The 375 H and H that I am trying to shoot is plenty expensive per round. Would it do any good at all to practice with my 22 hornet then move to the 375 a couple weeks before the hunt or would the different recoil, drop and wind drift make all the light rifle practice useless?
Posts: 2251 | Location: Mo, USA | Registered: 21 April 2002
I do not share this opinion. I believe that all rifle shooting practice will improve ones rifle shooting. This has been a successful technique for me the last 40 years. But I like "light-loads" for the hunting rifle better. Most of the elements of shooting are the same with all guns. I would practice with both, but do what keeps me practicing a lot. Regards, Chuck
I would practice with the hornet, but would also put at least 200, maybe many more, thru your 375 before going abroad and hunting. For a drive to the local deer hunt is one thing, but to fly halfway around the world with a rifle you are not intimately familiar with is not a good idea.
Good luck and good shooting
Posts: 849 | Location: Between Doan's Crossing and Red River Station | Registered: 22 July 2001
All practice is good. When I've getting ready for Africa, I do most of my shooting with a heavy barreled 7-08. It balances and points the same as my 416 Rem. You should shoot your 375 enough to be comfortable with it as well.
You might try plinking/practicing with low-cost cast bullet loads in your 375. I buy gas check 375 bullets from Western Bullet Company and load them to about 2000 fps. That way you would be getting familiar with the actual rifle to be used in your hunting. Handling, recoil, muzzle blast, etc. would not be too much different from your full-house loads, which you could also include every few shots. Bell's advice to hunters was to always carry your rifle in the field, constantly point and sight with it, get to where it feels like a natural extension of your body.
Posts: 9487 | Location: Texas Hill Country | Registered: 11 January 2002
everytime i go to the range i take my single shot 22 along and fire 50-100 rounds before i shoot my centerfire guns this really helps with the trigger control
Posts: 61 | Location: Missoula,Mt | Registered: 14 March 2002
I totally agree on using the 22 for practice. I like to practice offhand, open sight shooting with a 22 bolt action, and my offhand shooting with all rifles improved tremendously.
------------------ I know the next rifle will be perfect.......
I have been shooting a lot of hard cast 285gr gash checked bullets and near full load speeds, and I think it is a great way to practice cheaper than full blown hunting rounds. It allows me to get familar to my 375, and that is as they say priceless. It is also fun to see the gophers and rabbits turn into wet spots.
I shoot Speer 235's and H4895 for practice. These shoot a little bit better than my 300 grain loads but cost alot less. They still kick alot so going the the full power 300 loads won't be that much of a difference.
