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Thoughts on a 375 H&H

5K views 80 replies 28 participants last post by  CaptainGeneral 
#1 ·
I think I am going to buy a 375 H&H. Any thoughts on a Winchester SE or Alaskan, CZ, or Sako? I am also thinking about maybe a Montana Rifle Vantage.
 
#6 ·
For what? Just a range gun or actually going somewhere?


CZ, Sako, distant 3rd Winchester and Ruger.


I have two, one on a P-14 Action, the other is a Whitworth Express on a Mauser 98. I used to have three, but sold my CZ to a guide who wanted another as a loaner.
 
#8 ·
For what? Just a range gun or actually going somewhere?


CZ, Sako, distant 3rd Winchester and Ruger.


I have two, one on a P-14 Action, the other is a Whitworth Express on a Mauser 98. I used to have three, but sold my CZ to a guide who wanted another as a loaner.
I still have some P-14s and 17s some place that I will never finish,
I know that one is test fired in 375 h&h imp.

I only used Remington or Winchester, never Eddystone.
 
#14 ·
I would look hard at the CZ express then.

That would be my first choice if I were going to take a 375 to the dark continent.

Though my doubles and 404 Jeffery would likely go first
I had never thought about a double until recently. I am not going to take one on my next trip, but I am going to have to get one. Not a small investment.
 
#15 ·
If you like the win 70 style safety, you can get a CZ upgraded to it by

American Hunting Rifles
http://americanhuntingrifles.com/?page_id=221

They're currently doing a #1-2 on my 550 carbine in 9.3x62, as well as installing a quarter rib with single standing sight.

Should be a handy little bush rifle when I get it back.
 
#26 ·
Essentially, yes.

I would not buy both a 375 and a 9.3 unless you just like old Africa calibers.


You will find nothing the 9.3 cannot do the 375 will.
I know the 9.3 falls short on the performance side compared to the 375, but that rifle from Sako with the mannlicher stock is just something I really like.
 
#20 ·
9.3x62 is as popular as a cartridge gets once you leave America.

That said, the probability of losing your ammo, but still having your rifle "in the bush" is about zilch these days.


Though H&H and 9.3x62 is much more available and easy to find than Ruger.
 
#21 ·
The CZ is nice but has a heavy stock and is pretty weighty once it's scoped and loaded.
Sakos are nice but expensive. I had one of their old mannlicher style carbines 40 years ago. Neat looking, easy handling, well built but touching one off in such a light gun was a bit much.
The Winchester safari express is a pure classic, African old school style bolt gun. They make a great handling hunting rifle.
Weatherby has their Vanguard DGR and if anything I'm sure it's accurate and solid being a Vanguard.
Ruger No.1's are a classic. I shot one off and on for years. They don't lend themselves well to scope use. But they - usually - shoot ok, although some need tinkering.
Remington's are good. But you don't seem to see a lot around in the caliber.
Right now I've got my old Ruger No.1, a Winchester safari express, and a Remington 700 SS all in .375 H&H in the safe. I break them out every once in awhile. But when I reach for one to hunt with it's usually the Remington due to it's lighter weight, SS construction/synthetic stock, and accuracy. She'll put Federal factory 300gr Nosler Partitions into 1.5" @100 yards when I do my part. And that's with a Leupold VX II 4x40/w dot.
 
#27 ·
The CZ is nice but has a heavy stock and is pretty weighty once it's scoped and loaded.
Sakos are nice but expensive. I had one of their old mannlicher style carbines 40 years ago. Neat looking, easy handling, well built but touching one off in such a light gun was a bit much.
The Winchester safari express is a pure classic, African old school style bolt gun. They make a great handling hunting rifle.
Weatherby has their Vanguard DGR and if anything I'm sure it's accurate and solid being a Vanguard.
Ruger No.1's are a classic. I shot one off and on for years. They don't lend themselves well to scope use. But they - usually - shoot ok, although some need tinkering.
Remington's are good. But you don't seem to see a lot around in the caliber.
Right now I've got my old Ruger No.1, a Winchester safari express, and a Remington 700 SS all in .375 H&H in the safe. I break them out every once in awhile. But when I reach for one to hunt with it's usually the Remington due to it's lighter weight, SS construction/synthetic stock, and accuracy. She'll put Federal factory 300gr Nosler Partitions into 1.5" @100 yards when I do my part. And that's with a Leupold VX II 4x40/w dot.
Oh I agree with this...the CZ's need a McMillan fiberglass stock....the factory wood is far too bulky and needs someone to take a rasp to it and reinforce the lug and have it pillar bedded. Early 550 magnums came with thinner wood but had a nasty habit of splitting the stocks after a modest amount of use. CZ made em thicker partially to solve that problem.

The old BRNO 602 may not win a beauty contest in the fit and finish department but they have a wide following in Africa and if you can find an older model it has a nifty pop up rear sight built into the rear receiver bridge! It is a very nicely proportioned gun in terms of weight, balance etc
 
#23 ·
I just sold my Ruger Safari Magnum in .375 H&H. Previous to that I owned a Sako Safari in .375 H&H. Both were good, accurate, reliable guns. The Ruger had controlled round feed and an integral quarter rib that made it heavy but also gave it some class.

When it comes to Africa, the .375 H&H is a jack of all trades that really is better replaced with two rifles.... A heavy and a medium. I've gone to .404 Jeffery for most all of my heavy needs just because I shoot it well and it doesn't beat the crap out of me like a Lott or .458 WIn Mag. And for plains game I either carry a .300 magnum of some variety or my trusty .338 Win Mag with 210 gr Noslers. Of course you could as easily use something like a 7X57 or a 30/06 for most plains game and do great work with those as well. The .338 Win Mag can do most of what a .375 H&H will do...

I'll never shoot elephant, rhino etc and about the only other gun I would want for Africa would be a .470 NE double rifle for Buffalo...Kreighoff's are around $8k on the used market if you are patient.

If I were looking for a new .375 H&H today I'd look at a CZ550 in new guns or a used BRNO 602... An old Winchester M70 would also be in the running. This is a rifle I'd want with CRF....no push feeds for me. Medium rifle...no problem
 
#25 ·
I just sold my Ruger Safari Magnum in .375 H&H. Previous to that I owned a Sako Safari in .375 H&H. Both were good, accurate, reliable guns. The Ruger had controlled round feed and an integral quarter rib that made it heavy but also gave it some class.

When it comes to Africa, the .375 H&H is a jack of all trades that really is better replaced with two rifles.... A heavy and a medium. I've gone to .404 Jeffery for most all of my heavy needs just because I shoot it well and it doesn't beat the crap out of me like a Lott or .458 WIn Mag. And for plains game I either carry a .300 magnum of some variety or my trusty .338 Win Mag with 210 gr Noslers. Of course you could as easily use something like a 7X57 or a 30/06 for most plains game and do great work with those as well. The .338 Win Mag can do most of what a .375 H&H will do...

I'll never shoot elephant, rhino etc and about the only other gun I would want for Africa would be a .470 NE double rifle for Buffalo...Kreighoff's are around $8k on the used market if you are patient.

If I were looking for a new .375 H&H today I'd look at a CZ550 in new guns or a used BRNO 602... An old Winchester M70 would also be in the running. This is a rifle I'd want with CRF....no push feeds for me. Medium rifle...no problem
I have thought about just taking a 300wm or 300RUM. I have a 300RUM that Bob Beck built for me that is the most accurate rifle I have ever held, but it just doesn't excite me for Africa. For some reason I really want a 375 H&H.

Any thoughts on the new Vantage line from MRC? I have a 25-06 in their ASR line and it really is a fine rifle for the price.
 
#24 · (Edited)
I found you a 375, better hurry ends the 25th.

375 H&H Mag RSM Ruger M77 Circassian *REDUCED*

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/697975603

Here is some BSing on it.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/2231748/1

If you don't like that one, here is another one,
if you get this one I would put a Ruger m77
bolt stop on it,

https://www.wholesalehunter.com/Product/Details/11125175?source=A10003

Both of these guns at least have one piece bolts,
most guns now made don't.

Once again, I would not buy a single shot for dangerous
game,
I also would not use a single shot handgun for
police work or for CCW.
 
#29 ·
If money isn't an issue I think the Weatherby Mark V DGR is prob the best .375 out there today and after you've spent the $ on a Sako (great rifles BTW), you're nearly to a DGR. Of the ones you initially mentioned, I'd go CZ, excellent rifles, reasonably priced.
 
#32 ·
My youngest son recently bought a Remington 700 XCR II in .375 H&H.

Niiiiiiiiice rifle.

I just have no idea why he bought it, other than the price. He basically stole this rifle.

Maybe he just wants to fill his gun safe. ????????
 
#33 ·
I have two rifles in 375 H&H, one on a 1917 action and one a Winchester Model 70. I fitted the Model 70 with a muzzle brake, which makes it much more pleasant to shoot. You want to be able to shoot the rifle enough so that you are competent with it and full bore loads.

For your Africa trip, consider the CZ 550 American Safari, with the composite stock. Set up for optics but with back up iron sights, and 5 rounds should you need them.
 
#35 ·
What species are you going after? If its all plains game take your 300 if you shoot it well and don't look back. If Buff is in the mix you really want something that starts with a 4 in the caliber... 404, 416, 458, etc. When Jack O-Conner and his wife went on Safari she killed most every head of plains game cleanly with a 7X57!

Lets be honest...I enjoy shooting my .270, .257 and 7x57.... I tolerate the bigger calibers. Most of your animals will be smaller..so go enjoy yourself. You don't need a DGR to hunt plains game. Your PH will have one for emergencies...and trust me. He will know his business...
I know you are right, but if I used something I already own, then I wouldn't be buying a new rifle for the trip:supergrin:
 
#37 ·
In that case you want a controlled feed action. CZ or Montana Rifle Vantage

the Montana rifle vantage is a beautiful rifle. (See attachment) And the 375 H&H is a great caliber. They are known for their accuracy and the ability to place different weight bullets in the same spot.

And if you reload it is a very versatile cartridge. with cast bullets you can load it to 38-55 ballistics or somewhat better and it makes a good deer, hog, and black bear gun, and with full power loads are great for elk, moose, brown bear and grizzly.

 
#39 ·
If you like the win 70 style safety, you can get a CZ upgraded to it by

American Hunting Rifles
http://americanhuntingrifles.com/?page_id=221

They're currently doing a #1-2 on my 550 carbine in 9.3x62, as well as installing a quarter rib with single standing sight.

Should be a handy little bush rifle when I get it back.
This. I have a CZ 550 in .375 H&H worked over by AHR, and I couldn't be happier.
 
#40 · (Edited)
CZ or the Montana. But to be truthful unless you are going after some seriously nasty stuff any decent 300 Win Mag loaded with decent bullets will do the job. And, as someone else noted if something with an attitude shows up your PH will be well prepared to sort it out. I carried a Ball & Sons 470 NE for occasions like that.

But also be aware that things do happen, and the bottom line is that you might just have to defend yourself.
 
#41 · (Edited)
Somebody said Ruger No. 1's don't lend well to scopes. Don't know why but I tend to agree. Put a low power on my SS No.1 in .45-70 and although quite accurate with my handloads that were close to .458's and sink em (500 gr. hard hand cast Postell's) in 1.5~~1.75" @ 100 yds. I just didn't like the scope but can't say why. Removed it and put a Skinner Aperture on the rear using the factory front and Love Her. MY hunting any big game days are sadly over. I could think of some real slow executions for whoever the MF was that called these the "Golden Years"! I love those The Montana rifles and their quality of workmanship is amazing! If I were young again, I'd probably go for one of those. Dreaming :)
 
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