Gentlemen,

I can assure you that the 375H&H would have exactly the same effect on animals as my 375/404 if the same bullets and bullet placement is used.

I agree with Saeed. A higher MV velocity should buy you slightly flatter trajectory and a few more yards of range, with slightly higher energy levels at any given range. These are all worthwhile objectives, but do they make much of a difference in a practical sense? A .375 bullet is a .375 bullet!

That is why my question is about moving up to a larger, heavier bullet rather than boosting the velocity of the same bullet. IMHO that is where the significant difference lies.

My question is: "Is that difference critical?" Your collective answer is pretty clear.

quote:

That is why my question is about moving up to a larger, heavier bullet rather than boosting the velocity of the same bullet. IMHO that is where the significant difference lies.

My feelings exactly!

quote:

Originally posted by Kwan:
I personally do not like 2 Cartridges out there, and here I will be receiving some flack I guess, the 375 H&H and the 30-06

BUT , The 375 will and shall be the BEST 1 Rifle for Safari, loaded with 300 grain , Swift A Frames or 300 gr TSX'S

The combination of 30-06 and 375 , deadly on everything out here in Africa,

Absolutely!

quote:

Originally posted by Wooly ESS:
I already own a .375 H&H that is quite accurate and which I like.

I will be hunting plains game also.

I would prefer to take only one rifle, if possible.

I think you have your answer right there.

If it gives you any consolation, the .375 H&H is actually well above the minimum, since the Zim minimum is the equivalent of the 9.3x62. The most important points are:
1. you have a .375, it is accurate and you like it. Based on the last 2, I assume you are familiar with it.
2. It is well above the legal minimum.
3. It is plenty of gun, also versatile enough for plains game...and thus you can save the cost of a new rifle and spend the money on more trophy fees...
Taxidermy costs, well, can't help you! Regards, Craig

What the Colonel said, plus one!

Rich
DRSS

You state you prefer to carry something more than the absolute minimum. The 375 H&H is more than adequate for buffalo. I would say the 9.3x62 or 74R, or the 338 Win Mag would be the practical minimum. The 9.3 has killed plenty. Heck, I think you could shoot buffalo all day long with a 30-06 with the right bullets (220 grainers) placed in the right spot. The Parks staff in Zim shoot them with iron sighted AK 47s for their meat rations.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
You state you prefer to carry something more than the absolute minimum. The 375 H&H is more than adequate for buffalo. I would say the 9.3x62 or 74R, or the 338 Win Mag would be the practical minimum. The 9.3 has killed plenty. Heck, I think you could shoot buffalo all day long with a 30-06 with the right bullets (220 grainers) placed in the right spot. The Parks staff in Zim shoot them with iron sighted AK 47s for their meat rations.

I wish I could use my .338 on buff this summer, I know how I can shoot it. That being said,having to get a new rifle for the upcoming safari is half the fun.

Personally the .375 is to close to the .338 so I now have the thin excuse I need to get a .416.

RE Col Boddington, lets not drag that out-He retired as a Col.

SSR

Well, I'm amazed. I've received nearly 140 votes in my poll. Thank you all for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. The results are pretty clear.

So, this is what I;m going to do. I'm going to plan on using my 375 H&H. I plan on using 300 grain Sweift A-Frames, which I've had good results with from both an accuracy and a terminal ballistics point of view. I will try 300 grain TSXs for a comparision, and if they are better in the accuracy department I will consider replacing the A Frames with TSXs. They would have to be significantly better, however as for me the 300 gr Swift A frame is a proven bullet. In this scenario the 375 H&H will be my "one size fits all" gun.

I will also be open to the possibility of acquiring a 416 Rigby or 416 Rem Mag over the next six months, should one suddenly become available to me. IF I can shoot it, and IF it is accurate and reliable I will consider taking it as a second gun. In this scenario I will use the 416 as the main buffalo gun, and the 375 as the plainsgame and backup buff gun.

Its win-win either way!

Isn't this fun!