Hello All,

I'm posing this questions to those that have actual "real world" hunting experience with both of the following calibers.

I am purchasing a new double rifle, the make/brand of which has already been decided on. Said rifle is offered in both 9.3x74R and .375 HH Flanged and Belted. The rifle won't be a primary DGR but I want it to be a "sufficient" enough back-up to the big bore I will be carrying. It will also be the "go to" for other less violent critters as well.

Aside from the adnausea argument that double rifles shouldn't be chambered in rimless cartridges, is there any "real world practical difference" on game, especially those that tend to bite back, between the two?

I've studied various handloading books and do note that the .375 does have an edge on velocity but we all know velocity isn't everything.

One of my major concerns is ammo availability in the far-off places one might use a rifle chambered as such, Africa not with standing. I would highly suspect the .375 to have a distinct advantage in this catagory.

Any and all practical advise/opinion welcomed.
Thanks in advance

Best regards,
Longfeather

P.S. I'm posting this on the Nitro-Express forum as well.

The .375 H&H Flanged is not a cartridge commonly found here, let alone in far off places.

I never really count on being able to find ammunition in Africa, despite the fact that on most of my safaris, I used a .375 H&H (not Flanged) and a .30-06.

Pick the round you want to use, pack your ammunition, and hope for the best.

George

If the new rifle is a H&H, then I'd pick the .375 flanged
If not, I think I would choose the 9,3 regulated for 286gr.
There is no practical difference in performance between these two.
I wouldn't pick the .375H&H for a DR, but it is slightly more powerful. I don't think you'd really notice the difference on game when hunting with a DR though

Speaking as a 9,3x74R owner who has taken it to Africa this year for Plains Game; I would go that way. As a rifle nut, I got my PH to take me on a short tour of some of the firearms shops in Jo-Berg and Pretoria. I saw boxes and boxes of 9,3x74R. Norma and Hornady and S&B. I shot nice Kudu, Gemsbok, Waterbuck, and a Caracal. Only the Gemsbok needed a second shot, he moved as I squeezed the trigger.

Rich

I own all 3 and have used 2 on game.

Agree with what's been said above. 375H&H does have a slight edge on paper in the ooommmpphhh stakes but nothing significant to worry about.
None of them are "stopping rounds" in terms of having any extra ooooommpphhh if you miss the vitals / CNS.


I'd go 9.3 x 74R and load it up with 286 and 320gn bullets and learn to shoot it very well, quickly and accurately.

Ammo more likely to be found,
easy to load in a DR

If you out the bullet in the right place,
it will do the job.

.