Savage Arms Model 16 Bear Hunter 375 Ruger 23" Barrel 3 Round Bolt Action Rifle 19639

The 375 Ruger, a joint development between Ruger and Hornady, was introduced in 2006 in the Ruger Hawkeye. Its unbelted case has a .532-inch rim and base, the same as most belted magnums, simplifying manufacturing. Case length is 2.580 inches, allowing it to be housed in a standard (30-06) action. Design criterion was to equal 375 H&H ballistics in a shorter case. Because of the efficiency of the shorter, fatter case it actually exceeds 375 H&H performance; Hornady's 270-grain load delivers 2870 feet per second; the 300-grain load 2705. Introduction of the 375 Ruger was perhaps the most successful launch of a big-bore cartridge. Its ability to fit into a standard-length action renders it more affordable than most cartridges in its power range, with current options including Mossberg as well as Ruger. It is not as available as the 375 H&H, but fills the same niche: Powerful enough for the largest game, yet shoots flats enough for most hunting applications. — Craig Boddington