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Is .375 Ruger Suitable For Both Hunting And Target Practice?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

The .375 Ruger is a versatile cartridge suitable for both hunting medium to large-sized game and target practice due to its balanced recoil and accuracy. Its flat trajectory and high kinetic energy make it effective for hunting at longer ranges, while its manageable recoil allows for repeated shots in target practice.

Characteristics of the .375 Ruger

The .375 Ruger is a .375 caliber rifle cartridge designed by Ruger and Hornady. It has a case length of 2.26 inches, a bullet diameter of 0.375 inches, and a maximum pressure of 60,000 psi. The .375 Ruger is a versatile cartridge suitable for hunting medium to large-sized game such as African plains game, elk, and moose, and can also be used for target practice and hunting varmints.

Ballistic Performance

The .375 Ruger has a flat trajectory and high kinetic energy, making it effective for hunting at longer ranges. The cartridge has a typical muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second and a maximum effective range of 400 yards. With the right bullet selection, such as the 300-grain Hornady Interlock, the .375 Ruger can deliver a kinetic energy of 3,200 foot-pounds, sufficient for taking down medium to large-sized game.

Hunting and Target Practice

When hunting, the .375 Ruger’s manageable recoil and flat trajectory make it an excellent choice for hunting at longer ranges. The cartridge’s high kinetic energy and deep penetration ensure a quick and clean kill, even on tough game such as African plains game. For target practice, the .375 Ruger can be loaded with lighter bullets, such as the 150-grain Sierra Game King, to reduce recoil and increase accuracy.

375-ruger-africa ruger suitable both hunting target
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