Quote:
Originally Posted by Guymullins
When the .375 H&H Magnum cartridge was launched to the public, the company claimed that three differing bullet weights could be used in the field without the need for altering the shooters point of aim. This always sounded like an impossibility to me, but today, I got the opportunity to see whether there was any merit to their claim.
The Holland claim was that the 235gr, 270gr and 300gr could be used over the more common shooting distances without altering the point of aim, thus greatly simplifying the task of PH's and their clients. At the range today, preparing for a weeks hunt next month, I had a pal re-load some of my cases with 270gr bullets rather than the 300 gr ones I usually use. Using a target with many small concentric ringed targets on it, I shot two groups of three rounds from both bullet weights without altering my point of aim at 100m. The slightly bigger group, in 300gr was shot with ordinary cheap factory ammo and the smaller with the 270gr hand loads. As you can see, the results speak for themselves. I now need to get hold of some 235gr bullets to prove the claim totally.
|
Aaah...the .375 H&H. It has been my only large game hunting rifle since 1982. I have only shot the 270 gr and 300 gr. and have not had to adjust point of aim between the two bullets. Factory ammo groups MOA. Most game has been taken less than 200 yards, however did shoot a caribou last year at 290 yards with a 300 grainer. Kind of a "lob shot", like the old M79. The ammo I prefer is the Remington Safari Grade with Swift A-Frame bullets, 270 gr or 300 gr. I recovered slug from a Brown Bear (head shot that wiggled its way down the neck), it retained 97% weight. That is pretty impressive performance. Textbook mushroom.
I have always subscribed to the theory to use the caliber that will kill the largest and toughest critter you may encounter, when hunting what you are really after. So, when after black tail deer, mountain goat, caribou, moose and Brown Bear...the .375 H&H is my choice. (I capitalize Brown Bear out of respect)
As to recoil, I have now limited my range time to 3 rounds to confirm sight in, before hunting. It has always kicked my ass at the range. I can practice trigger control on something a little more tame. I have never felt recoil on hunting shots, but that range time...forget it. After 5 rounds if you are going to keep shooting, you are some kind of gorilla.