.375 or .416 Ruger???

[TeacherMan]

I just got a nice stainless .375 Ruger Alaskan and I met a guy with a stainless .416 Ruger Alaskan that wants to trade. We both have a full box of ammo to swap as well. Ammo is less $10 box different. Just kind of a fun thought to have a .416 what are your thoughts?

Thanks

[carpsniperg2]

I would keep the 375 if it was me. A little better bullet choice for all around hunting up there.

[TeacherMan]

I would keep the 375 if it was me. A little better bullet choice for all around hunting up there.

Little easier to find ammo also but .416 sounds like I'd have to start planning an African trip

2.5-8 Leupold either way I'm thinking.

[carpsniperg2]

I agree!!! I have always wanted a 458 lott but as soon as I buy one my butt is going to africa So I have not bought one yet.

I always like the higher power scopes. That being said if I was a AK guy. I would be running a lot of 3.5-10x scopes. I think that would be perfect for that gun. Either that or the 2.5-8 would work great!!! Cranks down low for close up brush or a bear that might bum rush you. Then 10x to get out on those longer tundra shots.

[RadSav]

The .375 is going to be more versatile in Africa as well as Alaska.  Unless you have the money to get an elephant, rino or hippo added to your safari the 375 is going to be the round to have.  And, if you do have those funds why not take a full fledged traditional elephant rifle rather than the Alaskan.  I guess that means my answer would be to keep the .375.  It will do everything up north the .416 will and more.

Athough I did go sage rat hunting with my Ruger #1 in .458 Win and had a blast!  All the guys in camp thought I had brought a bull barreled varmit gun.  They about crapped their pants when I took that first shot    After a half dozen rats it lost it's humor pretty fast.

[jrebel]

I shot a 416 Rigby once (3 shots) and it was an experience I will never forget.  That is one heck of a gun.  If you are sensative to recoil stay far away...        I would love to own on though, purely for shock value when I let my friends shoot it.  I say keep the .375 unless you have a specific reason for owning a .416.

[Biggerhammer]

Keep the .375 and stuff it with 260gr Accubonds.

[Special T]

Father in law has a .375 It carries plenty of thump for anything you can kill up there. I would stick with it. Why do you think the other guy wants to change? Probably ammo availabiilty or the extra kick. 

[Curly]

Teach, aren't you moving down to South Bend by August anyway?  That .375 would be great for elk hunting around there.

[JimmyHoffa]

If bullet trajectory isn't much of a factor with they way you hunt,I'd consider the .416.