Anybody have suggestions for loading 300 grain Barnes banded solids in a Model 70 (375 H&H) ? I'd be interested in a less-than-compressed load that shoots well with this barrel and action, and delivers velocity in the 2450-2500 fps range. W-W brass, by the way.


And yes, I can read the manuals. Looking for personal advice from one of the forum members that's found a combination that works well for them.

Appreciate it !!

Try 78 to 81 grains of H-4350.

465H&H

465H&H,

I use 79 grains of H 4350 for my 300-grain softs, however it is compressed. Seeing as the Barns monosolid bullets are a good bit longer, can you still manage to get one seated to the cannelure with out crushing the case?

Just asking, 'cause I have not tried. I'd love to be able to shoot this load with the Barns bullets. Maybe a drop tube? Hmmmm.

Another vote for H4350. I use a drop tube and once fired brass. Still compressed, but only lightly.

On 375 HH and 300 grs .375 Barns Banded solid FN I use 70 grs of Viht N140. Sure not compressed load and I crimp with Factory crimp die. !.5 MOA group on my Sako 75.

Please note that is quite a limit load, start with 3 grs less and check over pressure signs.

Have a great day, ciao

Well I'll be darned. I just went down to the loading room and put 79 grains of H 4350 down an 18-inch drop tube into a WW case. Then I set an old-style Barns monosolid on top and seated it to the cannelure. Believe me, you can't hear any powder moving when you shake the case, but it seated without excessive force on the handle.

Now I'm going to load some with 75, 76, 77, and 78 grains, head for the range, and see if I can find that 2500 fps Mecca.

I have used compressed loads in several different calibers and never had a problem. In my 375 the 79 gr load of H-4350 doesn't compress at all with Nosler, Sierra or Hornady bullets. Barnes monos? I don't know as I never tried them.

465H&H

I must have a fast barrel (my first one!).

I tried 78 grains of H4350 and the 300 grain banded solid and I was getting 2568 fps.

The 78 grain load is compressed when using just a funnel to load it.

This is the first gun that I've ever owned that met or exceeded a loading book stated velocity.

Thanks for the answers so far - much appreciated. The length of the 300 grain solid makes it a bit of a challenge. Suspect something along the Reloader 15 might work too, but 4350 sure sounds promising.

I want to avoid ball powder and also compressed loads since once loaded, some of these may sit for quite a while before being used. Wouldn't want to produce any squib loads in a dangerous game situation. :>

Have never loaded any of the banded solids but have used 4831 and RL-15 to get 2600 fps for various 300 gr. bullets.

At one time I chrono-ed some Rem. factory 300 gr. Swifts and they were running right at 2600 fps.

I use compressed loads all the time. When I get back from hunting I just pull the bullets and trash the powder (at least that is the plan, usually ). I don't see compressed loads as a fundamental problem at all, but I have found caked and hot loads (the opposite of squibs) in the 375, as a matter of fact, from some rounds that sat around for years and years (7 years?). Putting the date on boxes of handloads would probably be a good idea.

Some rounds cannot avoid compressed loads, like the Lott, 416 Taylor, etc. Just live with it, and yank the bullets every once in awhile!

DG loads SHOULD be at least lightly compressed with stick powders like H-4350 or the like.

Along with a good crimp, powder compression helps keep the bullet from setting back as a result of recoil banging the bullet noses in the magazine box and also promotes consistent powder burning and velocity from shot to shot.

If your loads aren't compressed in a big DG caliber, then either they're too light or your powder's too fast and you should change it. If they're too compressed, then use a drop tube. If you're already using a drop tube, then use a longer one.

But no compression, please, with ball powders. Winchester and more than a few DG hunters found that out the hard way with compressed loads of ball powder in the .458 Win. Mag.