Ruger FTW Hunter .375 Ruger Hawkeye Matte Stainless Bolt Action Rifle

I just unboxed my...

I just unboxed my Ruger FTW .375 Ruger and am impressed with the rifle. The quality is typically Ruger, no blemishes and bolt runs smoothly. I started breaking in the barrel with 300 grain Sierra SPBT's. I fired 5 rounds at 50 yards to get the scope on paper, and stopped my barrel break- in and load development right there. After 2 rounds I had the impact point centered and 2 inches high, and launched 3 more rounds at the same spot. The resulting 3 shot group measured .15 inch with calipers. This thing will shoot! The barrel showed very little fouling after 5 rounds at 2600 FPS and almost no copper fouling. I had read that barrel break-in was unnecessary with the hammer forged barrels, and at least with this one, that seems to be true! I have since used the same load out to 200 yards and maintained sub MOA 3 shot groups, and I'm no great rifle shot. I'm 6'7 and the adjustable LOP with the stock was very welcome. With the longer stock and muzzle break, the recoil is a non-issue. To me the recoil was approximately the same as a .308. Very manageable with no pain or discomfort from the bench, which usually beats the hell out of you. I'm planning a South African hunt and I will have no problem practicing with this rifle. I am VERY pleased!