I'm beginning think that the 375 H&H Ackley Improved (aka, 375 Weatherby) is about the perfect big bore. When loaded to its potential, it'll provide massive down range energy as well as a flat trajectory. This is a 600 yd weapon, able to provide ~5500 ft# energy at the muzzle.

Importantly, the average hunter can handle the kick and blast, but it's hard to believe one can handle more without significant pain. The 375 H&H doesn't quite provide the trajectory and the 378 Weatherby is just too much of a canon. Any thoughts?

Of course you are boringly correct.

Also mention that you can use generic .375 H&H ammo in it in a pinch, and turn that 2530 fps 300-grainer into a 2400 fps loafer of lighter recoil, a super-killer according to Kevin "Doctari" Robertson.

You are so right.

RIP, I'm surprised we're getting away with our enthusiasm for the .375 H&H Ackley Improved without being challenged.

I'm getting 2933 fps (26.5" barrel) with 300 gr. Hornady SPBT or Sierra GKs using 94 grs. of Normal MRP and with long case life (5725 ft# energy). But, this load is as much as I can handle. John Y. Williamson reported essentially identical results with 300 gr Nosler partitions using 94 grs. of Normal 205 with a 24" barrel (see Wildcat Cartridges, Vol II, Wolfe Publishing Co.; Prescott, AZ; 1992). One does not have to load this HOT to kill, but this load is a 600 yd antelope or cross-canyon elk round, if you so desire. Seat a 300 gr. Swift A-frame or Speer TBBC and ~90 grs of MRP (2850 fps), and you have a fantastic cape buffalo or elephant thumper (5405 ft# energy).

I believe this cartidge could be used to hunt anything, anywhere on the planet Earth. Any thoughts?

Regards, AIU

I love mine. I've got a pre 64 super grade .375 improved that I took to Zim last June. Killed everything from baboon to giraffe with it , every thing one shot except the Giraffe which took two shots. I used Woodleigh 300 grn softs and solids loaded to aprox 2650. I wounded and lost a buff with my .458 Lott. The next day while riding in the back of the cruiser ,the 375 and 458 hanging in the rack, Magara the old veteran PH placed his hand on the 375 and spoke in his limited english, good rifle, then placed his hand on the 458 and said no good.I couldn't agree more although I can't blame the lost buff on the 458. I do sometimes wonder what the outcome might have been had I used the 375 on the buff. I haven't been loading higher velocity because I don't want to damage the stock, but if I take it back for buff I will play around with some heavy for caliber bullets and pick up the velocity a bit. Anyway, I personally think its a great cartridge.

Scott

Yes, the heavier bullets of 300 to 350 grains really make it shine. You ought to be able to get 2600 to 2650 fps with 350-grainers, no problem.

.375AI/.375Wby are really not much advantaged over the .375 H&H with the lighter bullets. However, assuming all other variables besides the chambering could be controlled, I estimate them to be 200 to 250 fps better than the .375 H&H with the 300 to 350-grain bullets, and that is worthwhile.

Any individual comparison between two specific rifles in .375H&H vs. .375 Improved may be skewed by rifle differences. There are faster and slower ones of either make.

I think the work "Improved" when referencing the .375 H&H is an oxymoron...Hard to improve on perfection.

Improve if you must, love it if you must, but with the same hit on any animal the results will be quite simular, a dead animal..

Trajectory is an abused word..In the field with a tree for a rest and a 10 mile an hour wind, there is little if any difference..

On paper the 375 IMP. is a dandy..

I've taken my .375 Imp. to Zim 3 times and it will go to Namibia next year where longer ranges should be the norm. It's given me spectacular performnace on everything with 270 grain X bullets out to 300 yards. I wouldn't hesitate to extend that range if necessary. My PH was so impressed he took some sample loads and data to start his own project gun.

I had an ultralight rifle built in the .375 Improved for mountain hunting and I can't imagine anything better for larger game at high altitude.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:
RIP, I'm surprised we're getting away with our enthusiasm for the .375 H&H Ackley Improved

without being challenged.

Well here is a legitimate complaint for you. This round is so effective and controllable and accurate that it usually plants whatever you are shooting at on the spot.
When I hunt dangerous game I expect a charge now and then so that I can write hair raising stories of bravery and skill.
The various .375's tend to eliminate that with boringly good killing ability. I think they should be outlawed on the grounds of overly consistent excellent performance!

In all seriousness I just had one of the most impressive and boring one shot kills on buffalo with a .375H&H and a 300gr TSX that one could possibly imagine.
Bang..Thump... flop... dead. Me likes.

Obviously, I'm not the first to discover this cartridge. The .375 H&H Ackley Improved has all the potential a hunter could want.

I have one too. But big bore it aint.

quote:

and you have a fantastic cape buffalo or elephant thumper (5405 ft# energy).

I have been shooting a .375 Improved since about 1978.

300 grain Bitterroot at 2,800 fps with a case full of IMR 4831. (About 90 grains). Or a 275 grain Bitterroot at 2,975 fps (About 94 grains which is a compressed load with drop tube).

Low pressure in a 22 1/2 inch bull barrel.

Winchester brass, pre-64 action.

Even with a 350 grain Woodleigh FMJ it would not be my choice for elephant.

It is the best killer I have ever used on everything else.

Andy

When I took my sons to Africa both carried .375 AIs. One took a Sako Safari grade the other took a custom. Both had one shot kills on buffs the first day. It's a great caliber. MMP