Hi
300 grain can be loded up to about 2550-2600 fps in which velocity these bullet are enough for frontal shot at elephant? those solid fmj kynoch loads were loaded with much less velocity. what is the minimum velocity for relaiable penetration?.
cheers
yes

~2500 fps no more no less!

I have tested 300gr Woodleigh solids from my 375H&H rifle at ~2450fps. They provided sufficient penetration in the bull's skull I shot them into. From low in front, the traversed the entire skull and were found in the neck.

I wouldn't hesitate to use them on any bull elephant if I was stuck using a 375H&H.

JPK

quote:

I wouldn't hesitate to use them on any bull elephant if I was stuck using a 375H&H.

Now there is a vote of confidence!!

Will, MAC says you could whack one with your Blaser 470, if you had enough time to get the "safety" off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/5241001021

Here is a recent report on ele shot with a 375. Seemed to work OK.

Well shucks, a 375 has killed elephant be4, not to mention what's his face in Kambaku. Just don't need nuttin more den a 375.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

quote:

I wouldn't hesitate to use them on any bull elephant if I was stuck using a 375H&H.

Now there is a vote of confidence!!

I didn't mean it the way it read! But you know that I would prefer more rifle!

Good God, I would hope so!

I think you are with me in believing in the big stuff.

Find peace Will, I have a small alter in my gun/trophy room dedicated to your spiritual father, John Pondoro Taylor.

A mate loads his up to around 2600fps .
I'd rather do what another friend does, and that is to get the Woodleigh 350grners and set them with a velocity of around 2350fps.

~2500 fps is the "magical" number for the .375 diameter 300 gr solid. Less may equal shallow penetration and more may lead to erratic bullet paths.

I don't believe there is any magic to 2500 fps, give or take a 100 fps. I personally load mine to about 2450-2475, but that just works in my rifle. If you really believe that 100 or even 200 fps makes all that much difference in penetration, then please explain what happens when the target goes from point blank to 100+ yards?
I would agree that trying to "amp up" a 375 H+H to 2600fps+ is a game of diminishing returns, when you should just be going to a bigger cartridge overall. If a 2400 fps, 300 grain slug out of a .375 isn't enough for the job, you won't fix the problem with just more velocity. Enjoy the .375 for what it is, and that is a very effective DG cartridge. Now if you want to make a habit of shooting elephants on a regular basis, then please take a sizeable step up - say .416 at a minimum.
Bill

quote:

explain what happens when the target goes from point blank to 100+ yards?

~2500 fps takes into account that most African game is shot between 25 and 100 yds.

Most anybody who has shot lots of stuff with a .375 will say the same.

And with ele...adequate but "straight-line" penetration is the name of the game.

are woodleigh 300 gr solids are imitation of old kynoch fmj solids? what was the velocity of those kynoch solids which had a reputation to be enough loads?

quote:

what was the velocity of those kynoch solids which had a reputation to be enough loads?

I would bet my eye-teeth they were ~2500 fps. But I have no real knowledge to back that up.

Kynoch's original 300gr load had velocity of 2500fps IN A 28" BARREL.

That translates into about 2400fps out of a 24" barrel.

Plenty of penetration with Woodleigh 300gr solid in elephant heads at 2400fps.

(BTW, here is Kynoch's website on the 300gr load: http://www.new-kynoch.apt-site...5%20H&H%20belted.htm)

JPK