Steyr Dragoon Scout and African Big Game Cartridges: .376 Steyr, .375 Ruger, .375 H&H

Published on July 16, 2020
Duration: 11:58

This expert analysis from Forgotten Weapons delves into the Steyr Dragoon Scout rifle chambered in .376 Steyr, comparing it against the .375 Ruger and .375 H&H Magnum for African big game hunting. The review highlights the .376 Steyr's design intent to fit a short-action scout rifle while meeting caliber requirements for dangerous game, discusses its performance and recoil, and contrasts it with other .375 cartridges and rifles. Ultimately, the .376 Steyr is praised for its technical merits but noted for its limited market adoption compared to the .375 Ruger.

Quick Summary

The Steyr Dragoon Scout in .376 Steyr was developed to provide sufficient power for African big game in a short-action rifle, meeting legal requirements for dangerous game. While it offers good performance, its limited market adoption and ammunition availability are key considerations compared to the more popular .375 Ruger cartridge.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Steyr Dragoon Scout
  2. 02:30Cartridge Comparison: .375 H&H, .376 Steyr, .375 Ruger
  3. 04:57Range Testing: Steyr Scout in .376 Steyr
  4. 06:40Range Testing: Winchester Model 70 in .375 H&H
  5. 08:35Range Testing: Ruger M77 in .375 Ruger
  6. 10:19Conclusion and Market Reality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Steyr Dragoon Scout rifle designed for?

The Steyr Dragoon Scout, chambered in .376 Steyr, was designed to meet the requirements of a scout rifle capable of hunting African big game, where calibers like .308 Winchester are insufficient or legally restricted, often requiring at least a .375 caliber for dangerous game.

How does the .376 Steyr cartridge compare to .375 Ruger and .375 H&H Magnum?

The .376 Steyr achieves 2600 fps with a 270-grain bullet in a short action. The .375 H&H Magnum offers 2700 fps but needs a long action, while the .375 Ruger is the most potent at 2850 fps and fits in a short action.

What are the practical considerations for the .376 Steyr cartridge?

While technically sound for its intended purpose, the .376 Steyr cartridge has not seen widespread market adoption or ammunition availability, which is a significant drawback for a scout rifle that prioritizes readily available ammunition.

Is the Steyr Dragoon Scout comfortable to shoot?

The Steyr Dragoon Scout in .376 Steyr has manageable recoil when fired standing, though it is significant. Prone shooting is not recommended due to the recoil, and the integrated bipod may be less practical with such powerful cartridges.

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