The .375 Ruger is 13 y/o now. A look back at people's early opinions

[Viral_SIGness]

Funny that people thought it was based on the .300 Win Mag, and saying it would never make it in the long run.

The .375 Ruger is an answer to a question no one's asking... although it'd be a dandy elk round

What Africa/dangerous game capable cartridge will fit a std. length action, and allow for a lighter, handier rifle (read 22-24" barrel and lower cartridge weight) for serious Alaska, B.C. and Yukon grizzly/brown bear and Africa use?

The answer was the .375 Taylor.

The new answer appears to be the .375 Ruger.

Brad, the other thing is that I have a .300 Win. Mag. It's apparently not based on the .338 win mag but on the 300 win. mag. I can maybe use some of my extra brass interchangeably (same platform) for north america hunting and have the same bolt throw?

his is the first I have heard of the new Ruger .375 cartridge, but I have to say I�m a prime candidate to buy one � for a number of reasons.

The first is that I like Ruger centerfire rifles and have more of them (4) than I do Marlin (3), Browning, (1), Remington (1) or any other make (0).
While I have a Marlin in .375Win, I�ve wanted a .375 in H&H, Dakota or RUM for some time � not for Africa, not for Alaska or Canada, not even for hunting in griz country in the lower 48, all places I will very likely NEVER hunt. A .375 bolt gun would become another elk rifle in the stable.

With kids in college, new Ruger rifles in H&H, Dakota rifles or even Remington RUM�s are out of my price bracket � and I have not seen any at gun shows that were in a condition and price that would separate me from m money either. The new Rugers can be built on the standard length Ruger action and should be no more expensive to manufacture than a .338 or .300. My last new Ruger was a canoe-paddle .300 Win that I paid $375 for during the Christmas sales. Even without the sales $450 will get a new Ruger most any day, at least in the Denver area. I�m sure the new .375�s will command a premium price for a while the initial demand is serviced, but that should change relatively quickly.

 

[Bullthrower338]

It made it, a lot of them didn’t, Ruger’s 300 and 338 RCM(which I really like but getting brass is about like finding a virgin in a Juarez whorehouse). Remingtons SAUM line and winchesters WSSM’s. I would be willing to bet that the guys that really liked the 375 Ruger bought a bunch of brass when it came out thinking it might fail because of the bad press. I know when I bought a 223 WSSM I bought 1k cases after the first outing with it. Then I bought a second rifle because I figured my brass would outlast the rifle. Haven’t shot it in better than 10 years now. Still have about 900 new win brass. Wish I had that problem with the 338 RCM.
I really like the 416 Ruger but it is pretty much a failure also, probably outsold by the 416 RM by 50-1. Hard to figure what will catch on and what won’t. Look at the 6.5 Creedmore, outclassed by almost every 6.5 out there but the following is cult like. I got one so don’t attack me about being a creedmore hater! I’d take a 6.5x55 or 264 WM over it every day of the week.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

It made it, a lot of them didn’t, Ruger’s 300 and 338 RCM(which I really like but getting brass is about like finding a virgin in a Juarez whorehouse). Remingtons SAUM line and winchesters WSSM’s. I would be willing to bet that the guys that really liked the 375 Ruger bought a bunch of brass when it came out thinking it might fail because of the bad press. I know when I bought a 223 WSSM I bought 1k cases after the first outing with it. Then I bought a second rifle because I figured my brass would outlast the rifle. Haven’t shot it in better than 10 years now. Still have about 900 new win brass. Wish I had that problem with the 338 RCM.
I really like the 416 Ruger but it is pretty much a failure also, probably outsold by the 416 RM by 50-1. Hard to figure what will catch on and what won’t. Look at the 6.5 Creedmore, outclassed by almost every 6.5 out there but the following is cult like. I got one so don’t attack me about being a creedmore hater! I’d take a 6.5x55 or 264 WM over it every day of the week.

I despise the CM. Hornady put it on the cover of every gun magazine out there month after month. The hype is ruining the shooting world. Fella came into my friends shop, and said "I want one of dem Creedmoors". I asked what type and brand rifle he was looking, to which he replied "You know, the 6.5 Creedmoor". This went on for awhile, and he ended up buying a Savage Axis. I got the box from the back and laid it on the counter and put the gun in it, while he did paper work. He hands me his paperwork, picks the bolt up out of the box and asked what it was for.

The Creedmoor kiddie squad summed up in one picture.

I love the .264 Win Mag, and I've created my own 6.5 as well. The .223 WSSM is the baddest .224" out there!

By the way, you can make .338 RCM brass from .375 Ruger brass.

 

[Newboomer]

Now, now, guys. I like the 6.5CR. It did me proud on my last safari for pg. To each his own. What would the world be if everyone liked the same thing? Gotta have variety and it takes all kinds to make that variety. As has been mentioned, some make it and some don't. Granted, a lot of these new calibers don't do anything that one of the old ones did but it's a sales gimmick that sometimes works.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

Now, now, guys. I like the 6.5CR. It did me proud on my last safari for pg. To each his own. What would the world be if everyone liked the same thing? Gotta have variety and it takes all kinds to make that variety. As has been mentioned, some make it and some don't. Granted, a lot of these new calibers don't do anything that one of the old ones did but it's a sales gimmick that sometimes works.

My wife has a 6.5 CM. I don't dislike the cartridge. I dislike the BS hype around it, and the uneducated shooters it brings, that think it's instantly and always accurate no matter what.

I've used its shoulder angle to make a cartridge that will best the .260 Rem and 6.5 CM. My .265 IWB.

7-08, .265 IWB, 6.5 CM, 7 CM

 

[Bignut]

I despise the CM. Hornady put it on the cover of every gun magazine out there month after month. The hype is ruining the shooting world. Fella came into my friends shop, and said "I want one of dem Creedmoors". I asked what type and brand rifle he was looking, to which he replied "You know, the 6.5 Creedmoor". This went on for awhile, and he ended up buying a Savage Axis. I got the box from the back and laid it on the counter and put the gun in it, while he did paper work. He hands me his paperwork, picks the bolt up out of the box and asked what it was for.

The Creedmoor kiddie squad summed up in one picture.View attachment 394825

I love the .264 Win Mag, and I've created my own 6.5 as well. The .223 WSSM is the baddest .224" out there!

By the way, you can make .338 RCM brass from .375 Ruger brass.

I've heard it referred to as the 6.5 manbun lol

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I despise the CM. Hornady put it on the cover of every gun magazine out there month after month. The hype is ruining the shooting world. Fella came into my friends shop, and said "I want one of dem Creedmoors". I asked what type and brand rifle he was looking, to which he replied "You know, the 6.5 Creedmoor". This went on for awhile, and he ended up buying a Savage Axis. I got the box from the back and laid it on the counter and put the gun in it, while he did paper work. He hands me his paperwork, picks the bolt up out of the box and asked what it was for.

The Creedmoor kiddie squad summed up in one picture.
View attachment 394825

I love the .264 Win Mag, and I've created my own 6.5 as well. The .223 WSSM is the baddest .224" out there!

By the way, you can make .338 RCM brass from .375 Ruger brass.

@Viral_SIGness
Mate you could neck the 223 WSSM or any of the other WSSM cases and neck them up to 6.5 and have the next you beaut cartridge.
Yes it was all the bullshit hype advertising that did the job the same as it did with that other horrible little cartridge of Winchester.
Unfortunately sling enough bullshit and people eventually believe it.
The 375 Ruger is a great cartridge in a smaller package and deserves more promotion.
Bob

 

[Philip Glass]

.375 Ruger is here to stay.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

.375 Ruger is here to stay.

Sadly, the .416 is not. That's why I want one before they become scarce.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

@Viral_SIGness
Mate you could neck the 223 WSSM or any of the other WSSM cases and neck them up to 6.5 and have the next you beaut cartridge.
Yes it was all the bullshit hype advertising that did the job the same as it did with that other horrible little cartridge of Winchester.
Unfortunately sling enough bullshit and people eventually believe it.
The 375 Ruger is a great cartridge in a smaller package and deserves more promotion.
Bob

The .375 Ruger really does deserve more praise. With Reloader 17, I have slightly bettered the H&H, with an average of 2595 with a 300 grain. Gordon's and Quickload say I'm in the 59k psi range. That shows how efficient the cartridge is.

I was able to push the 300 to 2700 with no pressure signs as well. My PH said 2500 is all that's needed, and the H&H has been sufficient for 109 years. So who am I to question it? From the first moment I mentioned a buffalo hunt, I've been told to listen to your PH. So that's what I've done.

 

[ldmay375]

The 375 Ruger is definitely on my favorite cartridge list, as is the 416 Ruger.

 

[curtism1234]

In my opinion, the research and roll out was absolutely terrible. A new cartridge with only 2 bullets, at least 1 of which was not capable of the task for which the cartridge was designed. Hornady should have known better...perhaps they were rushed by Ruger to bring it to market.That has been fixed by Hornady and a few other smaller companies load for it now. .

It is an interesting cartridge. I wouldn't give up a 375hh though. 416 ruger, sure.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

In my opinion, the research and roll out was absolutely terrible. A new cartridge with only 2 bullets, at least 1 of which was not capable of the task for which the cartridge was designed. Hornady should have known better...perhaps they were rushed by Ruger to bring it to market.That has been fixed by Hornady and a few other smaller companies load for it now. .

It is an interesting cartridge. I wouldn't give up a 375hh though. 416 ruger, sure.

I've become a huge fan of the .375 Ruger, and I wouldn't give up an H&H for one either.

 

[bassasdaindia]

I think that Rugers Alaskan models had a lot to do with the success of both the 375 Ruger as well as the 416 Ruger .
I am in agreement that the 375 Ruger has been better accepted than the 416 Ruger ,the 416 RM has stifled the acceptable of the 416 Ruger especially with Winchester M70 offering in 416 RM.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

In 2013, I booked a 2014 Alaskan brown bear hunt and was planning to take my 338 WM. My hunting buddies sort of shamed me into getting something bigger, like a 375 H&H. I had looked at the 375 Ruger Alaskan, but wasn't sure about the 20 inch barrel. I stumbled across a 23 inch Alaskan and quickly made the purchase. Not knowing if the 375 Ruger was going to make it, I also purchased about 300 rounds of factory ammo, to insure a supply of brass. The 375 Ruger and later a 404 Jeffery are what got me back into reloading.

I recently upgraded the scope on my 375 Ruger, switching out the Leupold 1.5-5 x 20 for a Leica Magnus 1-6.3 x 24. I am planning to take the 375 Ruger to BC later this year for a moose hunt. Still playing with 250 gr Hornady GMX vs the tried and true 300 gr Swift A-Frames.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

In 2013, I booked a 2014 Alaskan brown bear hunt and was planning to take my 338 WM. My hunting buddies sort of shamed me into getting something bigger, like a 375 H&H. I had looked at the 375 Ruger Alaskan, but wasn't sure about the 20 inch barrel. I stumbled across a 23 inch Alaskan and quickly made the purchase. Not knowing if the 375 Ruger was going to make it, I also purchased about 300 rounds of factory ammo, to insure a supply of brass. The 375 Ruger and later a 404 Jeffery are what got me back into reloading.

I recently upgraded the scope on my 375 Ruger, switching out the Leupold 1.5-5 x 20 for a Leica Magnus 1-6.3 x 24. I am planning to take the 375 Ruger to BC later this year for a moose hunt. Still playing with 250 gr Hornady GMX vs the tried and true 300 gr Swift A-Frames.

I can 100% tell you, the 20" barrel costs you 60-70 fps vs the 23". That's what made me get one of each and do all that testing. No one had made real comparisons.

I'm curious about the GMX too. I believe it has 5 pedals where Barnes has 4.

 

[1dirthawker]

I'm curious about the GMX too. I believe it has 5 pedals where Barnes has 4.

I've used the GMX bullet in the 375 ruger. seems to do a fine job. shoots pretty flat, and the few i've recovered looked like an advertisement. i've shot moose, caribou and brown bear with them.

this is just my thoughts but, i suspect they will penetrate similar to the swift a Frame. the moose i shot quartering thru the neck. was in the top 3 of largest moose i have been in on. the bullet went thru the neck and stopped at under the hide on the opposite side, probably 2 feet of penetration in very tough muscle, grisle and bone.

the previous DGX bullet was not tough enough for the purposes, but the new bonded one seems to be a good fix. so, i bought the GMX with intentions of possibly cape buffalo, and other game. not long thereafter i found North Fork bullets, and settled on them.

but my experience with the GMX was all good. the 375 ruger is a great cartridge/gun combo

 

[Viral_SIGness]

I've used the GMX bullet in the 375 ruger. seems to do a fine job. shoots pretty flat, and the few i've recovered looked like an advertisement. i've shot moose, caribou and brown bear with them.

this is just my thoughts but, i suspect they will penetrate similar to the swift a Frame. the moose i shot quartering thru the neck. was in the top 3 of largest moose i have been in on. the bullet went thru the neck and stopped at under the hide on the opposite side, probably 2 feet of penetration in very tough muscle, grisle and bone.

the previous DGX bullet was not tough enough for the purposes, but the new bonded one seems to be a good fix. so, i bought the GMX with intentions of possibly cape buffalo, and other game. not long thereafter i found North Fork bullets, and settled on them.

but my experience with the GMX was all good. the 375 ruger is a great cartridge/gun combo

That Hornady DGX was disastrous at first. I've heard the newer ones are better, but I've also heard a lot of guys say they'd never use it on Buffalo.

My PH got me started on Peregrine, and have the VRG-3 300 grain for my Buffalo load.

A bullet stopping under the offside hide, to me, is textbook perfect performance. It has give all it had to give, and stopped just shy of over penetration. I've ordered some GMX and look forward to trying them on Whitetail.

 

[1dirthawker]

That Hornady DGX was disastrous at first. I've heard the newer ones are better, but I've also heard a lot of guys say they'd never use it on Buffalo.

i would agree that the early DGX bullets were not good. the current run (bonded) was tested by i believe, Kevin Robertson. he seemed very positive toward them. i watched the video and would not hesitate to use them. in fact i recently bought two boxes to use on brown bears and what ever else i run across.

i suspect they will do a fine job on a deer, if the bullet is well placed.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Interesting paper on Barnes TTSX & Hornady GMX testing and comparison.