I'm heading to Africa next year. Several of the fellas I've talked to about the appropriate caliber for this hunt have suggested that I take one scoped rifle of a suitable caliber.
Since my 45-70 Winchester 1886 and the 405 Winchester don't have scopes I'll take my 375 Whelen. My 308 is an AR10t and the 30-06 is a Winchester 95..........
I've only used cast bullets with this rifle in the 15 years I've been shooting it, I'm at a loss. With the experience I've had using cast bullets I don't think I'd be under gunned using cast, but I'll take the advice of the more experienced fellas.
So which of the 375 jacketed bullets would be appropriate to the velocities that the 375 Whelen operates at?
Jim

Try the 250 grain or 270 grain Swift A-Frame.

Most of the premium bullets in this weight range would work also (260 Nosler Partition, etc.). The reason for my suggestion of premium bullets for plains game is due to the increased penetrating ability compared to standard bullets. This allows much greater freedom in shot selection from quartering angles. It is amazing how many animals only offer strong rear quartering shots in the African bush (or only straight away shots for that matter). If you are willing to pass up these shots most any non-premium bullet in the same weight range will work fine (and even the 235 grain Speer, and the 225 Hornady spire point that was designed for the 376 Steyr).

Stay away from the 200 Sierra and 220 Hornady flat point, as they were designed for the 375 Win, and open much too quickly at higher velocity.

Good luck with your selection,
Jim

I had great luck on a trip to Namibia last week with 260 gr Nosler accubonds in a 375 H&H, loaded to about 2600 fps. I recovered 3 bullets, retaining from 57% to 77% weight. The 57% was a 40 yd shot at a mountain zebra that passed through the near leg bone, lungs and imbedded in the off leg. High stress for a bullet. Another was an insurance shot at a gemsbok running directly away. It hit the rear, clipping the tail and ended up under the hide to the front of a front leg, or about 4+ feet of penetration. Couldn't ask for better. Bob

I haven't used a 375 whelen on game, but from what I've heard, the 260 gr partition is the ideal bullet for it. This paticular partition is known for being a bit soft @ 375 H&H velocities, and performing extremely well at slightly lesser speeds. You should have no trouble driving it 2500 fps, with a 200 yd zero that makes it a steller 250 yd round.

At those speeds the woodleigh in whatever weight you want is the only bullet worth considering !!

You might also consider the Barnes bullet. It expands well all the way down to 1600 fps. Whatever bullet you choose, pick one that still works well at 200+ yards, as well as near muzzle velocities. This gives you some margin of error and a nice range of shots.

RobertD