The .375 Ruger is a rifle cartridge co-developed between Hornady and Sturm, Ruger & Co. in 2006.[1] The .375 Ruger, released in 2007, was intended to improve upon the.375 H&H cartridge, the only cartridge of the same calibre.[2]
History[]
Following two previously successful projects that resulted from the Hornady/Sturm, Ruger & Co. partnership (the .204 Ruger and .480 Ruger), the pair decided to develop a cartridge to outperform the .375 H&H cartridge.[2] Unlike most cartridges, the pair decided to design a unique case for the .375 Ruger, while also using relatively heavy bullets (250gr or more) for the new cartridge.[2]
The .375 Ruger is sold as a hunting cartridge, and one which has been designed to avoid the flaws that its rival cartridges suffer from.[1] The first firearms to be chambered for the .375 Ruger were, unsurprisingly produced by Ruger (namely the Ruger M77 Hawkeye).[1] The subtley unique design has gradually become popular among other manufacturers, with other companies producing .375 cartridges and firearms.
Design Details[]
As mentioned above, the most unique aspect of the .375 Ruger is that it has an entirely unique case, one which lacks a rim.[2] This means that the .375 Ruger has a larger capacity than the .375 H&H (around 6.4 cubic centimeters) and can therefore use more propellant and hence produce higher muzzle velocities.[2] This case is capable of withstanding 62,000psi.[2]
The cartridge neck tapers down to the .375in diameter bullet at an angle of 60 degrees.[2] Testing by SAAMI in June 2007 recommended that the .375 Ruger uses a 1:12in ratio twist, with six grooves in the barrel.[2] Because of the .375 Ruger's relatively short case length, it can be used in firearms originally chambered for smaller calibre cartridges without major modification to the receiver.[2]
Performance[]
The .375 Ruger was designed to outperform the .375 H&H cartridge. Below are Hornady's official figures for the .375 Ruger's muzzle velocity and energy.
| Name | Muzzle Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft/lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 250gr GMXĀ® Superformance | 2,900[3] | 4,668[3] |
| 270gr SP-RP Superformance | 2,840[3] | 4,835[3] |
| 300gr DGSĀ® Superformance | 2,660[3] | 4,713[3] |
| 300gr DGXĀ® Superformance | 2,660[3] | 4,713[3] |
These figures are about 150FPS better than those of the .375 H&H cartridge, suggesting that the pair acheived their aim of improving upon the former cartridge.[2]
References[]
- ā 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 http://www.chuckhawks.com/first_look_375Ruger.htm
- ā 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.375_Ruger
- ā 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 http://www.hornady.com/store/375-Ruger