375 H&H vs 340 WBY.

09 March 2004, 05:48

two canoes

375 H&H vs 340 WBY.

curious and don't know!! why is the 375 classed as a better cartridge than the 340, when according to all tables ( i read)the 340 has more energy than the 375, that is comparing apples and apples--270 or 300 gr. bullets. also the 340 will reach a little farther than the 375. the above being based on hunting dangerous game, br. bear, moose etc. this has stirred my brain and i need your expert help. thanks.

09 March 2004, 06:06

GeorgeS

1. The .340Wby. is not legal for Cape buffalo, elephant, rhino in most countries where there are regulations regarding bullet diameter.
2. The .340Wby. is usually chambered in push-feed Weatherby rifles, and push-feeds are not considered reliable enough for stopping a charge by dangerous game.
3. The .375H&H has a larger diameter (it makes a bigger hole).

That said, I think the .340Wby. is a grand cartridge. With a 300gr. bullet, it would be pretty formidable.

George
P.S. Energy tables are not particularly helpful in choosing a DG round. Bullet diameter and construction play a larger role, IMO.

09 March 2004, 08:20

TRIGGERHAP2

Maybe the 340 is'nt legal for dangerous game in Africa, but I did'nt see in the originators post anything about Africa.
The CRF is a pretty old,beat arguement. Really, if someone is that worried about dying, than you've got no business in the woods.
I'll take a 300 grain bullet in the 340 over the H&H any day for the "non-dangerous" big bear and moose.
If nothing else, the penetration with the correct bullet would be out of this world.
Trigger

09 March 2004, 09:01

GeorgeS

Quote:

hunting dangerous game, br. bear, moose etc.

Perhaps you missed the above. Since 'two canoes' listed dangerous game and brown bear separately, I believe he is referring to African DG. Perhaps he can chime in to clarify the matter.

Also, considering that the .375H&H's reputation was made in the game fields of Africa, reference to its legality for African DG is appropriate. Most people with personal knowledge of the .375H&H have used it in Africa and like its versatility and power. It works for game of all sizes and has a great reputation after 92 years in existence, hence its strong following.

You may consider the CRF factor a 'beat argument', but it isn't by many people who have faced 1700lb. or larger DG at close (20yds. or less) range. The debate continues to rage, and will until something better comes along.

Lest you consider me a 'CRF bigot', I have used push-feeds for non-dangerous game on three of my four safaris, in nine U.S. states, and Canada. I am even bringing a push-feed along for my hunt in South America next month, but my CRF .470 Capstick will be what I use for the feral water buffalo.

As an aside, in situations where you can shoot game at ranges long enough for the .340Wby.'s velocity advantage to be a factor (say, 300yds. or more), I would have to say that there is nothing "dangerous" about the animal anymore.

For the hunting of non-dangerous game, or hunting in an area where there is no chance of encountering dangerous game, the .340Wby. would be an outstanding choice, and since most .340Wby. rifles are built 'lighter' than .375H&Hs, it would make for somewhat easier carrying.

George

09 March 2004, 15:31

two canoes

Thanks for the info. everyone. It helps clear up some misconceptions i had. I have just acquired a 375 h&h (new) in SS-Savage 116--w/syn stock. haven't weighed it yet but dosen't feel much heavier than my tika 7mm-08. Will post when and after i have it to the bench. It has a 26" bbl. so we should be able to ring it out. Will work out a sutible load for br. bear and moose. I am not figuring going to africa. May possibly take it to alaska for some big game.In any case, since i've had good sucess with the 340 i will probably use the 375 for back up. thanks again

11 March 2004, 19:58

PC

Both rounds are chalk & cheese really and both have different uses.

12 March 2004, 03:06

<allen day>

For an all-around African rifle, I'll take the .375 H&H.

As an all-around North American rifle, I'll take the .340 Wby.

AD

12 March 2004, 05:56

500grains

I would take the 375 over the 340 for both north american and african hunting. The long range potential of the 340 is overblown.

12 March 2004, 06:28

buckeyeshooter

My preference would be the 375. But if you want to compare apples to apples as close as possible-- get some 300 grain woodleighs and do some comparison to the 375.
Sorry to see the CRF note above--- CRF makes no difference in the performance of a cartridge, and is not something that is a necessity for any type of rifle in my opinion.

12 March 2004, 12:37

Atkinson

My elk rifle is a .338 with 300 gr. woodlieghs and it kills very well indeed, I have shot Cape Buffalo with this rifle and load, it kills them, but slower than a 375 and the .375 kills slower than a 416 as a general rule..I put a lot of faith in that "cross section" when it comes to "stopping power"....

Given my choice I would always choose the .375 H&H on dangerous animals...On non dangerous animals either one would suit me fine..

13 March 2004, 13:24

Ulfhere

I have used both a .375 H&H and a .340 Wby in Namibia, but not against dangerous game. I lament the fact that the little 9.3 x 62 mm is regarded as acceptable where the grand .340 Wby is not, but that's bureaucracy! When I return I to hunt buffalo I will likely be armed with my .416 Rigby as the first choice, but I will have a .375 H&H single shot as my light rifle and that is mainly because it is both legal and effective. Still, all in all, I regard the .340 Wby as a better .375 than the undiminished H&H... in all respects except dangerous game. I agree with Ray, big holes are better and I have found in my testing that penetration seems to scale pretty well with diameter when SD and velocity are similar. The old argument that a .340 Wby will penetrate better than a .375 just ain't so.

14 March 2004, 00:05

fredj338

Big nasties up close, I'll take the old .375h&h. The .340 is a great long range elk whacker though.