We have a Ruger #1 in .375 H&H and if you are not used to shooting a heavy recoiling gun I wouldn't recommend it. It is not something you want to shoot too many times for fun. If you want a large caliber I would look at getting a 45/70. You can get the milder loads or get hot loads for it. We use Zeiss Conquest for most of our rifles and never had a problem.