Dear Sirs:

I own a nice FN mauser 375 H&H, and I plan to use it this season for long range hunting. I want to use a bullet with high BC and enough soft to assure nice expension at +400 m range (450 yards)in medium game (red deers and medium size boars). I have thought in the Speer 270 gr BTSP bullet and I have tested Sierra GK 300 gr SBT but it is very stout. Do you have any better suggestion for my intended use?

Thnak you in advance for your inquiries and suggestions.

I wouldn't trust the 300gn Sierra because I saw them separate core and jacket on multiple occasions 30 years ago.

For an inexpensive long range bullet, the 250grain TTSX Barnes would work.
The BC is .424, adequate, not outstanding.

I'm experimenting with the Cutting Edge Bullets, 235 grain Raptor ER and the Barnes 235 grain TSX to see if I can get them to shoot to 400 yards.

I think the Barnes 250TTSX is good or one of the 270's. The BC on the 235TSX is pretty poor and if you look at the ballistics tables the 270's shoot flatter. That is why I quit using it.

Nosler 260 gr. Accubond, BC 0.473

There a two very good bullets available...

250 TTSX BC = 0.424

250 Hornady GMX BC = 0.430

A 375 H&H with 24" barrel should be able to achieve at least 2900 fps safely. Double Tap offers the 250 TTSX at 2900 fps. An accurate gun and good shot makes this combo a ~1000 yd weapon.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
I wouldn't trust the 300gn Sierra because I saw them separate core and jacket on multiple occasions 30 years ago.

For an inexpensive long range bullet, the 250grain TTSX Barnes would work.
The BC is .424, adequate, not outstanding.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
I wouldn't trust the 300gn Sierra because I saw them separate core and jacket on multiple occasions 30 years ago.

For an inexpensive long range bullet, the 250grain TTSX Barnes would work.
The BC is .424, adequate, not outstanding.

I have also seen the jacket and core separate on 300 gr Sierra, but only at short range and even in those situations they were never far apart and the animal was way past caring.

I have witnessed a 300gr Sierra hitting two bull elk at just under and just over 300 yards and neither one took a step upon receiving the incoming round. At that range the bullets proformed perfectly. I would rather use the Sierra SPBT at that range or beyond than any TSX type bullet myself.

quote:

Originally posted by DArcy_Echols_Co:
I have witnessed a 300gr Sierra hitting two bull elk at just under and just over 300 yards and neither one took a step upon receiving the incoming round. At that range the bullets proformed perfectly. I would rather use the Sierra SPBT at that range or beyond than any TSX type bullet myself.

That is fair.

Given the above, I would recommend carrying the Sierras but having something like a TTSX at the top of a magazine and first in the chamber for quick shots taken under 200 yards.

A 300 yard shot or longer always (99%) allows plenty of time for slipping in the longrange round. Time is necessary for a precise range estimation, for one.

Naturally, the scope should be sighted in for the long range round and the shortrange round should be adjusted for, if really necessary. For example, if the short range round prints one or two inches lower, then no adjustment would be needed at all. Left and right can be more of a problem. More reasons to enjoy some range sessions.

I have had good luck with the 260-grain Noslers and 270-grain TSX.

The 250 TTSX needs 1800 fps to open up. The Hornady GMX requires 2200 fps to open. This is straight from their tech dept. Something to think about!

The 250 gr Barnes TTSX works on elk @ 350 yds from my 375 Wby. Mostly broadside/slightly quartering , shot went through the lungs. After the shot the elk stepped into the edge of the bush and out of sight. Worked my way over to where the elk had been standing it could be seen less than 20 ft in the bush...dead. Typical TTSX performance Smallish holes in and out, lungs nicely blended and no bullet recovered.

For red deer the 350gr SMK out of a H&H is fine. I ve shot elk out to 636 yds with them out of a custom 375/Gibbs 505. 4-5 inch exit holes. BC to 1 mile is .78. For thicker skin I would go with TSX and they have worked well for me for closer but down side is poorer BC, less accuracy, and less expansion. I once saw Bodingon had used SMK for buffalo but wonder about what would happen if bone is hit.

imo . A 450 yard shot with a 375 HandH/Ruger, doesn't need a super high bc bullet. Tho they don't hurt . Get a box of 300 gr SGK, 260 gr AccuBond and 250gr TTSX . See which one your rifle likes best. If $$$ I N O. Try some of the Cutting Edge Bullets and the GSHV. One of them will probably give you the 1/2 moa consistent groups you need to help call your shot at 1/4 mile .Or nearly 1/2 a kilometer. You can use the runner ups as practice bullets for distance and other practice shooting.

Ignacio has already said he finds the Sierra 300gr Gameking "very stout" and is looking for something that will expand easier/more.

A bullet is designed for expansion withing a range of velocities.

According to Nosler, their Accubond bullets need a minimum velocity of 1800 fps (549 mps) to expand properly.


Ignacio -

Nosler offers .375 diameter bullets in 300 grains and 260 grains. With a muzzle velocity of 762 mps the 300 grain bullet will slow to 549 mps within 300 meters. That is not good because beyond 300 meters it will be "very stout".

Nosler's 260 grain bullet at 823 mps muzzle velocity will not slow to 549 mps until it gets to 475 meters. That is good for your requirement. I suggest you try the Nosler 260 grain Accubond bullets.

Federal offers Nosler's 260gr Accubond in loaded ammunition. The Federal specifications are:

Velocity at 000 meters: 823 m/s (2700 fps)
Velocity at 100 meters: 760 m/s (2493 fps)
Velocity at 200 meters: 700 m/s (2297 fps)
Velocity at 300 meters: 643 m/s (2110 fps)
Velocity at 400 meters: 588 m/s (1929 fps)
Velocity at 450 meters: 562 m/s (1844 fps)
Velocity at 500 meters: 536 m/s (1758 fps)

quote:

Originally posted by Cold Trigger Finger:
imo . A 450 yard shot with a 375 HandH/Ruger, doesn't need a super high bc bullet. Tho they don't hurt . Get a box of 300 gr SGK, 260 gr AccuBond and 250gr TTSX . See which one your rifle likes best. If $$$ I N O. Try some of the Cutting Edge Bullets and the GSHV. One of them will probably give you the 1/2 moa consistent groups you need to help call your shot at 1/4 mile .Or nearly 1/2 a kilometer. You can use the runner ups as practice bullets for distance and other practice shooting.

In Africa shots are typically under 200 yards though often enough a 200-300 yard opportunity arises. Less than 2% of opportunities needs a shot over 300 yards.

LR3 asked about buffalo, " I once saw Bodingon had used SMK for buffalo but wonder about what would happen if bone is hit." I've shot buffalo with Sierras and have seen mushrooms and also core-jacket separations. The Sierras can take a buff but are not to be trusted. Guaranteed bullet integrity and straightline penetration are the primary concerns for buffalo. GSC, CEB, TTSX, TSX, NoslerPart, and AFrame, all make tougher bullets and will work just fine out to 450 yards. The 250TTSX has a .424BC which is good enough for under 400-yard range.

For extreme long range outside Africa you could carry a second load in a pocket and have your scope set for the longrange load. (This assumes that the allaround load prints horizontally within an inch of perpendicular from the long-range load.)

For long range shooting I really have had great luck with both the 250 and 300gr. Sierra BTSPs.

They will come apart to one degree or another at 50 to 75 yards if pushed to the limit of the 375 velocity chart, but so what? I have never seen one fail to kill the shot animal and they do it promptly, not much chance of failure with a 300 gr. .375 bullet except perhaps on such game as cape buffalo and heavier game animals..
The locals in Idaho swear by the 250 gr. Sierra for elk and they have those cute expanded bullets in their pockets to spin on the local cafes table!
I pretty much use cup and core bullets for deer and that's about it, but the Sierra big bore 375 and 338s have been the exception to the rule, I like'em...

To each his own. I wouldn't be shooting at 400 yards plus unless I had no other choice, but I have a preference for 235 and 250 grain Barnes "X" or the TSX if the rifle being used will group with them.

I have either used or seen used virtually every 375 bullet on large bears and if I had to pick a single favorite for all around use on large bears it would be the 270 TSX.
But as good as the 375 is up close and personal, it is no slouch at long range. I used one to kill a Marco Polo sheep in Tajikistan with Hornady 270 gr "heavy Mag" loads. However if I planned on long range shooting my 1st choice would be the 300 Sierra. It may not be bonded, but it is a tough, accurate and reliable bullet.

Getting a .375 ready for a grizzly hunt. I have a boatload of 300 grn A-frame but probably not a great long range bullet. I'm thinking out to 300 it should be ok. The 270 TTSX probably best all around as I have used these bullets in 300 WM an 338 WM to good effect. Want to maximize opportunity for success so distance may be a factor on grizz

Phil that is a beautiful Marco Polo Ram, awesome!

Okay sorry to be off topic here....

Phil going on an inland Grizzly in Sept in Talkeetnas what is the longest reasonable range I should attempt a shot? I have heard 200? Thanks I am taking a .375

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I have either used or seen used virtually every 375 bullet on large bears and if I had to pick a single favorite for all around use on large bears it would be the 270 TSX.
But as good as the 375 is up close and personal, it is no slouch at long range. I used one to kill a Marco Polo sheep in Tajikistan with Hornady 270 gr "heavy Mag" loads. However if I planned on long range shooting my 1st choice would be the 300 Sierra. It may not be bonded, but it is a tough, accurate and reliable bullet.

There are an awful lot of variables to consider but under ideal conditions, and the guide is comfortable with it, I would say that 200 yards should be the very maximum.

OK Thanks. So a true long range bullet is not necessary really for the big bears. The 300 A frame should fit the bill then

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I have either used or seen used virtually every 375 bullet on large bears and if I had to pick a single favorite for all around use on large bears it would be the 270 TSX.
But as good as the 375 is up close and personal, it is no slouch at long range. I used one to kill a Marco Polo sheep in Tajikistan with Hornady 270 gr "heavy Mag" loads. However if I planned on long range shooting my 1st choice would be the 300 Sierra. It may not be bonded, but it is a tough, accurate and reliable bullet.

That is a great ram! An interesting cartridge choice for a trip like that though! One can't dispute the results, but I'm curious about how or why you came to pick it for that hunt?

Phill,
You sure got a lot snow burn in that high country! guess that's why those folks are so tan..

I suppose for an all around bullet in the 375, the 270 gr. Barnes or GSC would be my choice, they work up close and way out yonder it seems. I would also be more than comfortable with the Nosler partition at point blank to 300-350 yards wich is about as far as I want to walk to a kill!

I still like the 250 and 300 gr. Sierras real well, but taking a Texas heart shot on a bull elk in Idaho thick dark timber would be worrisome at least.