The 376 Steyr is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 62,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 12.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 376 Steyr with the 375 Ruger on the same basis.
376 Steyr ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 270 gr | 2,580 fps | 3,990 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists a single reference bullet weight for the 376 Steyr: 270 grains, listed at 2,580 fps, which computes to 3,990 ft-lb. SAAMI publishes no other weight for it, so the table has one row. For any other bullet weight, use the figures the maker publishes for that item.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 376 Steyr ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 376 Steyr is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 12.00 in, with a .376 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 62,000 psi. Fire 376 Steyr ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
376 Steyr vs 375 Ruger: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 376 Steyr | 375 Ruger |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 62,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 12.00 in | 1 turn in 12.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .376 in | .376 in |
| Lightest reference load | 270 gr — 2,580 fps / 3,990 ft-lb | 250 gr — 2,890 fps / 4,636 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 270 gr — 2,580 fps / 3,990 ft-lb | 270 gr — 2,840 fps / 4,835 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 270 gr — 2,580 fps / 3,990 ft-lb | 300 gr — 2,660 fps / 4,712 ft-lb |
The 376 Steyr and the 375 Ruger share the same maximum average pressure, 62,000 psi. At 270 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 376 Steyr reference velocity is 2,580 fps (3,990 ft-lb computed), against 2,840 fps (4,835 ft-lb) for the 375 Ruger. On that row the 375 Ruger carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 375 Ruger ammo.
376 Steyr ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 376 Steyr?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 376 Steyr at 62,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 376 Steyr?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 376 Steyr is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 12.00 in. Your own rifle may differ.
Is the 376 Steyr more powerful than the 375 Ruger?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 270 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 376 Steyr reference velocity is 2,580 fps (3,990 ft-lb computed), against 2,840 fps (4,835 ft-lb) for the 375 Ruger.
What is the effective range of the 376 Steyr?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 376 Steyr drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 376 Steyr ammunition from Hornady. Browse the full 376 Steyr ammo range.
