375 H&H Dangerous Game build?

Jeffrthehunter

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Joined
Nov 27, 2016
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Location
Portland Oregon
I have done a few builds using Defiance Deviant actions and carbon barrels for long range shooting and hunting. Switching gears I want to build a gun for Africa and Brown bear in Alaska, not sure what to do????? I am guessing that some of the true gunsmiths on this site have worked with DG rifles and might be willing to help me out. I want something on the heavy side (10-12lbs with scope), standard safari style stock out of composite or fiberglass (most shooting will be off sticks), action and barrel to be stainless, BDL floor plate, radial muzzle break. I know a little about controlled feed (seems to be go to for DG rifles in Africa) but I have only worked with R700 actions. Is there any reason not to build off another Defiance (R700) platform? Is there a better action for this purpose? Any suggestions on stock to use? I know quick access to safety is a must, any thoughts on that? Any insight would be much appreciated, thank you!

Jeff
 
Interarms Mauser, Brown Precision Stock, 20" Douglas Barrel, 3 Position Safety, Canjar Trigger. Express Sights, .375 H&H, about 40 years old now.

Works great, but what I've learned along the way is doing it today the Pre-64 Model 70 would get the nod. Maybe a Jewel trigger, I'd lose the express sights. Muzzle break, Bartlein Carbon Fiber barrel, or fluted. I'd get a 1-9" twist to handle every bullet out there today. I'd go with a Mcmillan Stock, probably a Lazzeroni Thumbhole I have one I really like on another rifle. Probably target 9lbs scoped, 10-12 is just a little on the slow side for fast work.

Consider the Weatherby, or AI version, and you can always use the H&H rounds in a pinch, and a bit more pep with heavy bullets, and enough velocity improvement to add some range for plains game etc.


I looked at the Defiant, 3 position safety CRF, and that looks like an excellent starting point as well. It might make me give up on the Model 70.

Good Luck!
 

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I have built several .375 H&H and .416 Rem Mag rifles over the years. None had less than 24" barrels, and my clients wanted #4 contour barrels (which I obliged and agree with). You need 24" of barrel to satisfy these long magnum cartridges, other wise you might as well use a .45/70. There are only certain actions that synthetic, safari style stocks are made for. I'd research those before committing to 'what action'. Not many made that are compatible with a scope and open sights. Control Round Feed is desirable but not required. Consider that US Military battle rifles are push feeds, and those are designed for the most dangerous 'game' of all. The last .375 I built has been to Kodiak Island and Africa (on a Rem 700). All the others I have built have seen their intended use, also,,, except for 1, and he just wanted a big thumper to shoot. I saw Sunny Hill mentioned earlier in this thread, and I think those items are available direct from Sunny Hill again. Swift Bullets bought Blackburn Bottom Metal and now produces that. Expect to wait for either one as the custom bottom metals are a niche market, for sure.
 
Respectfully shortgrass I haven't found that kind of velocity loss in a 20" barre, .375 H&Hl. Bullets, and loads from 250-350 chronograph as expected. Even factory ammo has chrono'd as advertised for me, and loads compare within a few fps with our 24" barrels.
 
I have done a few builds using Defiance Deviant actions and carbon barrels for long range shooting and hunting. Switching gears I want to build a gun for Africa and Brown bear in Alaska, not sure what to do????? I am guessing that some of the true gunsmiths on this site have worked with DG rifles and might be willing to help me out. I want something on the heavy side (10-12lbs with scope), standard safari style stock out of composite or fiberglass (most shooting will be off sticks), action and barrel to be stainless, BDL floor plate, radial muzzle break. I know a little about controlled feed (seems to be go to for DG rifles in Africa) but I have only worked with R700 actions. Is there any reason not to build off another Defiance (R700) platform? Is there a better action for this purpose? Any suggestions on stock to use? I know quick access to safety is a must, any thoughts on that? Any insight would be much appreciated, thank you!

Jeff
Before joining the LRH forum I had never considered building a rifle. If I was looking for an African and Brown bear rifle I would go to the Weatherby website and check out what you can find already built. I have hunted for the last 40 years with a left-hand bolt action 378 Weatherby magnum and it has never given me a bit of trouble. This is just one more suggestion among many, but it is a great option. BTW, if I were going for a long-range rifle, I would listen to these folks on this forum and build the entire rifle I really wanted from the action to the barrel.
 
I have hunted in Africa for Kudu, Gems buck, Wildebeest ( I also wanted a cartridge that could handle any other dangerous game just in case) also New Foundland Moose. I used a 325 WSM and it was GREAT. I was going back to Africa yeaqrs ago for Leppard & Cape Buffalo and was going to get the new Ruger 375 mag. I studied the ballistics and also reviews for other hunters taking dangerous game. You might think about that cartridge and manufacture. Ruger has controled round feed, which I wanted and the cartridge has good knock down with less recoil that 375 H&H.
Just a thought.
Thanks
Len
 
I have 3 Pre-64 style model 70's, one is actually a pre-64 and the other two are the newer Winchester "safari express." I also have several custom actions. The Safari express rifles are VERY nice off the shelf rifles.

IMO the controlled round feed debate is overblown. Also; IMO the most reliable feeding mechanism is a DBM. Here is a pic of my 338 Lapua improved. Defiance ultralight / 24 in proof, etc. Rifle weighs 9.5 lbs. with no scope.

I just started a new build for 3 buddies of mine. 3, 338 Lapua's and a 375 Lapua improved for me. All will be built on Defiance AnTi actions with a DBM.
 

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I have an old 300 H&H model 70 Win. For sale on LRH, you can have it for 900 bucks, Best part about the pre 64 Model 70 is the cone breach that will feed reliably when set up properly, and the controlled feeding in the event you short stroke the action in a tense situation, any action with out the controlled feeding, you'll end up trying to push 2 rounds in the bbl at once. Probably not the best situation when your about to get bit , stomped, or gored. The old trigger on the model 70 can be set up nice, and it's almost dirt proof, and will function under conditions that will stop most triggers in their tracks.. One more plus is the ejector, I've seen the spring loaded plungers stick down when frozen, dirty, rusty spring, and small brass shavings will make it inoperable. When you show up in camp with an old model 70, your guide will think, now there's a guy that knows what the hell he's doing !! Looks like I should have been a used car salesman . Good Luck
 
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