.375 Ruger Load Data

The .375 Ruger is a modern rifle cartridge introduced in 2007 as a joint venture between Ruger and Hornady, designed to compete with the venerable .375 Holland & Holland Magnum. Developed to fit in a standard-length bolt-action rifle, the .375 Ruger offers similar—or superior—ballistics to the .375 H&H Magnum but in a more compact, efficient case. This innovation was particularly appealing for hunters and reloaders who wanted magnum-level performance without needing oversized magnum rifle actions. The cartridge quickly established itself as a robust and reliable option for dangerous game hunting, with many shooters appreciating its blend of energy, reliability, and practicality.

Applications for the .375 Ruger span a wide range of hunting scenarios, but its principal role is as a heavy game cartridge intended for tough, thick-skinned animals. Its design and ballistic capabilities make it ideal for the African safari circuit, where hunters pursue dangerous game such as Cape buffalo, lion, and elephant. In North America, it is also chosen for hunting brown bear, moose, and bison, where reliability and stopping power are paramount. The cartridge’s versatility also allows it to be used effectively on medium-sized game when loaded with lighter bullets, making it a true all-around choice for those seeking one rifle for a variety of big game hunting needs.

When considering target species, the .375 Ruger is most famous for its utility in pursuing the world’s most formidable big game animals. African hunters often select it for safaris where legal minimums and insurance against dangerous encounters are required. It is equally popular in Alaska and Canada for protecting against and hunting large bears. Reloaders often embrace the .375 Ruger for its consistent performance on both thin-skinned and dangerous game, giving confidence in situations where a single definitive shot is critical. The cartridge’s flexibility extends to plains game with appropriate bullet selection, making it popular among those travelling abroad who want a do-it-all hunting option.

Typical bullet weights for the .375 Ruger range from 235 grains up to 300 grains, with the most common factory and hand-loaded selections hovering around 250, 270, and 300 grains. The cartridge generally operates at higher pressures than the older .375 H&H Magnum, translating into slightly faster velocities and, in turn, flatter trajectories and increased terminal energy. Standard barrel twist rates are typically 1:12”, which stabilizes a broad spectrum of bullet profiles and weights, offering handloaders an advantage in optimizing loads for specific applications. Its non-belted, rimless design also appeals to reloaders, simplifying case resizing and extending brass life. For those focused on dangerous game, robust controlled-expansion bullets in the heavier weight classes are preferred, but lighter bullets offer flexibility for practice, recoil management, and medium game. In summary, the .375 Ruger’s modern engineering and handloading-friendly characteristics make it a practical and potent choice for serious game hunters worldwide.