practice loads. Nothing on Game yet. Planning on late season deer hunt with the 375 and a hog hunt in March. I know it is over kill on hogs and deer.

My last trip I used a 308 on plains game, 165 grain load one shot kills with no tracking on Zebra, Wildebeest, Warthog and Impala. Most at around 150 yards. The TSX did not expand on the Impala. Front chest shot with bullet lodging on the tailbone.
Back to the 375 Ruger. I am aware of the reputation of the early DGX bullets and them being unreliable.
The current batch of DGX in the 375 or any other caliber, how are they performing?

One reason for my interest in the DGX is that, I am a partner in Shooting Range, we have a collaboration with a local gun store that we send them gun purchases and we buy at cost. So I get a very good price on the 375 Ruger Ammo.

I looked at the Cutting Edge Bullets. They seem to be a good bullet. But not much information on how they preformed on Buffalo. A person did leave a review on accuracy and they he planned to use them on Buffalo. There was no follow up review?
Swift A Frame 300 grain seems to be out of stock in places.

Even though you’ve found a bullet that works - On Cutting Edge bullets … we shot two (2) buffalo plus a host of other game (Gemsbuck, eland, zebra, etc) in 2022 with Cutting Edge Safari Raptors - on game performance was unbelievably good- massive internal trauma. We are taking them again in May. Here in NA we are used to bullets like Accubond, AFrames, etc that mushroom and make a nice exit hole for a blood trail. “Cold air in, warm blood out.” Cutting Edge operate a bit differently, with the blades spiraling after about 3-4” of penetration to create a much larger wound channel while the base continues to drive through. Net net - internals turn to jello. No big blood trail to follow but who cares in Africa - blood literally running out noses as if from a small hose. They are beautifully made, very accurate and easy to load plus CE has great support for questions and all the load data you’d want. Just my $.02 since you asked about CE, YMMV - those Barnes look like they are shooting for you!

 

[Rem280]

I used 270 grain buffalo bore on mine at 110 yards. First shot wrecked him, spun around and second dropped him. https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=576