In a time when low-recoil, soft-shooting, flat trajectory cartridges are king, life’s more energetically demanding adventures can seem a little out of reach. There is a time and a place for both approaches. In this post, we are going to explore the offspring created by Hornady Manufacturing and Ruger. Allow me to introduce the 375 Ruger.
The 375 Ruger is more than another cartridge; it’s a new generation of big game ballistic theory conceived in 2007. You may be familiar with the previous generation – the esteemed 375 Holland & Holland Magnum. While not a direct parent cartridge of the 375 Ruger, it does serve as a bit of a take-off point for today’s topic.
The 375 H&H, as denoted by its full name, was designed for a magnum action. This is reflected in both overall length of the cartridge and action design. The 375 Ruger was created to fit in a standard-length action. For some, this may seem irrelevant. If you fall into the smaller-statured segment of the population, it may be very relevant. Come with me and get acquainted with the 375 Ruger and how it may be the answer to your big game questions.
You’ve made the decision. It’s time to scale up your hunting pursuits. Alaska has called or Africa has summoned and it’s time to go. But, you need a rifle and a cartridge that’s up to the task. We have some criteria to meet first, though.
First off, a dangerous game rifle system needs to be something you’re both comfortable and confident with operating. The only way to do that is through effective and intentional practice. That can only happen with a gun that is semi-enjoyable to shoot and that doesn’t create bad habits. Here’s where the 375 Ruger shifts the conversation a bit.
The overall length of the 375 Ruger cartridge (loaded) is the same as a 30-06 (3.340 inches) in comparison to the 375 H&H Magnum with an overall length of 3.600 inches. This may not sound like a measurable difference, but under stress everything is amplified. The standard-length action bolt throw is a much more efficient process for my short arms than the magnum action throw.
Moving on from the physical mechanics, let’s take a look at ballistics. The 375 Ruger offers slightly better velocity and energy than the 375 H&H Magnum. For example, a Hornady 300 grain DGX bonded bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2660 FPS and 4713 FT/LBS of energy out of a 24-inch barrel. At 100 yards, it has a velocity of 2344 FPS and energy of 3660 FT/LBS. With a 100 yard zero, this load has 4.9 inches of drop at 200 yards.
Whether chasing bears in Alaska or dangerous game in Africa, this chambering has the energy to get an animal on the ground. Ballistically, it’s got great features, so the next step is to look at the user interface. Is it in a rifle that the “fun-sized” among us can shoot effectively?
I’m a Mauser-action girl. I love the classic elegance and the feeling of indestructibility. Ruger has hybridized the production process a bit, making the iconic Mauser action a more financially accessible option. Rather than using the traditional methods of machining the action steel and then hand-fitting the finished product, they utilize a casting production method, with the finish tolerance work being machined. This reduction in manual labor makes the production of actions more reproducible, accurate and efficient.
Ruger has a few different options in 375 Ruger – and they’re neatly geographic specific. The first is the Hawkeye Alaskan. This is a stainless and synthetic rifle that oozes practicality from every surface. With express sights, sling swivels and a barrel band, it’s ready to go for the pragmatic 375 Ruger user.
The next is the Hawkeye African. With oil rubbed wood and blued barrel and hinged floor plate, it calls forth sunsets on the savannah and stalks beneath the mopani trees on the Dark Continent. This model also has express sights, barrel band and sling swivels.
The final rifle we are going to look at is the Hawkeye Guide Gun. This is a laminate and stainless system that is perfect for the Alaskan hunter seeking a more leveled up fit, feel and look. With a short barrel and generous recoil pad, it is a beautifully balanced and handy platform for the 375 Ruger. It is also standard equipped with express sights, barrel band and sling swivels. All models listed above come threaded for a suppressor or muzzle brake.
Ruger also chambers its classic Ruger No 1 in a 375 Ruger. With it being a single-shot rifle, however, it is not an ideal choice for big/dangerous game pursuits.
The 375 Ruger is an outstanding choice for the smaller statured hunter. With its standard-length action, moderate chamber pressures and impressive energy down range, it has the resume for multi-continental pursuits. Available in a variety of Ruger models, one can find that “just right” fit to achieve lethality and consistency both on the range and in the field.
Andrea Bogard’s love for the range began at 12 with competitive handgun and expanded to encompass sporting clays a few years later. She became an NSCA instructor at 18 years old and spent the next 18 years getting married and raising two sons, ages 17 and 9 currently. Andrea started hunting six years ago and learned to shoot a rifle and a bow. She is now 41, a full-time writer, homeschool mom and business owner and has hunted three countries, three continents and 19 states. Her sons and lab (Mr. Moose) are the focus of her world. View all posts by Andrea Bogard
