As with many other calibers there always for some reason seems to be the need to push a caliber to max velocitys. My question is for reloading the 375 H&H with 300 grain swift a-frames& solids for cape buffalo. What velocitys should i aim for best results in all hunting situations.

2500 fps.

Geronimo

I've loaded Barnes 300 gr TSXs to 2600 fps as a standard load. Pressure is fine in my rifle. Load is accurate enough and the bullet is tough enough to hold together even at short range.

When I read how successful many have been with the 9.3 X 62 and 286 grain bullets at about 2,300'/sec I truly wonder just how important the higher velocity really is.

I really think the type of bullet is most important such as a A-Frame type of bullet and if one can muster 2,300-2,500 he's likely going to be succwessful and if he truly believes he needs more he'd be advised to look to the 400 grainers from the 416 etc.

FWIF I'm beginning to believe that the .375 Hawk is as good as more if you shoot it right and the .375 H&H is just icing on the cake.

I myself do not want to push to max velocity, i am thinking that 2500 to 2550 is about right. But was hoping to hear fromm experienced hunters with the 375 H&H. I see that most factory ammo is loaded at or near the 2500 level . Then you get someone like Hornady who loads the 300 to 2705 (advertised) So i am just want to hear from those who have used the 375 H&H with 300 grain bullets on Cape buffalo. So that i know what to aim for.

In Africa, on large and dangerous game, velocity is not the name of the game(no pun intended). Heavy for caliber, stoutly constructed bullets at moderate velocities carries the day. Adequate penetration with a projectile that holds together and reaches the vitals of the beast is much more important than wringing out the last few fps of a given round. The .375 H&H has been killing the hell out of buffalo and just about every other animal in Africa for 95 years, at 2515 fps(original factory load). I see no reason to change, especially because the bullets we have today are vastly superior to the ones available in 1912.

Geronimo

A number of highly experienced African PH's believe that by dowloading the 375 (with 300 gr bullets) to between 2300-2400fps you get better terminal performance on buffalo- with both softs and solids.
I know from my experiences that those velocities are all that is needed on big bears as well and have never noticed more velocity killing any quicker.
Those lower velocities also make for a more pleasant recoiling rifle as well.

I took a buff last year with 300 gr North Fork softs in 375 HH, loaded 71 gr rx 15 & cci 250 primers. I acheived 2600 fps, the velocity you get from NF will be higher then you get from swift a frame with same powder charge.

My gun will shoot the 300 doce 300 cup point and 300 flat nose solid to the same point of impact at 100 yards.

The soft entered the buff walking straight to me and penetrated back into the stomach, it was a picture perfect mushroom. It is one tough bullet, the whole back of the bullet is copper. I was REALLY IMPRESSED, so was my ph

typo above, 300 gr soft, cup point and flat nose solid