Considering that hand loading for different weight bullets would be fun, I bought a .375 Ruger at Walmart for a low price, bought a supply of bullets from a retiring .375 H&H owner, invested in enough cases to last a long time, and got reloading tools.. Idea was that I could use a Chrony and develop a different cartridge for deer (200 gr.), caribou (235 gr.), moose (275 gr.) and bear (300 gr.) using the same power. Figured I could do all this with the 20" Alaskan with quick release mount and scope.
Someone mentioned that I could further simplify by going with the highly rated 265 gr. for everything. Quirky mystique about the .375 Ruger is that the factory 300 gr. is most accurate. I did read an article years ago about how a man in Texas reduce loaded a .458 for shooting rabbits. Of course, they have really big rabbits in Texas. To begin with, I tried breaking in the Ruger using 200 gr. round nose pushed by reduced loads of shotgun powder. It went "fomp!" but had little recoil or accuracy. About that time I realized that I needed a muzzle brake and suppressor to complete the project consistently, and started pricing them. One selling in South Africa is cheap, but aluminum, and I think I want stainless steel baffles. One made in New Zealand is interesting. Could commit to get one in U.S. but price is stiff, like over $1K, plus what it costs to get barrel machined.
As it is, I'm still looking for the right reflex suppressor to go with a 20" barrel for looks and balance. Additional weight would help. Still have to learn whether recoil on this canon will move bullets in channel. Maybe problem solves itself when shell is loaded and pushed into rifling. For now, I'm a stranger at the rifle range, but could get out my .375 Ruger if any bears try to invade my 3rd floor apartment.
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