Hello EKM and happy belated New Year to everyone at HNI.

I did pick up a .375 Ruger in March, 07. At that time, I was only able to get a box of ammunition and unfired cases were not available. I shelved the idea of hunting with it in 07 as I did not have time for load development and did not draw (I don't remember asking for it, but the DOW sent me a 2nd season general bull tag). In May, I spiral fractured both the bones in my right leg, which left me with PLENTY of time for any sitting task, also, unfired cases had become available. I had already picked out the 285gr Grand Slam based on AR posts using that bullet in the H&H.

I did end up hunting it. I purchased a meat tagas well. The first weekend, it was so warm, I won't continue with the story. The 2nd to last day, I did take a cow. It was a broadside shot at about 35 yards. I did not recover the bullet, but did not spend any "tracking time" either. The shock was noticeably less than the .45-70 though.

I was accompanying a friend of mine (I NEEDED the leg time) on a High Country Buck hunt earlier and in the EXACT same spot I took the cow walked up on three good size bulls.

I Like:
The trigger, standard length beltless case, Oomph of the cartridge

I Dislike:
The stock, recoil pad, ruger rings

I haven't put enough rounds through it to comment on accuracy ( < 40). The Hawkeye is a big improvement on the M77. I like the case and if I had to do it over, I would find a worn out Sako/Stoeger 75 Hunter and ream/rebarrel. The cartridge seems like the easiest way out there for someone to get to the low end of big bores at a reasonable cost, and it filled the gap for me between .338 and .416. With a donor .30-06 laying around, the cost would probably be a few $100. The recoil is considerably less than the 416 or guide gun. I'd say like a .338. Don't forget, it isn't a MAGNUM!!!

Good Luck,
CE