Author Topic: .375 Ruger VS .338 Ultra (Read 22248 times)

littletoes · « **on:** July 29, 2008, 08:19:24 PM »

Well, I had the chance to fire a friends .375 Ruger and his .338 Ultra using 300 grain bullets, and I would just have to say it was a BLAST.

Thoroughly enjoyed it, and was surprised that it wasn't that punishing at all. At 250 yards, both rifles were dead on, with very little drop from a 100 yard zero. Quite the surprise to me, and unexpected.

Makes me wonder how a .375 Ultra Mag would kick now.....and how it would work on elk?

Only fired each about a dozen times, and all standing. Don't think I'd be interested in bench shootin' them much.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #1 on:** July 29, 2008, 11:27:38 PM »

I myself would buy the 375 Ruger over any Ultra Mag over 30 caliber. I would love to be able to fire the Ruger, as I really like the looks of the Alaskan rifles.

Sagedawg · « **Reply #2 on:** July 30, 2008, 03:31:54 PM »

Littletoes, whered your buddy pick up his .375 at ? Ive been looking to handle one and nobody here in the Spokane area has one yet. just curious.

Sage

BlackTail · « **Reply #3 on:** July 30, 2008, 03:45:17 PM »

MountainWalk, Why wouldn't you want any ultra mag over .30 cal? Just curious as I've heard good things about .338 ultra mag.

WDFW-SUX · « **Reply #4 on:** July 30, 2008, 03:48:45 PM »

I have a 375 ultra and its was not pleasant to shoot without a break. The H&H and the Ruger are not bad. I put a break on the ultra and it tolerable but thats it. I think the Ruger and the H&H are closer to each other where as the 375 ultra and the 378 Weatherby more comparable.

TeacherMan · « **Reply #5 on:** July 30, 2008, 07:07:46 PM »

I have a 338 ultra that I shoot 250gr. Barnes triple shock bullets, 87gr. of R25, and 9.5RM primers. Its a great gun. Remington 700 ADL. My fathers 300 min mag in the Ruger M77 kicks more with its thin little synthetic stock. The 338 isn't a gun you want to shoot 20 rounds out of, but that's more because of the price :'(If anyone has brass I'm always looking.

PS. where did you get the 300gr. loads for the 338 ultra, what are the ballistics like? I think that could be my new bear load...

MountainWalk · « **Reply #6 on:** July 30, 2008, 07:39:36 PM »

Quote from: BlackTail on July 30, 2008, 03:45:17 PM

MountainWalk, Why wouldn't you want any ultra mag over .30 cal? Just curious as I've heard good things about .338 ultra mag.

It is my belief, that once you get to around 250 grains of bullet and faster than 2800fps, all your getting is more kick and blast. Besides, the big guns are not the same thing as a 300, or a 7mag. There isnt anything the 338 ultra can do that the old 338 cant. Same for the 375 ultra in regards to the 375 ruger or hh. I really like the case of the ruger. Looks like its an easy feeding round, not all sharp shouldered like the big ultras or wby's.

TeacherMan · « **Reply #7 on:** July 30, 2008, 07:44:37 PM »

Can they produce 4500 ft. lbs out of the barrel? I like my 338 ultra alot. A 7mm mag and an 30/06 will do the same thing. Don't get this belief going that a person only needs one gun. Its like golfing, do you use the same club all day long, I hope not. Depends on the shot. This is what I tell my wife anyway that way I can keep buying guns. There are 100's of types of shot possibilities, so I guess I need 100's of guns.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2008, 07:57:49 PM »

I dont put much stock in muzzle energy. I like strait line penetration, which is easier with bullets of high sectional density doing moderate speeds. BC means little to me either. All im after is one complete strait line, entry to exit. BTW I use my 338 for almost everything. I find, the more I shoot it, like anything else, I get better with it.

huntnphool · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2008, 08:20:17 PM »

What the hell are you guys hunting that you need these guns anyway? I'm having a hard time deciding if I'm taking my 338 of just using one of my 7mags for my moose hunt. That 7 mag is plenty of gun for most anything here in the states, are you going to Africa or something? I don't know why I'm even having second thoughts about it really, just some of the posts on here got me thinking about it. Honestly I havn't heard anything compelling enough to justify bringing the 338 but I havn't ruled it out completely yet. Just curious why you need such a large caliber for hunting here

littletoes · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2008, 08:22:49 PM »

Differant strokes for differant folks!

There IS a differance....thats why they make the .50 BMG

and yes, I've fired one of dose too! 650 grains of pure kick ass, but thats another story!

Yep, he picked it up in Spookaloo, not sure where, maybe "Dave's". If you would like I could ask him. He's chronyed his rounds too after load work.

Pulled the .338 Ultra out of the factory stock, put it in a Choate. Funny thing, I didn't think either rifle kicked that bad.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #11 on:** July 30, 2008, 08:24:26 PM »

Besides, the big guns are FUN to shoot!

littletoes · « **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2008, 08:31:48 PM »

Its not "NEED" its WANT!!!

Its America! Why the hell not?

Think of it like that.

If I was to hunt moose, I'd use the .338, not because I'd need it, more moose have been killed with the 'ol '06 than most anything else, I'd use the .338 because I WANTED too.

You don't have a rifle that your Dad gave you, your wife, or just something special you want to keep the memories with?

Think if it like this, you IZ gonna die someday, and that rifle will (hopefully) be passed down to some grandkid or nephew or something, and maybe them "memories" or thoughts will go with it....who knows, but I have a favorite load, favorite rifle combo that I just enjoy shootin'.

Good Luck with that Moose!

huntnphool · « **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2008, 08:38:08 PM »

Sure there is a difference but I dont see anyone packing around a 50 BMG to hunt elk, although those 1000 yard shots would be fun

huntnphool · « **Reply #14 on:** July 30, 2008, 08:43:48 PM »

Quote from: littletoes on July 30, 2008, 08:31:48 PM

Its America! Why the hell not? Think of it like that.
Good Luck with that Moose!

Actually the rifle is just for backup, the plan is to stick him with an arrow

However, should that bull that "you just can't take a chance loosing" show up I may break down and pull the trigger.

I hear ya on the the quote though, thats why my safe is full too

TeacherMan · « **Reply #15 on:** July 30, 2008, 09:53:37 PM »

I think I would rather have my 338Ultra when a 1000lb grizzle is charging me because I accidentally got between her and her cubs and she just wants to kill me. I have a 7mm mag, it would work, but I would rather have a little more POWER if my life depends on it, and you just never know...

huntnphool · « **Reply #16 on:** July 31, 2008, 05:06:16 PM »

Quote from: TeacherMan on July 30, 2008, 09:53:37 PM

I think I would rather have my 338Ultra when a 1000lb grizzle is charging me because I accidentally got between her and her cubs and she just wants to kill me. I have a 7mm mag, it would work, but I would rather have a little more POWER if my life depends on it, and you just never know...

*censored*, there is a better chance of me getting shot by a gang bangor out here in Tacoma than to see a Griz out there, no worries

TeacherMan · « **Reply #17 on:** August 01, 2008, 09:19:10 PM »

You dont live in Curlew, there are 40 pair that are collared from Ferry to the Idaho boarder on the Canadian boarder. The boarder patrol got a nice pic 3 miles from my house last year of one sniffing one of their cameras. They are where I live...

littletoes · « **Reply #18 on:** August 02, 2008, 01:05:53 PM »

I iz just a few below you TeacherMan, what cha' teach? Hopefully not english! Wife says I type like a retard....

Have 'nuther friend that has everything on the shelf to build a four-five-eight, didn't think I'd want to shoot it, but I just might want too now.

Talked to them by-all-a-gists, they don tolt me that if there was two grizzes in worshing-ton at any one time, we'd be lucky....just more prop-o-ganda to fuel the non huntin' types....but yep, there iz 'bout 28 on the books though.

Most spend they-re time in OOOOOO Can-a-duh.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #19 on:** August 02, 2008, 04:10:10 PM »

Shoot, if I had a four five eight, I would prolly elk hunt with it. I just like the big guns. They are lots of fun to shoot once you learn how to roll with them.

WDFW-SUX · « **Reply #20 on:** August 02, 2008, 05:13:19 PM »

The reason I have a 375 ultra is for brownies in AK and it feels really small when your in the thick stuff looking for a 1000lb carnivor. My next big bore will either be a 416 Weatherby or a 378 Weatherby. Most likely a 416.

littletoes · « **Reply #21 on:** August 02, 2008, 07:20:20 PM »

If I had any one of them, I'd hunt with em too!

I think it would be fun, and would get 'er done, thats fer sure!

Antlershed · « **Reply #22 on:** August 02, 2008, 07:37:59 PM »

Damn, I was thinking about the 325wsm, and I thought that might be too much gun for what I need. You can only kill them so dead.

littletoes · « **Reply #23 on:** August 03, 2008, 07:44:44 AM »

I was checking the ballistics of the 375 Ultra and the 378 Weatherby....they are so close that I just don't think there is enough differance between 'em to justify the purchase...UNLESS you just "want" one, I get THAT.

Think I would pick on the 416 Rigby myself. No belt, and room for plenty of powder, pluss it has a "History".

What cha think??

MountainWalk · « **Reply #24 on:** August 03, 2008, 08:26:44 PM »

The Rigby wouldnt be a bad choice and it would have plenty tradition behind it, but if I had to go over 375 and under 458, I would take a 416 Remington. But I couldnt argue with anyone that wanted a Rigby.

TeacherMan · « **Reply #25 on:** August 03, 2008, 09:48:09 PM »

I teach science, NOT english, my kids tell me thats a good thing all the time. I actually have worked with WDFW aswell and there are more Griz in this state than you would think. From Curlew to Sullivan Lake into the Salmo Priest is a big area. My father in law also lives in Alaska and that is somewhere I've always wanted to hunt, someday, at least I have the gun. Besides, big guns are just fun. I can tell you I've never had to track anything that I've shot with it, well except that chipmunk...

MountainWalk · « **Reply #26 on:** August 04, 2008, 12:52:00 AM »

I think that the big wby's and bigger ultra mags would prolly not feed as well in a high stress situation, and the rems and wby's are not CRF rifles. I would not knowingly hunt the big big stuff with a push feed/ fingernail extractor rifle.

TeacherMan · « **Reply #27 on:** August 04, 2008, 01:29:15 PM »

They may not work for you, I feel I'm fast enough with mine. I shoot alot, more in a month that most in a life time. This makes me confident in my equipment. I think over time a hunter turns into a machine with his actions when he or she is using a tool that they know in and out. When the time comes to pull the trigger I become very focused and put it together. You are correct in terms that is isn't as fast as a side-by-side, but I have 4 shots not 2. But I have more confidence in my bolt that a lever, since I'm not use to a lever I short stroke them when I'm in a hurry. The Remington 700 action is one of the best fail safe action in my opinion a person can have. They will take a beating.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #28 on:** August 04, 2008, 04:11:34 PM »

My friend, no one mentioned a double rifle. And it is not a matter of being fast. It is a matter of a rifle being able to force a round into the chamber or extract it out no matter what. This is why the 98 mauser is so popular in Africa. The push feeds can not function sideways, upside down, or whatever.

Fingernail extracxtors have a most disturbingly bad habit of sheering off or breaking in high stress situations. The number of African PH'S or Alaskan brown bear guides using them is almost zero. And for good reason.

TeacherMan · « **Reply #29 on:** August 04, 2008, 04:22:54 PM »

That's funny, I actually got my gun in Alaska, my fahter-in-law has one, and several of his friends shoot the 375ultra, all hunting and shooting Alaska big game every year. I guess I will have to just count on that first shot knocking it down, with 4500 foot pounds of energy it should do it.

Another round that I've been looking into is the 30-378 weatherby, what do you think about it. My father-in-law can get a weatherby on base discounted for $750, normally $1300.

littletoes · « **Reply #30 on:** August 04, 2008, 07:12:19 PM »

What makes you think a Remmy 700 won't feed upside down or sideways?

Well lets just see!!!!!

For starters, I own 5 Remmy 700's, and for arguments sake, I just went into the 'Ol gun room and tried 'em all.....

GUESS WHAT!!!!

Them 'Ol beasties fed upside down, sideways, this ways, that ways....you name it!
Guess I gots to call the factory 'cause there must be somthing wrong, THEY ALL WORKED!!

MW338, maybe I'm picking on you a bit, but its all in fun, I would just like to say, don't believe everything that you hear, 'caus the 'Ol remmy 700's feed every which way, without a hitch.
Another thing, If I ever find myself in a condition where I need to hang upside down (like in a tree or someting), I'll be sure to be careful when loading that way with one of my Remmy's!

Don't believe everything you hear....

Dang TeacherMan....my Weatherby cost me $1400, and that was several years ago!

MountainWalk · « **Reply #31 on:** August 05, 2008, 12:46:36 AM »

Just to be sure, I took a winchester m70 ranger, a savage 116, a push feed ruger 77 tang safety and another m70 of my pals, unsure of model class and performed such task as mentioned above. All are pushfeed, fingernail type extractor rifles.

Most did ok with a little bit of angle. None would feed upside down except the Savage and the Ruger. Interesting. Also, I tried to replicate an extremely stressfull situation using snap caps. Several times I experienced short stroking and double feeding. I tried the same with an enfield 30-06. with claw, and a friends mauser rifle since he brought it over wiht his m70 . No problems whatsoever. What this means to me, is, most rifles are well made and will function, but a push feed uses a plunger which is springloaded. This can and does fail, whereas a blade ejector is a static piece of metal which does not operate with a spring. Fingernail extractors do work well, but the gripping and holding surface is too small. And it does not positively grab the case as well as a claw, that holds onto the rim until it meets the blade ejector.

Like I said,, you will never see African PH's using push feed rifles. I believe there is good reason for it. Same reason nearly every military bolt rifle employs this design.

I like the Remington rifles, though they are not my faves. Unless your a local Alaskan, you need a guide to hunt big bears. When you do go there, look at his rifle and ask him why he uses that type. He will be able to enumerate on the subject far better than I.

"get a case stuck and its awefully hard to get out" to paraphrase your comments on another subject.

Use a rifle with a claw, and it will never get stuck. Also, why is every rifle marketed for dangerous game specifically, come with a mauser claw? Because they are pretty?

TeacherMan · « **Reply #32 on:** August 05, 2008, 01:17:44 PM »

Good points, I guess I will have to take my so so hunting rifle into the field this year and hope not to get killed by the animals I'm hunting because of its inabilities.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #33 on:** August 05, 2008, 02:44:46 PM »

Actually, only the wussies take claw extractor type rifles for big game. I am going to pick up a nice used mossberg shotgun and take my chances! Where is the thrill with perfect gear?

Watching some of those shows, I always get sick listening to their holier than thou' attitude about some of those rifles. I am sure you can get a ton of remington folks who can speak volumes about the dangerous game they have dropped with Rems. On the other hand, if money were no option.....hmmmmm

MountainWalk · « **Reply #34 on:** August 05, 2008, 02:58:13 PM »

Yes, tons of folks hunt dangerous game in Africa with their Remington rifles, and do very well. But there is always a PH to clean up the mess that they may make. He most likely will not have a Remington.

On those shows, I dont think they ever show a worst case scenario. Heck, on any hunting vid, they never show what goes wrong.

littletoes · « **Reply #35 on:** August 05, 2008, 07:22:21 PM »

Dang-nabbit MW338....you IZ gonna make me pull da ACE card....

Sooooo, you are obsessed with the claw extractor??
Well, I have never heard of a Remmy failing to feed in any direction....plus, several of my friends in the Marine Corps Scout Sniper Program may have a bit to argue with you about...oh yes, and a few friends that I have in the Army Sniper Program may step up and say a bit too....

They have used the 700 since Vietnam, and are still using it in Iraq, Afganistan, and a few other unmentioned places...

They may not have dangerous animals coming after them...but a few of thier prey animals have shot back at them a time or two....
Not sure if I got this right, but I think they just might have been in a few more "stressfull" situations than ANY PH I have ever read or heard about.
Not to mention those same rifles don't get treated very well during those same situations....Not many treat their rifles as rough as a Marine.
Sorry.....but for all your talk, you just won't convince me. If I had a way, I would film me loading all five of those Remington rifles upside down, with all of the cartriges that each will hold.
Wanna bet me I can't do it? I just did with that previous post, and feel very confident they will all work again, and again.....and again.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #36 on:** August 05, 2008, 07:36:08 PM »

Friend, I just mentioned a while ago, that i wouldnt myself hunt big bad game without it. I never made a Federal case about it untill someone decided that I just hate them and wouldnt never use one. Never said that. I just said,twas i, thats what i use.

I will give you your due on the Marines. Last I checked though, they normally have a spotter with another rifle with them also. Now, I'll never begrudge their postition as to danger, for sure. But I'm quite sure they (PH's) have very real and pressing reasons for not using them. Also, comparing getting shot at while in a hide is very different from having a bull elephant or lion come for you at 10 yards. I wouldnt say one is more dangerous then the other, as after all, dead is dead. My own hunting rifle , my fave one anyhow, doesnt have one. I like it much, and have much confidence in it. But twas I to hunt something very ugly tempered, and very likely able to hurt me, you better believe I would cover all my bases.

And while it may be off subject, my grandfathers Remmie's extractor sheered off in a not so high stress situation. Maybe by chance or bad luck, or just plain wear and tear. Maybe if you feel they are not so neccesary, please by all means write to as many manufactuars and tell them how wrong and misguided they are.

littletoes · « **Reply #37 on:** August 07, 2008, 07:14:14 PM »

Aw heck-I thought you said the claw type rifles are better...not that is was just something you prefered.

Heck, I prefer the push feed for its simplicity, and practicality, plus it hasn't failed me yet...

As to the comparison between PH's and Marines, I'd say the Ph is the spotter/back-up for hunter, and the animals sure ain't gonna use mortar, machineguns, other snipers...they just plain ain't gonna shoot back.

The thing with the Remmy, EVERYONE, I mean EVERYONE makes parts, upgrades, you name it for them. That makes it a major plus.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #38 on:** August 07, 2008, 11:26:11 PM »

That sir, is correct. They are the 69 camaro of hunting rifles. And a huge part of the custom rifle market.

littletoes · « **Reply #39 on:** August 08, 2008, 08:57:09 AM »

When shooting competivly, my partner at the time had an identical set up as mine, except his used Win 70 action.

It was one sweet shooter, and with bolt manipulation, it could either drop the brass rigtht next to the gun, or throw it a couple feet out of the way if you needed it too. I had to trim the ejector spring a bit, and mine too will do the same now.

Very predictable.

His rifle was built off of a Whinny "Stealth" I think. Supposed to be closer to the pre 64 action. More custom, and "more" extractor. Too bad he turned out to be a total ass-clown, but thats another story.

The funny part, both rifles straight from the factory, chambered in .308 had about the same free-bore, and both fired very very well.

My first 700 I purchased when I was 14, only because it was very affordable. As a kid I had always wanted a Weatherby in 300 mag, it was what all the big-game writers were bragging up at the time, so I took some of my "haying" money and picked up a 300 Winchester Mag in a Remington action, topped with my first scope, a Leupold 3-9. Now that scope sits on my son's first rifle, a Remmy 700 in .243. It shoots very well out to 300 yards. Haven't had the chance to try farther as of yet, and we are running out of summer....

I have a few extra parts for the Remington's, and perhaps one of the kids might be able to use them in time??

MountainWalk · « **Reply #40 on:** August 08, 2008, 11:20:51 AM »

Well littletoes, its been fun

.

I have a few 700's back in arkanas, in fact an old 7mag when it ws first introduced and it had a stainless barrel mated to a blued action. the stainless was plated, but the plating has long since worn off. Its been shot sooo many times, that after the first two or three shots,, the bullets really start to wander.. I think everyone in my family has killed a deer with it.

My next rifle if i can ever swing it, will be built on a mauser.

littletoes · « **Reply #41 on:** August 08, 2008, 11:28:02 AM »

Well, I know you and me have kept this thread going...perhaps too far?

But I'm thinking that Remington of yours, that has been shot so much would make a great custom job....you already have the action, why not start there and bring an old friend back to life?

What caliber were you thinking?

MountainWalk · « **Reply #42 on:** August 08, 2008, 11:31:54 AM »

well the problem is, its 2570 sumthing miles away sitting in a safe in Arkansas.. Im wanting to build a 375 ruger.. thought awefully hard of doing a 375hh on my p-17 enfield,, but, its an American war relic and has too much history for me to breakdown. besides,, its a heavy sonofabuck.. i just like the 30-06 case size of the 375 ruger.

littletoes · « **Reply #43 on:** August 08, 2008, 11:40:26 AM »

Since the rifle is a personal possesion of yours, it can be mailed directly to YOU, and you do not need the services of someone with an FFL.

That puts the price around $80 for mailing depending on what type of insurance you use.

US Postage is usualy the cheapest....

I'm not sure what bolt face will be needed for the 375, I DID like the way my friends shot....never considered a Big Bore before now.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #44 on:** August 08, 2008, 11:46:56 AM »

Good point, it just that I really dont want it to be altered. The rifle I envision will be Parkerized. Its ugly, but the stuff is amazing, and i like the looks of it. The rifle was my g-pas, and while he would have no problem with me changing it around, he's dead and id like to keep it as he gave it to me. Normally im not so sentimental about guns, but this one is an exception. Im wanting to find a mauser action and go from there. How do you like the sights on teh new ruger 375's? I think they are bitchin.

littletoes · « **Reply #45 on:** August 08, 2008, 12:53:48 PM »

This one was a Safari Grade.

I have to state it like that, because it realy appealed to me, which is surprising in a way because I'm more of the "Tactical" looking kind of guy, and I'm not talking black rifles, more on the lines of "Sniper" if you will, kind of rifles.
I DO like the looks of the soft-satin finishes used on rifles like the CDL, but that "kinda-heavy" barrel with the thicker front sights, and the rear sights on that Safari grade just "DO" it for me.

Not good, wife will kill me if I ask for another rifle!

MountainWalk · « **Reply #46 on:** August 08, 2008, 12:59:18 PM »

The sights on the Ruger Alaskan are pretty neat.. Wide sturdy vee in back with a white line in the middle and a husky front partridge style..

I dont have a thousand bucks for the gun, but its exactly what I want. Theres some folks on gunbroker that are pretty much replicating the Ruger, except its based on a Mauser. Its incomplete and sold as a kit, but its pretty much a finsihed rifle.. bad boy something erruther they call themselves.

littletoes · « **Reply #47 on:** August 08, 2008, 04:13:12 PM »

Boy, I think there were three here localy, one being the Safari Grade I was talking about, the other two being some other model. Is there some other model besides the Safari and the Alaskan, because if there isn't, then the other two have to be the Alaskan's, my buddie bought the Safari.

Just called a friend, he said they were selling for $800.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #48 on:** August 08, 2008, 04:29:02 PM »

say, I had my wires crossed. For a while I thought you were refering to the Rems.. Yeah,, the Ruger comes in Alaskan and African.. Pretty much the same rifle except for finish, stock and barrel lenght... The Alaskan comes in the target gray, black, and stainless.

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Author Topic: .375 Ruger VS .338 Ultra (Read 22248 times)

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