I don't like the 375 H&H much. It offers nothing over a 338 or 9.3x64, except for a bore big enough to legally hunt a few critters in a few countries that you can't [legally] with the other two.
Now if I was stuck with factory ammo or legal restrictions I could see the point of going with the 308 & 375. Because you do have a lot more good selections for factory ammo.
IMO the 375 is in the same class as the 338 and 9.3x64 but requires a longer action. If your going to go with a 375 length action why not go with a 416?
This isn't supposed to be an Elk rifle [not picked for hunting Elk that is] but will probably be used on Elk and moose in addition to dangerous game.
I don't plan to hunt buff or elephant, but do plan to hunt what I consider dangerous game [lions, tigers, & bears, oh my
] so maybe I should throw the 300 out right away.
The 375 would work I just don't like it, like the 30-06, or the 308 for that matter. I prefer standard & common calibers for defense weapons. But for hunting don't feel the need and really prefer things that are a little less common.
For most game smaller than elk I would probably pick a 6.5x55 or 257 AI. I am looking for a 2nd rifle that will handle all my other hunting wants/needs. I know that there is no perfect answer...guess that is what I am struggling with.
So the 338 seems to get the most votes, or the 375.
Someone was wondering about the 416 having bullets that would open on lighter game. Hawk makes 300 grain bullets that would work fine even on white tail deer. And Barnes makes 300 and 325 X bullets. If I went with the 416 I would probably use a 325 X bullet for elk sized critters which can be driven 2700 to 2800 fps which is about the same as 30-06/180 grain for velocity and Sectional Density. For lion I would probably use a hawk or swift bullt. For bears a swift or fail safe [in any caliber except 9.3x64 would be nosler or hawk for that one].
[This message has been edited by Glamdring (edited September 11, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Glamdring (edited September 11, 2000).]
Now if I was stuck with factory ammo or legal restrictions I could see the point of going with the 308 & 375. Because you do have a lot more good selections for factory ammo.
IMO the 375 is in the same class as the 338 and 9.3x64 but requires a longer action. If your going to go with a 375 length action why not go with a 416?
This isn't supposed to be an Elk rifle [not picked for hunting Elk that is] but will probably be used on Elk and moose in addition to dangerous game.
I don't plan to hunt buff or elephant, but do plan to hunt what I consider dangerous game [lions, tigers, & bears, oh my
] so maybe I should throw the 300 out right away.The 375 would work I just don't like it, like the 30-06, or the 308 for that matter. I prefer standard & common calibers for defense weapons. But for hunting don't feel the need and really prefer things that are a little less common.
For most game smaller than elk I would probably pick a 6.5x55 or 257 AI. I am looking for a 2nd rifle that will handle all my other hunting wants/needs. I know that there is no perfect answer...guess that is what I am struggling with.
So the 338 seems to get the most votes, or the 375.
Someone was wondering about the 416 having bullets that would open on lighter game. Hawk makes 300 grain bullets that would work fine even on white tail deer. And Barnes makes 300 and 325 X bullets. If I went with the 416 I would probably use a 325 X bullet for elk sized critters which can be driven 2700 to 2800 fps which is about the same as 30-06/180 grain for velocity and Sectional Density. For lion I would probably use a hawk or swift bullt. For bears a swift or fail safe [in any caliber except 9.3x64 would be nosler or hawk for that one].
[This message has been edited by Glamdring (edited September 11, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Glamdring (edited September 11, 2000).]