Gentlemen,

I've only been hunting for 5 years, and reloading for 3. I am completely enamored with the sport/hobby and I have a question. Forgive me if this has been discussed before, but I could not locate it in a search. I'm posting it here hoping for real world experience.

I've found the sweet spot for my Ruger No. 1 in .375 H&H. I loaded a Barnes 270gr TSX with 71.5gr of IMR 4350. A pleasure to shoot

I printed a 5 shot group at .5" center to center. My avg velocity was 2435fps (STD 6.2).

I will not be going to Africa or Alaska any time soon, but I like to think that I am. It helps realize the goals. Is this load to slow for adequate penetration/cavitation on all African game?

According to Barnes customer service, this bullet will expand well at velocities over 1900 fps. This leaves me with a maximum target distance of under 300 yards.

Your thoughts and experience are appreciated.

EMC2

EMC2,

Welcome to the forum.

This velocity does seem to be a bit low. But, if you are happy with it, I am sure it is going to do the job on all animals, including cape buffalo.

Many factory loaded ammo I have tested in the 375H&H have similar velocities as your load, especially in shorter barrelled rifles.

quote:

Originally posted by EMC2:
My avg velocity was 2435fps (STD 6.2).

2400 fps is plenty of velocity for both plains game and buffalo. More velocity just means that your bullet will open up faster and penetrate less. Keep in mind that the greatest penetrator of all time, the 416 Rigby, just does 2400 fps with factory ammo.

I'm no expert, but that velocity is about the same as I get with custom built DG rifle in same calibur with top quality factory loads. 22 inch barrel,Federal TBBC.

Hello EMC2,

I'm no expert by any means but you might want to try RE-15 and a non magnum primer like the WLR. I only had the chance to chrono the load once since I don't own a chrony myself and was getting good velocity. I'm sure many people on this forum can help you out since I got the idea from some forum members. Like a member told once, RE-15 is THE POWDER of choice for the 270gr TSX. I also use a Lee Factory crimp on each round.

Best of luck,

Maurice

P.S. Wish I had Saeed's indoor range, and equipment to test in a controlled environment this particular load in different 375 rifles.

As stated, your velocity will do but I would suggest also developing a faster loading for Plainsgame in areas affording the possibility of long range shots. Someday you will want such a loading and you'll already be well acquainted with it. It seems your barrel likes this bullet. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a nice loading that takes better advantage of the B.C. numbers. Best of luck!

Is this the only load you've tried? There's data for various bullets with IMR or H4350 going several grains higher than that -- if you check your manuals you may find that a heavier charge won't necessarily degrade accuracy.

I'd second the recommendation for RL-15. With RL-15 you should max out somewhere in the low 70-gr. range at about 2700 fps. My rifle takes 74 grains with the same bullet and Federal 215M primers; I used that load in Namibia last month with outstanding results.

We're getting consistent sub MOA with 270gr TSXs and RL-15. That's a great match and velocity is running about 2675 in our 23" barrel.

Thank you folks. Your experience is appreciated. I've been getting some feedback from gents over in the Reloading forum, and they also suggest the RL-15. I'm haveing a bit of trouble locating it locally, and I'd rather not pay the hazmat shipping fees. When it comes in, I will definately give it a try.

Also in my imaginary safari, I'm going to try the 235gr TSX to see if I can get between 2700-2800fps for the plains game. One of the greatest things about reloading is that there is always something else to try.

I have worked up other loads and I have gotten better velocities, but I haven't been able to beat that group yet. I understand the difference between Minute of Vitals and Minute of Angle, but it's hard to ignore 5 shots in 1/2" with comfortable recoil. I'll always take accuracy over velocity if and only if the terminal ballistic requirements are met.

Thanks all for your feedback.

EMC2

I'll second (or third or fourth) the comments about the 270g TSX and RE-15. I'm loading 70.0g with a Fed 215 primer in my .375 Taylor. ~2725fps from a 23 inch barrel. Around an inch groups.

MKane160