I've just purchased a used Winchester model 70 stainless/synthetic classic rifle in .375 H&H magnum for the possibility of going to Africa one day. I would really like to take this rifle to New Mexico for elk also but wonder about its capabilities of the longer shots with 270 or 300 grain Swift A-frames. Can anyone that has used the .375 H&H magnum share their experiences. I don't know a whole lot about this cartridge except from what I've heard from my brother whom I bought it from. He says it's a great all-around gun/cartridge for just about anything. Any replies would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance. jfm

Jfm,
Well I can tell you it will work out that far and farther..First hand knowledge...Shooting at 300 would really be a piece of cake with a 3 inch high setting at 100yds. The way to go is buy a Leupold target knob scope..Go to the range and Zero at 100yds and move vertical adjustment 4 inches and see where it hits and move back and see where it hits...If adjustments off send back to Leupold for tweek adjustments and you will be where you will want to be...
If your looking for exact ranging shooting get a Leica range finder...range adjust knobs for the distance and let fly...
This technique I learned from Bobby Hart of Hart barrels from Pennsylvania...An accomplished long range shooter...

Mike

Welcome aboard...

I think it is a great elk caliber. If your sighted in 2.5" high at 100 yards, it will shoot right on at 200 yards and just shy of -10" at 300 yards. Check out Federal Cartidges on line ballistics at: http://www.federalcartridge.com/ballistics/default.aspx

jfm,

First off, welcome to the AR forums!!!!

"I don't know a whole lot about this cartridge except from what I've heard from my brother whom I bought it from. "

Well, here's a little history and info about the cartridge:

The .375 H&H Magnum by Ganyana
http://www.african-hunter.com/375_magnum.htm

THE ONCE & FUTURE KING by Gregor Woods
http://www.bunduki.com/bob/articles/Woods-375HH.html

The 375 H&H turns 90 by Ric Tester
http://www.ssaa.org.au/newssaa/101-StoriesReviews/ammo/375.html

Trajectory is determined by a bullet's ballistic coefficient and velocity. Two bullets of different calibers but with the same ballistic coefficient (BC) and velocity will have the same trajectory. The .375 H&H shoots 270 gr bullets at the same speed as the .30-06 shoots a 180 gr bullet. (About 2700 fps for both.) Given equal BCs the trajectory is the same. Many consider the .30-06 with the 180 gr bullet to be a 300 yard cartridge. If so, then the .375 H&H with 270 gr bullets is also. In the .375 H&H, the 300 gr bullet in factory loads start off at about 2500 fps.

Federal has ballistics for their catridges on their web site. http://www.federalcartridge.com/ You might want to go there and compare the trajectories of the .375 H&H with cartridges you have experience with.

"He says it's a great all-around gun/cartridge for just about anything."

You bet it is! Also, don't hestitate to use it here on deer and feral hogs. Sure, it's more gun than needed for these but it's not "too much gun". It will cleanly take deer and hogs with little fuss or bother. And, using it to hunt deer or hogs will give you field experience with your .375 H&H. Soon, it will become a trusted friend.

Congrats on your new rifle!! I think you're going to really like the .375 H&H Magnum. It's a true classic. You made a wise choice.

-Bob F.

I have take many shots at 200yds and the 300yd shot is well within the 375's range. I took a Wildebeest at a measured 320yds. I shoot 260gr Nosler partitions most of the time and sight in 2.5" high at 100 yds. Pretty much on at 200yds and 10" low at 300. I put the crosswire along the wildebeest's back and broke a shoulder. Did not allow enough windage which is always my problem. Range I get pretty good but windage I'm poor at. They can go quite a ways with 3 legs.

In preparation for Africa (and just plain wanting to shoot it), I've used my .375 H&H on a number of elk. Bullets have been Barnes X in 210 (4 elk), 235gr, 260gr, and 270gr. Witnesses have seen this gun stop elk at over 300yds and deer at even longer range. I loaded the 210 and 235 bullets because they were given to me. Finding out how light the recoil was and how far they were effective was eye-opening. And one other thing, buy some Herco powder, use 18 grains of it, load any of the 250-270 gr cast bullets for the .38-55 and shoot for practice. This load has turned out to be an effective and accurate one in a number of rifles.
Max

quote:

Originally posted by jfm:
....... He says it's a great all-around gun/cartridge for just about anything.......

He told you straight up there. I use mine for deer, elk and antelope. Animals act strange around it. You point a .375 at them and pull the trigger and they just fall over with thier lights out. I don't think you could pick a better round for the big game here in the US and Africa.

If I could offer one piece of advice. Handload for it. Factory ammo can be pricey. The last I looked here in Wyoming the price was $55-60 per box of 20. I load the 270 gr Speer BTSP and it has a very consistent habit of letting air out of our local critters.

jfm:

Welcome to the forum!

On a dare/bet with a PH, I shot a jackal in Namibia at 425 with a 270 grain .375. I hit it in the hindquarters and he said it was luck, so I shot him again, this time for good; and before someone asks, yes, it was all on camera.

Point being: I knew that gun/load well, and also knew the exact distance. Zero at 200 yards, and anything out to nearly 350 is in the fur.

If you want to use it as a long-range cartridge, you should.

One shot at a Cape Kudu at 308 yards. Dead right there!

Finisher shot at a blue wildebeeste at about 300 yards. Dead right there.

This is my only 300 yard experience with the 375 H&H except for rocks. So far, none of the rocks have moved after being hit at that range either.

My opinion: 375 H&H is more than up to the task.

took only one rifle to africa.375 H & H and shot all my trophies with it , including a bushbuck at 219 yards , 300gn barnes X for everything! Great choice in Calibre!

quote:

.375 H&H magnum a 300 yard gun ?

IMO...yes it is. Not too sure if I'd be shooting at DG at that range but I wouldn't hesitate to try a zebra or other large plains game at that range if I had a good rest and a minute to take a well rested shot. We're assuming there is no opportunity to stalk another 100 yards closer.

I've killed whitetail deer at over 400 yards with a .375 H&H.....and with a single shot.

The 375 H&H, when zeroed at 200 yds, with a 300 gr bullet @ 2550 fps, actually has about the same trejectory as a 30-06 with a 180 gr bullet @ 2700 fps. At 300 yds the 300 gr 375 has about 16" of drop, with 8 inches for 180 30 cal. At the 200 yd zero, for the 375, the 180 30 cal will be only 3/4" flatter than the 375!

On an elk, @ 300 yds the corss hairs placed on the elk just under the back line the 375 H&H 300 gr bullet will impact the elk at about center of the shoulder! What's the problem!

I've shot tiny little Impala at 300 yds with a 375 H&H useing the only bullet I use in the 375 H&H a 300 gr Nosler Partition! The 375 H&H is one of the best chamberings one can choose for a one rifle for the world, and all the world's game. Use you new 375 for elk, and never look back!

I've yet to read anyone mentioning the Sierra 200 grain flat point. People sometimes joke about the quality of this bullet, however, it worked excellent for me at 300 yards and 315 yards on elk. And, the ballistics are impressive too. What is so nice about the .375 H&H is just what's been said. It shoots a whole hell of a lot of bullets, out to where I and maybe SOME others shouldn't be taking shots, and with authority! I must admit. I shoot better than I stalk.

jfm,

For hunting here in WY I load 270 FailSafes to be on at 300 yards. I hold under/over at shorter/longer ranges.

With a laser rangerfinder to determine distance, I killed a 6 x 6 bull elk at 520 yards, one shot through the lungs.

Properly set up and loaded, these rifles are accurate. Recoil is a bunch lighter than a .338 also, IMO.

Went to RSA expecting close cover and quick shooting.... which explained the 1.25 - 4x scope - and the thick cross hairs.

First shot was perfectly placed at 325m on a teeny lil Black Springbok. Rifle perfect - could have done with a little more glass on that occasion!

Also shoot an '06 - so any difference in trajectory is instinctive for me.

You have made a fine choice.

Rgds Ian

I was told that this was probably the best hunting/outdoors site there was as far as collective experience/hunting knowledge and it appears it is true. You folks are amazing with your experience and quick replies. You're also making me feel pretty good about the $400.00 I spent on this rifle. Thank you very much for all your help. This is like having a hunting library at my fingertips. Take care all. jfm.

My pre64 model 70 shoots 260 grain noslers 2 inches high at 100 when zeroed for 300 grain trophy bonded at 100. With that sighting the 260 is fine for elk and plains game and the 300 is for the things that bite back.

JFM,

I have shot a 375 or 375 improved for elk and American buffalo since 1982.

Longest shot large cow elk at 400 yards with std 375 h and h with factory 270 grain WW Power Points. Hit on last rib, angling forward. Put her down.

4 X Leupold scope and original but glass bedded stock.

It was a long time ago but I think I had a 200 yard zero and used the duplex as a 300 yard aiming point, holding at top line of back, and hit pretty low on her body.

Longest miss about 700 yds with 375 improved, hit limb above 6 x 6 and knocked limbs and snow on him. (I was young and dumb).

You can certainly use the 375 at 300 yds same as you could a 30-06 with high SD bullet.

There are so many good premium 375 bullets now days. Pictured is 250 grain Swift at 2950 fps with 78 grains 4064 in 375 Improved at point blank range! Still held together.



My advice is to start with the 250 grain swift at 2700-2900 fps, whatever you are comfortable with, and when you can shoot that prone, switch to the heavier bullet.

The 270 grain Power Points I used should be very similar in BC to your current day Swift. (Similar sized meplat).

If prone shooting is difficult in your light weight 375, then try using a military sling. It helps alot. I can still shoot a 300 grain at 2800 fps in 10 pound 375 improved (pre 64 with bull barrel), but I need the sling.

The full power 270 grain will be a snap once you build up your confidence.

Andy