Question ... converting a .350 Rem. Mag to .375 Ruger in a Rem. Custom KS platform?

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WildBill45

New member
I am shooter and not a gunsmith. I have been thinking about changing my rifle to a bigger caliber. I have a Remington Custom KS in 350 Rem. Mag. It is super light, with a Kevlar stock, and based on a Model Seven.

Here are my questions for those familiar with the particulars.

1. Will a .375 Ruger Cartridge work in a Model Seven action?
2. If yes to #1, I will proceed. Is the barrel profile hard to replace, and/or hard to fit a new barrel in the custom Kevlar stock. If not, is the Kevlar stock and bedding easily workable to enlarge to fit a new bigger barrel?

Since moving back to the east coast from the west I do not use the .350 much here, as I hunt whitetail with my flintlock most of the time. I am thinking about leaving my 350 in Alaska, with many of my other guns, so my son can use it for caribou hunting, but, and there always is a but in life, I would like a larger caliber in case something larger than a caribou becomes an issue out in the bush.

I hate to mess with this rifle as it is truly accurate, and very easy to carry with the one-piece scope rings, and Kevlar stock, etc… Who knows, the .375 may shoot as good.
 

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No it will not work, the M7 action is too short. I wouldn't mess with it I'd buy a new rifle if you want to step up to the Ruger. The .350 RM is about the same as a .35 Whelen and that is nothing to sneeze at. You could convert it to a wild cat round like a .375 WSM, there is a gunsmith here in Peyton that builds them. Says he can get .375 H&H velocites with 270 and 300 grain bullets out of 22" barrels. Of course you would have to reload to go that route, but I'm guessing with the .350 you already are.
 
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Unless you are planning on hunting Cape Buffalo, Rhino or Elephant your 350 Rem Mag is more than enough gun for the remaining two of the Big Five, Lion and Leopard. Jeff Cooper used the 35 Rem Mag in his "Lion Scout" before the 376 Steyr was developed.

The 350 Rem Mag is the "twin" of the 35 Whelen, which is the ballistic brother of the 9.3x62. And the 9.3x62 will push a 286gr pill to 2350 fps, which is just shy of the 375 H&H's 300 gr pill at 2400 fps. So going to a larger bore isn't going to give you any serious advantage unless you step up out of the medium bores and into a big bore.

Jimro
 
taylorce1

I knew a gunsmith in the Black Forest, Thompson, when I Lived in Divide Colorado! He was the best!

Thanks for the information!
 
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The 350 Rem Mag is the "twin" of the 35 Whelen, which is the ballistic brother of the 9.3x62. And the 9.3x62 will push a 286gr pill to 2350 fps, which is just shy of the 375 H&H's 300 gr pill at 2400 fps.
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I have been shooting this 350 for years, and took some nice game in Africa with it! But, I never considered it in the class of the 9.3x62! I am shooting Swift 225 grn. A-frames in it now, but they clock around 2450 I believe. I have to go through my chrono records to be sure.

If the person above is correct, and the .375 Ruger doesn't fit the Model 7 action, then the plan is not going to work anyway.

Another reason that I am considering a larger caliber, is the fact that I don't trust the push Remington Action like I do a CRF action, although I have not had any problems. If it it did act up and I had at least one Big round in the chamber, at least I could get one GOOD shot at whatever to slow em' down so to speak! Silly, but a thought...
 
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When you compare same weight bullets for the 9.3x62 and 350 Rem Mag, the similarities are obvious.

With a 250 gr bullet

350 Rem Mag, 2,576 fps
9.3x62, 2,600 fps

Seriously they are neck and neck for performance. I wouldn't worry about the whole push round feed vs. controlled round feed, any more it is really a matter of personal opinion.

Plus, you can use that 350 Rem Mag to launch 147 gr 9mm full metal jackets faster than 3000 fps for cheap thrills :-)

Jimro
 
Jimro

I wouldn't worry about the whole push round feed vs. controlled round feed, any more it is really a matter of personal opinion.
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I appreciate the perspective that I didn't consider before. In regard to the above quote, I am old school and still believe in the CRF action over the push models. One of my friends in Colorado was Cotton Gordon, a well known African Pro, and Craig Leerberg, a big time SCI hunter. I Have owned both style actions, and my "Mr. Dependable" is my ole 03'A3 which I have depended on since age 14! This is in 'life & death' matters, not routine hunting for non-dangerous game!
 
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I understand what you mean, my 9.3x62 is in a Mauser action, like Wally Johnson used. But I wouldn't turn my nose up at at a Savage in 375 H&H!

Jimro
 
The 375 Ruger is an unusual cartridge. Only made by Hornady. Not cheap. Not easy to find. Not much better if at all than the .375 Holland and Holland.
 
The 375 Ruger is an unusual cartridge. Only made by Hornady. Not cheap. Not easy to find. Not much better if at all than the .375 Holland and Holland.
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If a store carries .375 H&H ammunition it will have .375 Ruger sitting on the shelf as well. The Ruger has earned quite a following in the short time it has been on the market, it was a well thought out cartridge. It offers .375 H&H performance in a more compact rifle.
 
1) No. The 375 Ruger is too long for a Model 7
2) The 350 RM in the Model 7 is already a fine cartridge / rifle combination for your intended use. If you really want to go to something bigger, you'll need a rifle with a larger action.
 
It looks like the .375 conversion won't work; I have never held a .375 round in my hand. I am probably going to keep my .350 as is, it is a sweat rifle indeed, but load up some solids for it for special occasions that may require them.

The new Barnes Banded Solids are not made in .35 caliber!:eek:
 
With the increase in popularity of the 350RM courtesy of the short magnum craze I would stick to that unless planning on going to Africa.

It really is a great round with anything from 180 to 250 gn pills.
 
It looks like the .375 conversion won't work; I have never held a .375 round in my hand. I am probably going to keep my .350 as is, it is a sweat rifle indeed, but load up some solids for it for special occasions that may require them.
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Like what, headshots on elephants?

I can't think of a situation in Alaska where solids would be the way to go, unless you plan on shooting a bear that's hiding behind a tree. Use a good tough expanding bullet in your 350RM and you'll be in good shape.

Besides even if solids were somehow magic, if you were to get into a situation with a bear that required them you wouldn't have time to be fiddling with your ammo.
 
Besides even if solids were somehow magic, if you were to get into a situation with a bear that required them you wouldn't have time to be fiddling with your ammo.
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THIS IS VERY TRUE!

I was thinking more of a situation where you had some reasons to pre-load solids, such as a problem bear was known to be in the area, and you had to walk out through the thick stuff where the problem was. Most of the time it would be as above as in your statement, or if you were lucky you may get one shot off since you were already mentally aware, and that shot MUST reach the vitals for a stop!

I will agree that my Africa mindset does come to bear in these scenarios, because after having a lion Scare the S--- out of me up close and personal, I/you tend to be more prepared for all scenarios! I am aware such scenarios are rare, but how much trouble is it to have a couple of solids along for the ride ... just in case?;)

Remember I am NOT talking about hunting bears, I am talking about a CHARGING, upset BEAR, PURELY SELF DEFENSE SITUATIONS. This is where solids count, as the animal already has YOUR ADDRESS, and knows where to find you! Like you said it may be so close you can't get your gun up, but I rather be in a position to give it a go and shoot from the hip if necessary, than surrender and lie down! This is me, maybe not others...

Hunting has the advantage of surprise most of the time, without the animal being up worked up already, and the animal may be presenting a good look at the vitals in a controlled shooting environment.

Make it a life and death situation where the adreniline flows, the best hunting shooters can't hit a cow standing on their foot, and the best shooting cop can't hit Hulk Hogan 2 yards away! Folks who have never faced such danger don't agree, but ask a WWII Vet, a Pro hunter in the long grass, and see what they say!

That is my two cents!:D Again, I agree with you on your statement, sometimes the bear does get you!;)
 
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I'm interested in the .375 ruger as well. It is gaining popularity pretty fast. I like that fact that it's available in the ruger hawkeye alaskan and african series rifles at a reasonable price. I think the african model is a nice looking rifle. Howa also offers the .375 ruger now in the model 1500 with a 24" barrel which can be had at around $600. That puts it within a lot of "working man" budgets for folks. Having a new .375 ruger would be nice but on the other hand there are pros to your .350 rem mag. You have a very unique rifle there and the .350 rem mag is hugely underated.
 
Personally speaking, a hot .350 load is about all most could handle in a light outfit like a model 7.

I know with my 7 MS I usually load 225 gn woodleighs and shy away from 250's as they kick that bit harder.
 
A model 7 with a kevlar stock! It is pleasant to me ... I am used to my .460 Weatherby, and .458 Lott, which gives me scope!

I am shooting 225 Grain Swift A-Frames, and they shoot nice!:)
 
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