Author Topic: .375 caliber handgun? (Read 996 times)

handirifle · « **on:** May 01, 2004, 01:56:45 PM »

Why is it no one has ever made a revolver cartridge with a .375 bullet? Or have they? It seems like a 44 Mag necked down to .375 would be a 150-200yd deer gun for sure.

The .375 seems a nice compromise between big bore 44 and up and the .358 class bullets.

Dan Chamberlain · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2004, 02:02:04 PM »

I'm not sure, but I've heard that true bottleneck cartridges don't do well in revolvers. I can't recall if this is true. The .375 is almost the next step between the .44 and the .357. If someone would make one, you'd have the .357, .375, .41 and .44 (which is actually .429), .45, 475, .500 and that's about it. I've often thought that a .375 Winchester case, shortened to .44 Mag length would be a dynamite medium cartridge for deer. Heavier than the .357 and not so heavy as the .41!

Dan C

475/480 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2004, 03:29:48 PM »

At one time Dan Wesson made a 375 supermag 1.610" case did not sell real well.Every once in a while you can find a DW 375 for sell keep looking.
I just bought a 375 GNR barrel (45-70 case necked down to 375) but that is a TC Encore. 270gr at 2200 fps.
Sean

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2004, 05:07:40 PM »

handirifle,
A few years ago I owned a Dan Wesson /Wesson Arms 375 Super-Mag.
It used a shortened 375 Win case. Although it had some potential, it was never realized due to the scarcity of appropriate bullets.
It was designed to be a long range sillhouette cartridge with some hunting applications.
My particular gun seemed to have major problems, and spent the majority of my ownership time in transit to and from the factory.
At last it went away. :-D
Later,
TnNuc

handirifle · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2004, 06:40:24 PM »

While I have read of some bottleneck rounds being problematic in revolvers, it seems to me that one with a taper similar to that of the 22 Hornet (very slight) might do better. As in a 44 Mag tapered. More powder space and energy/velocity. Just a thought.

redhawk44 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2004, 06:51:56 AM »

Quote from: handirifle

While I have read of some bottleneck rounds being problematic in revolvers, it seems to me that one with a taper similar to that of the 22 Hornet (very slight) might do better. As in a 44 Mag tapered. More powder space and energy/velocity. Just a thought.

You are right about that slow taper being OK.

I have a Blackhawk in 38/40 and have loaded some VERY hot loads in it using 200 grainers designed for the 10MM Auto and never had a problem with freezing the cylinder.

I won't tell you what the load was because it could cause problems in the wrong gun, but in the 6-1/2" Blackhawk, it was good for 1400 fps. (chronographed)

That ain't that far off from a 41 Mg. Of course, the 38/40 case probably holds a little more powder that the 41 Mg.

davefxrc · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2004, 02:07:35 PM »

FOR MANY YEARS I HUNTED WITH AN EL DORADO 375SM. THEY ARE A FINE HUNTING HANDGUN FOR DEER . MY LONGEST SHOT WAS ABOUT 80 YDS, SHORTEST ABOUT 15 FEET. THEY ARE THE FLATTEST SHOOTING OF ALL REVOLVERS ACCORDING TO THE SILHOUETTE BOYS. RECOIL IS ABOUT LIKE A FULL HOUSE 44 MAG. THE HORNADAY 220GR FLATPOINT REALLY DOES A NUMBER ON WHITETAILS.WITH A 10 1/2'' BARREL YOU CAN GET 1700FPS USING H110 OR WW680. THEY DO HAVE A DRAWBACK, I NEVER COULD, NOR DID I EVER KNOW ANYONE, WHO DEVELOPRD AN ACCURITE REDUCED LOAD. 50YD GROUPS OFF A SANDBAG, WENT 2'' AT 1650FPS TO 6'' AT 1200FPS. OTHER THAN THAT
THEY ARE GREAT. GARY REEDER HAS TAKEN THIS A STEP FUTHER BUY
NECKING DOWN A 445SM TO 375 AND OFFERING IT IN A CONTENDER OR HIS STRECH FRAME REVOLVER.ACCORDING TO HIS WEBBSITE PERFORMANCE IS IN THE 375 WINCHESTER RANGE.