Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers 375 winchester

I know this round is rare. But, how would the use of leverevolution type cartridges effect its performance and popularity? If recoil would not rise to unmanageable levels, the woods hunter here in Louisiana would have a very capable deer and hog rifle that would permit for fast, followup shots and would kill promptly or leave a very prominent blood trail. It might also make it easier to kill larger game at more extended ranges. It might be a 'Goldilocks' round: not too hot, not too cold, but just right for certain applications. I guess the popularity of the 338 Marlin, 35 Remington, 356 Winchester, and other alternatives would make this a losing proposition for Hornady. What do others think? I would be espcially interested in the opinions of those that have actually used this cartridge or one of the alternatives mentioned above.

I used one in a Savage 99 and TC Contender pistol.
Given the velocity limits and bullet weight I'm not sure how much you would gain with leverelution ammo. It is just a hotrodded 38-55.
I used the Barnes .375" 255 GR ORIGINAL FN FB .032" (375 WIN) with excellent results. Two big holes, one shot kills and lotsa blood on the ground.

If you don't already own the gun, my first choice would be the new marlin 336 in 338 Marlin Express as it has a lot more thump and it will take you Elk hunting as well.

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/RS_338_122008WO/

Funny that you say the 375 winchester won't work on elk. As the two guides I have talked to have said the the round will do just fine.
First I won't be hunting bulls only cows and my 375 winchester has a 26 inch octagon barrel so I get some more fps over the standard 20 inch barrel. I also shoot lead bullets so my weight is up some also around 268-275 range. I won't be shooting over 200 yards either actually much less.
If you look at history when the 30-30 came out it was used to hunt elk and it sported a 26 inch octagon barrel and lead bullets too.
I think some have forgotten how to hunt and just feel magnums are need because getting closer then the nearest mountain just doesn't enter their minds.

Yes and in the 1910 Wyoming hunter survey of Elk hunters, the 32-20 was in the top 5....but?

Sure the 375 wra will kill an Elk BUT if you are starting off clean, and want a lever, the 338 Marlin Express is a far better choice.

Interesting thought-plastic tipped bullets for the 375! If Hornady did do this, I know a couple people who would be ready and willing to try it out.
Personally, I prefer to shoot heavy bullets at moderate velocity, and the leverev. rounds all seem to go a little lighter for bullet speed and flatter trajectory. Hornady offers the compromise 220 flatnose right now, and it is a good bullet, tho not as good as the Barnes. If they did the same with a plastic tip, made the bullet a little tougher, well...
Still, they did load the 32 WS. It certainly would be nice to have another supply for brass and ammo.
If I could have a wish, it would be for Winchester to bring back the old 250 grain round. That bullet would simply flatten even the toughest opposition.

The 375 Win is one of my favs in center fire levers. Ive killed a few with the WW Power Points and was very impressed. I currently shoot Hornady's. Next up I'm gonna try the Sierra Power Jackets. Sierra's FP's are what I have been most impressed with in FP bullets for levers.

Elk wouldnt be a problem in the least.

Joseph

I've been shooting hogs in south Texas with a .375 for about 10 years. Never had a problem with it using factory ammo. It's a great round the way it is. I would'nt be against trying LE's in it, but, for my hunting purposes it already has the power and range needed. Probably my favorite lever gun. Thers's not a whole lot of them out there.

The 220 grain Hornady flat point is an excellent bullet for the 375 Winchester cartridge. My Marlin shoots them well.

I have shot a bunch of different bullets inthe 375 win.I got the best accuracy from the speer 235 gr loaded single shot.I love aa1680 powder in the 375 win.I got up to 2400 fps with the 220 gr hornady.It was not too accurate though 2.5" groups at 100 yards good enough for deer.The 220 gr hornady flattened out big time at super speeds.I also have a 375 jdj in a 23" contender I load for.I have loaded 300 gr FMJ bullets for a bear gun for head shots.They were slow but went deep when tested.I like the 375 win.I have had 6 planning to buy a side ejection one in a 94 if I ever find one.They are awesome guns and i have seenmoose taken with them with good kills at less than 100 yards with 250 gr bullets hard cast.

my only .375 is a 21" stainless contender carbine, accurate shooter, but thumps you a bit (weighs under 6# scoped). found it likes Reloder7 with Sierra 200's...those loads are not as zippy as 1680 but it shoots them great.

only shot 1 deer with it, double lunged a doe & worked great. Has anyone used the Sierra 200's enough to form an opinion on performance when you hit shoulder bones?
Gerald

What a sweet rig! Who did the stock?

that one is actually an old factory stock, back when TC first started making the carbines it was more common to see them slip through some nice wood now & then.