AusVarmint

Took the Remington VSSF II .204 Ruger and Ruger Hawkee African Safari .375 Ruger out today and was extremely happy with the results. The day took place at Silverdale rifle range on the 100m benches. The conditions were quite blowy.

I single shot run the the rifles in and then began with load testing with 3 shot groups.

The .204 was looking great from the start as it was cutting all holes even on run in with different loads.

I started with Nosler BT's 40gr with powder charges of 2206H 26.6gr - 27.5gr. The Nosler groups ranged from .621 inch to .951 which I was not completely satisfied with.

I then tested the 39gr Sierra Blitz kings with very good results. Best group was .346 worst .516 with a .401 in there as well, so the load I have decided on for the rifle is 27.5gr of 2206H.

Then it was time for the .375 Ruger and first shot was quite a shock after sitting behind the 204 all day.

I only had 7 shots. I shot one group at the end which went 1 inch so I was happy with that. The rifle looks like its going to be extremely accurate for a big cal and the only reason the group went an inch was me as I was becoming conscious of the recoil off the bench. The rifle will be fine in the field but not one to sit behind on the bench all day. The recoil was quite solid on the bench.

I was extremely happy with how everything went today, so now time for some field testing.

Good report, MickGibbo; I've been wondering if anyone here had a 375 Rugged; you sure sound happy with yours. Congratulations, mate.
Ruggeds are pretty rugged, aren't they?

Yeah im definately very happy thats for sure. There are a few 375 Rugers getting around now.

The 204 load you list is my pet load in my 204,

Would be interestred to know the speed if you ever chrony it.

That's a nice stock on the 375 as well. Goodonya, mate!

Way to go MG, you will have to go out and blood them now.

MickGibbo or Thomo

What speed are you getting with 27.5gn of 2206H behind 39gn and 40gn bullets?

Didn't test it the other day but will definitely be on the next range day. I'm going to test it shortly to see if it has enough splat factor.

MickGibbo wrote:Didn't test it the other day but will definitely be on the next range day. I'm going to test it shortly to see if it has enough splat factor.

It will have plenty of splat factor, i can gaurantee that.

Mudgegonga wrote:MickGibbo or Thomo

What speed are you getting with 27.5gn of 2206H behind 39gn and 40gn bullets?

Only used the 39grn BK's and i think it should be pushing them out around the 37-3800FPS mark

I was expecting them to be doing around that, I have some fine tuneing to do and want to shoot it in calm conditions and see what its really capable of.

But before that I will have a crack at some targets with blood in them.

Hey Mick,
When i was doing some load development for my mates 375 H&H we found that a rolled up towel on the shoulder helped take the edge of the recoil (will depend on the eye relief of your scope though)