Problem with new rifle/ammo combination

[Savage Hunter]

So, I was very happy when I acquired my Nosler M48 Outfitter in 375ruger.
I've shot it some at the range and did the break-in and sight in using some free 300gr DGX and purchased some 270gr TSX that I intended to hunt with.
They shoot fine.

BUT.... for some reason I had never loaded the magazine, instead just shooting one shot at a time and letting the barrel cool, if needed, during the break-in, plus a swab down the barrel every few shots.

So, today I wanted to play with it some. Just cycling the ammo, getting used to things.
PROBLEM--- These TSX will not cycle properly. It seems the problem arises because they have a flat nose. This nose hits a flat surface in the rifle and stops the bullet from going forward.
I called the Nosler factory and, of course, they said send it in, but asked if all ammo did this or just the TSX.
Since, that's all I had tried, I replied "I don't know, but will find out."
I wish I had not shot up all my 300gr DGX, but they're gone.
Nosler guy told me that rarely they've had to alter something using various bullets, but very rarely.

The turn around time on sending the rifle back is dangerously close, so wanted to try some alternative.

At the gun shop I tried cycling some Hornady 250gr GMX. Built similar to the TSX but have a polymer tip.
They cycled wonderfully in the rifle. The polymer tip misses that edge that the flat surface of the TSX was hitting.
I will be giving them a try at the range as soon as possible.
I know that I can also get the TTSX in 250gr. from DoubleTap and they would likely (I suppose) cycle just as well.

Now, I will likely eventually send the rifle back and let them do whatever they have to do. The guy at the gun shop, along with the Nosler guy, said they could "taper the entry" so that the bullet would miss it.

So, my question. Anyone using the Hornady Superformance 250gr GMX on plainsgame? or buffalo?
If so, how did you like them? More importantly, How did the game dislike them?

 

[gillettehunter]

Never seen them in the bigger calibers. A friend has used them in his .30 calibers and under. He liked their preformance on deer and elk. So I would say they should do great for you. Bruce

 

[matt85]

in my experience the pedals are a bit fragile on the TTSX, not saying they wont work just that they aren't as tough as the TSX.

no idea on the GMX, I couldn't get them to shoot well in my rifle.

best expanding buffalo bullet on the market is the Swift A-frame. here is some on sale: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/5...n-375-ruger-300-grain-swift-a-frame-box-of-20

-matt

 

[Ridge Runner]

Savage Hunter,

First off I'm not familar with the Nosler M48. But, As a retired gunsmith and reloader, I am familar with your problem.

I have to ask. Do/Can you reload for this rifle? Reloading could be a quick fix. Otherwuse:

Here is what I recommend first:

1. Check the cartridge length of the cartridges you are using. Does each cartridge measure the same? Do the different types of cartridges measure the same? Does each cartridge, of each type, measure within t/- 0.003 of factory C.O.L.?
(t=plus sign)

2. When working the bolt; Are you working the bolt smoothly or Are you watching the ammo load, allowing the round to "pop up" out of the "channel" area?

3. Mainly occurs with removable box magazine. Check magazine shelf and spring tension.
a. Check mag shelf for even movement and each type round properly fits in the magazine the same way. Feel for burrs, using a cotton swab all around and down to where the self stops when fully loaded.

b. Check spring tension, this is a "touchy-feelly", with two fingers, one at each end of mag shelf, is the spring excessly stiff: hard to push the shelf straight and evenly down to fully loaded level, or is it soft, squishy, easy to push down?

This is just a start as to trying to find out what your problem might be.

Remedies:
1. Ammo variations is the problem.
a. Bullet design/shape: round nose, flat point vs tappered point.
b.Bullet lenghth, above the brass, usually the tappered type tips are slightly longer-more exposed than non tappered type bullets.
c. Cartridge Overall Length variations, this allows the bullet to "pop up" rather than slide into the chamber. Which can also happen when slowly pushing the bolt forward watching rounds or if the mag spring is weak or excessively to strong.
2. Work the bolt....I prefer dry....lube the bolt....Work the bolt some more. The bolt may feel smooth to you, but it may not be smooth where it counts.
3. Burrs: Even the slightest burr can interfer with the shelf to smoothly, evenly operate when using a short or long nose bullet. Simply remove burr with jeweler file or emory paper using LIGHT!!! strokes until burr removed.
NOTE: Doesn't seem to be your problem, but a burr on the magazine lip that the bolt passes over could cause a bolt face to cartridge mis-alaignment. You may want to check the bolt face and rim for a burr.

Magazine spring: Should be varified and checked by a gunsmith: seems to be too strong or too weak, simply replace it.

I hope this helps. This is the least best way I can try to help you. Best way is having the firearm and ammunition and you in front of me.

Other trouble shooting ideas would require a good gunsmith with the neccessary measuring tools.

If none of the above are the problem....Being a new firearm... and what you consider close turn around time...I take it you have your CBP4457 and SAPS forms already filed...I would advise sending it back for a full going over.

Hope this helps.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I've shot Hornady Superformance with the SST bullet on 270, 300 WM & 338 WM on a few hunts and had great results. All one shot kills. Typically though you don't get an exit wound.

I've shoot a lot of 270 gr and 300 gr GMX in my 375 Ruger, but only on the range. Accuracy was good.

Swift ammo is available in 375 Ruger, with the A-Frame. $68/box at Midway USA. Midway has super fast delivery.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/5...n-375-ruger-300-grain-swift-a-frame-box-of-20

Another option is pick a bullet and have Hendershots load you some ammo, if you have a couple of weeks before your hunt.
https://hendershots.net/product/375-ruger-extreme-custom-ammo/

 

[Savage Hunter]

Well, this rifle will cycle any bullet that is tipped just fine, smooth as could be desired.
No guarantees otherwise. (unless I just wanted to load the rifle with 2 bullets instead of 3 or 4)

I am only planning plainsgame for this trip, although I am wishing I could or would have done differently.
Eland is the largest animal planned.

I ordered some 250 grain TTSX from Double Tap.
We had a fun time shooting today.
From the bench I was pleasantly surprised.
After re-sighting my scope, I shot a 100 yard group of 3/8 inches.
I did not really imagine the rifle/scope/{Savage Hunter} combination being less than even 1 MOA even though nosler guarantees it.

I've put 60 shots through it now from various brands, bullets, and weights.
I do need to raise my 50 yard zero on the iron sights as they are shooting a few inches low.
I'm planning a couple more range days in the next few weeks

 

[Philip Glass]

So, I was very happy when I acquired my Nosler M48 Outfitter in 375ruger.
I've shot it some at the range and did the break-in and sight in using some free 300gr DGX and purchased some 270gr TSX that I intended to hunt with.
They shoot fine.

BUT.... for some reason I had never loaded the magazine, instead just shooting one shot at a time and letting the barrel cool, if needed, during the break-in, plus a swab down the barrel every few shots.

So, today I wanted to play with it some. Just cycling the ammo, getting used to things.
PROBLEM--- These TSX will not cycle properly. It seems the problem arises because they have a flat nose. This nose hits a flat surface in the rifle and stops the bullet from going forward.
I called the Nosler factory and, of course, they said send it in, but asked if all ammo did this or just the TSX.
Since, that's all I had tried, I replied "I don't know, but will find out."
I wish I had not shot up all my 300gr DGX, but they're gone.
Nosler guy told me that rarely they've had to alter something using various bullets, but very rarely.

The turn around time on sending the rifle back is dangerously close, so wanted to try some alternative.

At the gun shop I tried cycling some Hornady 250gr GMX. Built similar to the TSX but have a polymer tip.
They cycled wonderfully in the rifle. The polymer tip misses that edge that the flat surface of the TSX was hitting.
I will be giving them a try at the range as soon as possible.
I know that I can also get the TTSX in 250gr. from DoubleTap and they would likely (I suppose) cycle just as well.

Now, I will likely eventually send the rifle back and let them do whatever they have to do. The guy at the gun shop, along with the Nosler guy, said they could "taper the entry" so that the bullet would miss it.

So, my question. Anyone using the Hornady Superformance 250gr GMX on plainsgame? or buffalo?
If so, how did you like them? More importantly, How did the game dislike them?

My .375 Ruger would not group well with any Hornady ammo. I didn't have feeding issues with DGX but did have some with DGS. I had ammo loaded by Safari Arms and had the Ruger accurized at Hill Country Rifles. No more problems!
Hope you get things figured out before your safari.
Regards,
Philip

 

[Savage Hunter]

All good with my 250 ttsx ammo.
Thanks

 

[Desert Dog]

All good with my 250 ttsx ammo.
Thanks

You won't be disappointed. I use the 250 TTSX exclusively in my 375 H&Hs. Just like all the TTSXs, it has performed exceptionally well on everything I have shot with it.

When you start handloading for it, this bullet REALLY shines in 375.

 

[sheephunterab]

Yup, we've killed dangerous game, including buffalo on three continents with the GMX and they work just fine. If they work well in your rifle, feel confident shooting them!

 

[sheephunterab]

I've shot Hornady Superformance with the SST bullet on 270, 300 WM & 338 WM on a few hunts and had great results. All one shot kills. Typically though you don't get an exit wound.

I've shoot a lot of 270 gr and 300 gr GMX in my 375 Ruger, but only on the range. Accuracy was good.

There is no such thing as a 270gr and 300gr GMX in .375. Only 250 grain.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

There is no such thing as a 270gr and 300gr GMX in .375. Only 250 grain.

sheephunterab: you are correct, I misspoke. Good catch! I meant to say I've shot 300 gr DGS and DGX and some 270 gr Interlock (because that's about all the factory ammo you can find in 375 Ruger). I actually need to try the 250 gr GMX, as I bet it would be good for PG.

 

[sheephunterab]

sheephunterab: I actually need to try the 250 gr GMX, as I bet it would be good for PG.

It's worked awesome for both plains and dangerous game for us. Tempted to try it on a hippo this fall.We'll see.