[Big Game Hunter]

I am flirting withthe idea of buying buying a rifle in one of these caliber's. Does anyone here have any first hand experience with both of these caliber's?

I understand the ballistic differences between the two. I also know that the ammo is twice the money. What is the felt recoil difference? What is the advantages/disadvantages of the two caliber's?

Also, does anyone know anything about the CZ 550 rifle chambered for the 375 H&H? Is is a cheap built gun? Is it dependable when it may need to be?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JJHACK]

The RUM may be an interesting novelty gun but if you're serious about a gun that will see use in the outback of Alaska or the Bush of Africa then stick with the 375HH. You will find ammo under most boat cusions and under the bunks in any Alaskan camp or any outpost store. The same is true in Africa where it's popularity is unmatched. Try and find ammo for a RUM anyplace, even in a big time gun shop!

There is nothing a well placed shot will do differently from either rifle. It's like comparing the ballistics between the 300 Win Mag and the 300HH mag. Not enough to matter. I have killed several buffalo with a 375HH and a good friend of mine has killed approx 80 with his. Yet another fellow has a 375/404 which is a massivly powerful rifle. All that additional velocity was so hard on bullets he stopped loading it to more then standard 375HH power levels.

To my way of thinking if you want a rifle that can do it all everyplace on earth one has to look no further then the 375HH. It has the most power proportional to your investment in recoil of any currently produced rifle. With a 270 grain premium bonded core bullet(swift) it shoots flatter then a 30/06 with 180 grain bullets, and will hold together at 50 yards on big to very big animals. I have spined a 38" cape buffalo with a 270 grian Swift A frame folding him in his tracks at under 50 yards. The bullet weighs over 270 grains now because there is a chunk of buffalo spine stuck in the mushroomed bullet.

I'm not disputing the potential advantages of the Rem case or design in some very limited situations. It's just that it's not a practical gun in remote areas with the limited availablity of ammo. Just the opposite of the 375HH which is likley the most popular case ever where really big game is hunted.

 

[Lawdog]

Big Game Hunter,

The only thing I could add to our resident PH's comments is the recoil for the RUM is around 10+ lbs. more than the 43 lbs. listed for the .375 H&H. It is right up there with the .378 Weatherby Magnum, 59+/- lbs., which is more than many can take. As for the CZ 550 Safari Magnum is also known as the 602 Brno. It is a true full sized magnum mauser action with controlled round feed and fixed ejector preferred by most for dangerous game. My only complaint is that "Hogback" style stock. Every time I fired one they always wanted to slip down under my armpit. Not nice when using a scope. Also they have a reputation for the stock splitting behind the action at the grip. The trigger could be better but except for the stock the rest is a good, sound buy. Lawdog

 

[Big Game Hunter]

Thanks for the answers.

I have decided on the H&H, which is the caliber that I was leaning towards anyway for the same reasons listed above and some others as well. I am probably going to buy a Sako Premier Hunter in this caliber. I have a cousin that can get one for me at cost so I think that is the way I will go.

 

[Lawdog]

Big Game Hunter,

Good choice. Keep us informed on the rifle and how it works out for you. Lawdog

 

[Zachary]

For what it's worth, I just bought a .375 H&H in Winchester Classic Stainess. Let me tell you - it kicks like a mule! I can't (or don't want to) imagine the kick from the Ultra Mag version. H&H is enough for me.

Zachary

 

[sideironjohn]

For the record, IIRC, those are particularly light rifles for the caliber, so not such a fair comparison. (I keep trying to like stainless, b/c I think that rifle is a steal at ~$650, but so far, no luck!)
You asked about "felt" recoil, rather than free recoil.
This has a lot to do with gun weight, balance, proper mount, cast-off, all those sorts of things that determine *how* that recoil is transmitted and dispersed. Put a laminated stock on there and a Pachmyr deccelerator or some such, and you'll see a big difference.
AEBE, the RUM will kick harder, but a rifle setup for a hard-hitting caliber is nothing like a stamped out hunting rifle design with a 375-cal thrown into it.
If you ever start to feel "small" with that H&H, remember you can always have the chamber improved, get a couple hunert f/s more, and still fire factory ammo in a pinch.

Have fun!