Guide gun build in 375 H&H?

[Dean2]

I do like how you're putting this together.
I have no idea if it's possible but with my old eyes express sights are almost useless. Can a guy mount a peep sight aft of the rear scope mounts?

Mounting a rear peep is very easy to do, it won't interfere wit the scope or bases. There are some that actually attach to the rear base.

As far as mag length goes I can do quite a little with a milling machine and Tig welder. The Ruger is making a lot of sense looking at it though, the only thing I'm wondering about is local ammo availability up in local towns in bearcountry!?

Ammo availability to me is an over stressed or worried about issue. In 50 years of hunting all over the world I have never had to buy ammo locally in a hurry because mine got lost, damaged or I ran out. Any time I have been guiding we are usually too far back in to buy ammo anyhow.

No matter where I lived, there was always a pretty close by option for getting ammo, even if it needed to be ordered in. Most of the hardware, and gas stations in Bear Country carry 375 Ruger, 375 H&H as well as the other common Bear ammo like 338 Win etc. I also have the option to buy it online and have it shipped. Not building a Wildcat makes sense but the common cartridges are easily available, at least in the locations with large national or international airports.

 

[bigngreen]

I do like how you're putting this together.
I have no idea if it's possible but with my old eyes express sights are almost useless. Can a guy mount a peep sight aft of the rear scope mounts?

I'm thinking of making a tip of scope mount so you could release the optic and the mount would just pivot the optic to the side and I could maybe machine a flip up peep sight into the base under the optic mount.

 

[bigngreen]

@Dean2 good info info, it's hard to know what is the local go to, around here you won't find either one a shelf, good to have your perspective, thanks!!

 

[adam32]

As far as mag length goes I can do quite a little with a milling machine and Tig welder. The Ruger is making a lot of sense looking at it though, the only thing I'm wondering about is local ammo availability up in local towns in bearcountry!?

How often have you purchased ammo during a hunt?

I get the ammo availability argument but who really has ever "forgotten" their ammo and had to buy some at a local sporting goods store before a hunt?

I just checked Midway to see what they have in stock...right now they have 10 types of H&H, 2 of Ruger and 2 of RUM. But if you'll be handloading then factory fodder availability won't matter much, except for brass and now with ADG the 375 RUM will have superior brass.

 

[Lpart]

I had a Ruger Alaskan in 375 Ruger with a 20" barrel and it was an amazing rifle. Had Hill Country accurize it before I ever shot it. Using 300 gr North Fork bullets it was .75 moa at 300 yards all day and absolutely hammered both a Brown Bear and a Cape Buffalo for me. I wish I had never got rid of it but I had no other big critters on my wish list.

 

[Dean2]

I had a Ruger Alaskan in 375 Ruger with a 20" barrel and it was an amazing rifle. Had Hill Country accurize it before I ever shot it. Using 300 gr North Fork bullets it was .75 moa at 300 yards all day and absolutely hammered both a Brown Bear and a Cape Buffalo for me. I wish I had never got rid of it but I had no other big critters on my wish list.

I agree. Have had both the African and 2 Alaskan versions. All shot well under an inch right out of the box, with 270 grain TSX. Load development was very easy, all three shot the same load. I don't need a dangerous game rifle that does better than an inch but it is nice to have. They will clover leaf 3 shots at 100 yards pretty much every time. Only thing I did to them was bed them and adjust the trigger.

 

[Salmonchaser]

I agree. Have had both the African and 2 Alaskan versions. All shot well under an inch right out of the box, with 270 grain TSX. Load development was very easy, all three shot the same load. I don't need a dangerous game rifle that does better than an inch but it is nice to have. They will clover leaf 3 shots at 100 yards pretty much every time. Only thing I did to them was bed them and adjust the trigger.

Sounds like that pretty much covers it

 

[ofbandg]

I am a big fan of the .375 H&H and have hunted with one for 30 years in the north country - but when I read your original inquiry I thought you were looking for a bear country protection rifle. My favourite protection rifle is an pre-Remington Stainless Marlin lever with a shortened pull to make it shoulder faster, a Skinner peep, and a fibre optic front sight. Mine is in .44 Mag but for coastal bears I would probably go with 45-70 or 450 Marlin. And if anyone tells you a bolt action is as fast at getting a second shot away as a lever ask if they have ever gone to a range and tried it.

 

[dana bodnar]

I've had the bug to build a big bear gun, something a guide would want to pack. The 375 H&H seems to be a favorite for game heavier than an elk, or game that puts you in a situation to defend yourself, it sounds like the 375 H&H is a round that is commonly on the shelf in Alaska or Africa and that really adds to solid practical use aspect of a build which this will be all about.
Looking for guns spec from guys who have put bullets in big bears and hunt these areas, details like sight options, stock type like walnut or synthetic, weight, barrel length, action all stuff I'm wanting to get!! If the 375 H&H isn't the sauce give another opinion but with the above criteria in mind of ammo availability local to these areas.

This is how I envision the gun, use a Montana 1999, Winchester Mod70, Weatherby MK V or a Sako action. Mid weight barrel like a #5 or #6 which is actually not that heavy with a 375 hole, 24 inches, stock something like the McMillian Winchester Express which comes in Weatherby and the others as well, stainless everything I could. I would take a Walnut stock myself but I'm looking more at what a guide would carry and I think wood in that climate would just not cut it full time. Throw out bullets as well as I'd be spec'ing the reamer.
Really want to get an action nailed down, the Montana I can order as an action, the rest I would have to get a doner rifle and tear it apart, I lean to the Montana simply because as a dealer I can get quantity if I wanted if I ever wanted to do more than a one of.
I would think a guy would want open express sights also as a back up for a low power optic but I want to know from actual guys who take big northern bears regularly, maybe I'm not even on the map but I've been itching to build something like this!

I have owned a Ruger 1 in 375 H&H for years the man I bought it from used it to go bear hunting in Alaska. I have used it for my short range Elk rifle here in Arizona and after developing a load for it I can shoot nice groups with it out to 500 yards. I will tell you it drops Elk were they stand with a good hit and you can hear the bullet hit very easily. Great Elk rifle and you don't have to worry about head spacing and they are built so well you can pretty much shoot what you want through it. I found a nice load with a 270-G speer bullet soft point with Hogdon 414 powder. Good Luck...............................

 

[Pdvdh]

Based on the initial post and description of use, 'a big bear gun - something a guide would pack', I interpret the rifle design is purposed for shot distances less than 200 yds, 99% of use. And the cartridge must be a bear stopper. Incapacitating energy from 20yds on in.

There's also emphasis on use of factory ammo, which means bear-tough bullets in factory ammo.

Their aren't a lot of arguments to be aired against the 375 H&H, under those design parameters. Another positive is the historic nostalgia associated with that cartridge. It will warm some hearts and minds.

20-22" barrel. No more than 24", due to packability and closer range uses. Be looking at ~9lb rifle weight. Reliable controlled feed bolt action nice, but controlled feed not mandatory. Hunters may prefer a 1-4x or 1-6x scope. Guides may prefer peep or iron sights. Plan on both competing uses. Stainless and synthetic materials. Bear country isn't any kinder than the bears that live in it. I use to pooh pooh muzzle brakes due to muzzle blast. But have converted to the other side of that fence. That one's a buyer's choice. Easy to accommodate either way.

I owned a Sako Lightweight 375 H&H. Converted it to a 375 Weatherby. Still own it, but haven't used it for years. But I'm a gun nut and hunting nut. A 'specialist' habit which is always looking for a better tool and method. Not necessary or recommended for the typical bear hunter. It kicked like a mule with naked rifle weighing about 7 1/2lbs. Scope added weight helped. Muzzle brake was the answer for this lightweight SOB. Truthfully, it was simply too light of a rifle for the 375 H&H. Nice to carry with 22" barrel. Bad to shoot.

The other part of the equation is the user selection of ammo/bullets. I'm a fan of Swift A-Frame and Trophy Bonded bullets for bear defense. Also have toyed with some Barnes X bullets. Nosler Partition is good. Swift A-Frame a bit superior.

 

[Pdvdh]

Not to beat up on Ruger #1s. Used to own one. I wouldn't carry one brown bear hunting unless someone was holding a gun to my head. Won't go into the details.

Fine for non-dangerous game, if a guy likes that approach or style of firearm.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Not to beat up on Ruger #1s. Used to own one. I wouldn't carry one brown bear hunting unless someone was holding a gun to my head. Won't go into the details.

Fine for non-dangerous game, if a guy likes that approach or style of firearm.

Once you've seen a Grizz run down a moose in rough ground you'll realize a number of things; from 100 yards you have about 5 seconds to decide what to do. By the time you've figured that out he's almost half way to you, get the sights to settle, he's getting close make it count. Going to be tough to get two in him.
That being said, I love my number ones but think I'll always run a repeater of some kind on bears.

 

[Pdvdh]

Once you've seen a Grizz run down a moose in rough ground you'll realize a number of things; from 100 yards you have about 5 seconds to decide what to do. By the time you've figured that out he's almost half way to you, get the sights to settle, he's getting close make it count. Going to be tough to get two in him.
That being said, I love my number ones but think I'll always run a repeater of some kind on bears.

Good choice. A #1 won't even get a 1st shot off, if when you need it, you find the lever has opened itself and the chamber is empty.

 

[johnlittletree]

Ohhhh now that sounds like fun! I have always wanted to build something .358-.458 ball park! I am looking forward to hearing about this! That said Salmonchaser makes a good point if your not reloading! I have also wanted to build a 9.3mm.

Haha....When you said "Law" action my mind went to mind went to M72 LAW at first!!! I am laughing at myself right now! LOL