Hey Rocky......? about .375 Ruger
 

A question for Rocky or anyone else in the know. I saw a piece in a rifle mag about the upcoming .375 Ruger and it was not really that informative about the origins of the new round. It stated that it fits in .30-06 length actions but it did not say what the parent case was or if it is a new case design altogether. Was wondering what the bolt face diameter is. Is it the same as the 06 as well? Or maybe the same as belted mags or somewhere in between. New calibers always get my attention, and this looks interesting but........you can only kill 'em so dead. Also as my age climbs I'm starting to reach for magnums less and for more what I'll label "sensible" calibers. I recently acquired a 6.5 Swede and I think that it just might get quite a bit of use between myself my son and my daughter

Thanks,
Billy

I've seen a couple articles that said the parent case for the Ruger 375 was the 8x68 case; scarce here, but not uncommon in Europe.
Head diameter is larger than a 30-06.

That's about all I've read, too. I believe they won't formally introduce it until the SHOT Show in January, so details may be scarce until then.

I'm like you, though. I don't need it, won't buy it, and am in no hurry to learn anything about it. (That Swede is all the gun you need, my friend.)

If that is true about the 375 using the 8x68 case you are talking about the case being very close water capacity wise to the 300 Win Mag.

I had a 8x68 at one time but sold it. It was a sister to the 8 mmm Rem. mag. or vice versa. Century Arms used to sell Hirtenberger and RWS brass for it and I picked up Beau coup rounds for and a 6,5x68 that I had. Still have the 6,5 but I Ackley Improved it. That made it a 6,5x300 Win Mag without the belt. i'm still futzing with powders for it though.

I agree with Rocky about the Swede. It has harvested every animal on the planet including elephants. BUT, those folks that did that knew what they were shooting and where to shoot it. Bullet placement is the key. For Antelope, Deer and Elk at reasonable ranges I wouldn't feel undergunned with a Swede. The Swede is a favorite with me also.

Howsome ever if you feel you might go after Moose and the big bears the 375 might come in handy.

Best Wishes , Bill

I have heard the same thing about the 8X68. Hornady will make the brass.

Looks to me like the Ruger could be a "niche gun". It slightly beats .375 H&H ballistics but it does it from a 20" carbine.

I posed the question of "what is it for?" to several of my acquaintences who hunt the Dark Continent and they were 100% in agreement that they would not prefer it over the H&H simply due to ammo availability. I was surprised to find how many trips had been nearly ruined when the rifles arrived but the ammo did not (or was late in arriving).

Still and all, for a trip in which you dirve and take your own ammo supply with you, it might make a good light stalking Rifle for Elk, Moose or bear.

I never thought I would find any use for any .375 until I came upon a deal on a Steyr .376 carbine. I am surprised to find I like the critter and will probably take it next time I go out west for Elk. But it wont be my only rifle.

Personally, I am more interested in the carbines Ruger is offering in .338 Federal and .358 Win...that is if they have the sense to put iron sights on them.

2007 might be a good year for those who like their bullets on the "portly" side :-)

Riposte

PS - that doesn't mean I am selling off my 6.5's ;-)

Interesting point. Whenever available, I've ordered the 77RS model, which for extra cost included iron sights as well as the standard Ruger rings. Those were tang safety models. I'm not certain what's available now.