303british or .375Winchester for Big game

WhelanLad

WhelanLad

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Hi guys.
I recently acquired a Ruger no 1 .303british to finish off my list of guns .
It also sits alongside a 375Winchester 94 lever gun.


Now I would like your opinion on Which rifle an calibre would you prefer to use on Big Game.
I use the word big game pretty loosely
also going off 215gr Projectiles for the Brit, 250gr for the .375. (will listen to 174gr+ weights for the brit)
Presuming both rifles remain open sighted, with a peep sight of sorts as an upgrade but no scopes or dots.

Looking forward to some of the responses

cheers
WhelanLad
 
Which do you shoot better over the intended range?
Which has a trajectory that is best suited for that range?
Do you anticipate the need for fast repeat shots?
Which is handier to carry over a day long hunt?
Which grabs your imagination?

IMHO, the .303 is a better general purpose cartridge, but for specific chores like hunting in the thick stuff, the .375 might be an advantage. The problem I have is that while superior to a .35 Remington, there might be a temptation to use the .375 Winchester in a situation which calls for a .375 H&H. You guys have some big critters. My choice would be the #1 with the .303 handloaded like it was a .308.
 
I would take the 94 most of the time. But, I'd take the No.1 once in a while. One of them will call your name the loudest on any given hunting day.
 
Boomer has the right idea. That old 303 loaded properly will take down anything that walks. In a number one it would be an ideal bush rifle. Having a follow up shot or four would be a nice option but I wouldn't push a 375 Winny past 100 yards.
 
my thoughts:
spot & stalk, stationary game = .303 #1
Driven game or jump shooting in the thick stuff = Win. 375

but I have co comment, "finish off my list of guns!!!" give your head a shake lad, I hope that illness passes soon so you can continue your quest for the perfect rifle to add to your collection.
 
375, since you are going with iron sights. The winchester carries better and has the advantage if follow up shots are needed.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Some good points from you guys.
I agree with toting the 303 as a 308, I certainly look at it that way after spending some time behind the rifle this past week, with handloads no doubt about it.


this post was very Vague, for discussions sake as yes there is a lot of variables to include, Distance is a good point, although imo with open sights on both rifles, neither call for shots over 150m, 150m also being where id comfortably take a shot on a big game animal, Past this distance il always pass up the shot and prefer the scoped rifle.


Boomer your on the money with the job description at hand.


I'l leave it for now an hope to get some more opinions from users of either cartridge.

Cheers
WL
 
I find that my 303 loaded with 174's or 180's shoots best with max loads - according to Sierra.you certainly can't go wrong with either, however, truth be told, if only between those two, the 303 would be my choice.
 
Where did you get 215gr slugs for the 303 Brit? I've always preferred heavy weights for hunting but haven't seen that weight for years. Then again I like to shoot mostly cast in the 303. Sorry I can't help with your choice, both are excellent, nice to have a choice like that to make. Best of luck with your decision.
 
big boar said:
Where did you get 215gr slugs for the 303 Brit? I've always preferred heavy weights for hunting but haven't seen that weight for years. Then again I like to shoot mostly cast in the 303. Sorry I can't help with your choice, both are excellent, nice to have a choice like that to make. Best of luck with your decision.
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Big Boar,

T.E.C. usually has Woodleigh .303 in 215 grain bullets.
 
"...215gr projectiles for the Brit..." Not loaded by anybody any more. Not used by any military since 1910 either. Reloading thing only if you can find the Woodleigh$. Nobody else makes 'em. And your rifle needs to have the right ID. Woodleighs are .312". No idea what diameter Ruger used.
The .375 Win is one of many answers to an unasked question in the shooting/hunting world. Doesn't do anything other, and easier to find cartridges, won't do. You won't likely find it in small places(not too likely in many big places either). .303 British is everywhere in Canada.
 
The Rger #1 in 303 British is of course the cooler option. Especially using the 215 gr Woodleighs, which add to the cool factor. hey shoot fine in my #1. ;)
 
Well Ruger barrels are .312 , An Woodleigh belongs in Australia.... 215s are on the Menu!

Oooohhhh yeah ill give the 'Cool factor' to the #1 .303British but only by a Whisker! The big ol rockchucker 375 winnie in a 94 is pretty swarve too imo :)

I could definatley use 180gr .312s an use it more like a 308 for a slightly flatter trajectory but some more velocity behind.

I know the 375w with 220 Hornadys is a real penetrater on large Sambar deer, yet to find a projectile an no deer have moved ... The call for the 215s would be to duplicate this performance, velocities drop quite a bit with the 215s an would be very on par with the 375.

cheers
WL
 
OldSavage said:
That old 303 loaded properly will take down anything that walks. In a number one it would be an ideal bush rifle. Having a follow up shot or four would be a nice option but I wouldn't push a 375 Winny past 100 yards.
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X2. I have a Marlin 375 lever and bolt lee enfield 303. If I had to choose just one for an all purpose.. the 303 would be the winner. Dont get me wrong... I like the 375 for bush hunting, but I think the 303 would serve a better all around gun.
 
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