I've owned .375s (two) for serveral years, but have never worked up any loads with solid bullets -- until today. The reason I need a solid load is on my next safari, a co-worker is going along as an observer to video my hunt. He gets a vacation adventure in wild Africa, and I get the best kind of hunt pictures -- moving pictures! During this hunt, he will carry one of my .375s loaded with solids for the off-chance that things go to shit (If you have ever been on a hunt with me, you would realize the "off chance" is really never that far "off").

Anyway, neither of my rifles have ever liked any powder other than 4350 (H. and IMR). This presents a problem in that my 79-grain H 4350 loads with 300-grain A-Frames, will not translate to 300-grain Barns Banded Solids (which seems to be the bullet d'jure around here). The Barns Bullets are just too damn long. So what to do?

Ah Ha! Let's try Trophy Bonded Sledgehammers, which are conventional lead-core, steel (not gold, even though they are priced like it) jacketed bullets of conventional length and carry the flat-nose profile similar to the Barns solids. I took out a mortgage, bought a box (if you call 25 a box) and took the loads to the range today. Dang, those things shot good! At 100 yards, both my .375s shot 1.5-inch groups with 78 grains of powder producing 2490 fps, and 79 grains producing 2520 fps. Sounds like I am going to reduce the load to 78.5 grains a "fire for effect."

But wait a minute, there's more! I also bought a box of not-nearly-as-expensive-but-greatly-loved-adored-and-revered Barns Banded Solids at the same time I bought the TBSHs. These I decided to load with Re. 15, as I have heard others here say this powder works good in their .375s. I started with the Alliant Powder Company's max load of 66 grains (what a joke) and ended with "Any Shot You Want's" max load (with their A-square solids) of 72 grains.

Well low-and-behold, these dang things shot equally good! And, as I strongly suspected, the 66-grain loads barely cleared the barrel, while the "A-Square Special" loads (72 grains) chroned a cool 2499, 2498 and 2490 -- close enough to the magic 2500 fps for government work!

Now what do I do? I have two solid loads that shoot equally good. To solve this problem I decided to let you guys decide.

I already know what you are going to say, but I'll ask anyway. What load should I shoot? (BTW there's no hurry, due to the current state of the residential construction business in the U.S., my next safari keeps getting pushed back. Currently we are looking at '09, pushed back from '08, which was pushed back from '07.)

GAHUNTER,

IMR 4350 has always been my 375 powder also. I shoot 80 gr with the 300 SAF and 79 gr. will work with the 300 TBSH. Yes you need a drop tube and to constantly be tapping the case as the powder goes in to have room for the bullet.

Anyway I've recently been fooling with the Barnes TSX and banded solids. Like you I have discovered that with R-15 they equal or out perform the SAF and TBSH. As for which solid to use I'd choose the banded solid. I've had no problem with the TBSH but others more experienced than I say they have.

Mark

GA Hunter,

You may look here.

Lutz

I shot North Fork softs , solids and cup points to the same point of impact with 71 gr rx15 at over 2600 fps.
They are excellent bullets.

Wish I had that problem.

Load 'em and shoot 'em.

Uh, thanks Lutz, I think.

Yeah, I've heard of some problems with the TBSH, but I have also heard many good things.

I've also heard complaints about the Barns mono solids from time to time. And as for North Forks, ol Mike sold me a sample pack of flat and cup points in Dallas, these feed fine in one of my rifles, but jam in the other. Whatever I choose has to feed in BOTH guns, as I do not segregate my ammo (KISS -- keep it simple stupid -- full-length resize, identical loads in both)

BTW, I realize my whole original question (dissertation?) could have been boiled down to "Which solid bullet should I use: Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer or Barns Banded Solid?"

But what would be the fun in that? Brief is a word for the little pants I wear under my trousers.

They're both great in bolt-actions, just order a bunch of Northforks in case you get a 375 double and you will be set.

quote:

Originally posted by GAHUNTER:
"Which solid bullet should I use: Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer or Barns Banded Solid?"

Simple. North Fork cup nose solid. www.northforkbullets.com



However, I am biased due to positive experiences with them.

JMHO, based on nothing but general experience.

I would choose the bullet and load that works best in both of your guns. Things can and do go wrong and it would be nice to have one dependable load for both rifles.

I'd try these too: www.gscustom.co.za

available in the U.S. at www.custombrassandbullets.com

I have a .375 on order so I don't have any experiance, but wouldn't it be best to shoot the solid that is closest to the point of impact for your A frames?

GAHUNTER,
My friend is going to vedio my up coming Ele hunt and will be carrying my light 9.3x62 with 320grn Woodleigh solids.
I would recommend 350grn Woodleigh solid if they fit.
ozhunter

yup yup yup not feeding right is a good reason to get a double i know that's just the reason why i accumulated a 375 double last year