Ok, I was reading a review of about 100 different cartridges. You know the kind that talks about their origin, uses, effectiveness, barrel life and gave a tip on reloading for each of them. Anyways I got to the 375H&H and it says that it makes a good deer knocker over because of the fact that it causes less meat damage than a 270Win. Now I know there are a few guys who use this cartridge for elk and moose and take them along for grizzly hunts. But how many of you are picking a .375 for you white tail and mullie hunts?
375H&H Low Meat Damage?
- Thread starter Cordur
- Start date
I have flattened both mule deer and whitetail with the 375. On a heart lung hit, it leaves a very small exit wound, because that big slug does not open up. It flattens the deer where it stands. Overkill, yes. Effective, yes. Hunting in grizzly country, comforting yes. On a moose, if you hit a good bone,then it will leave a BIG hole. If only allowed one rifle in our collection,GOD FORBID! my choice would definately be the 375 H&H. It is a classic that will handle any situation that ever arises with authority.
The reference to the Ultra Mag is just what the poster does not want, 300 or so grain bullets at moderate velocity including cast bullets will do a great job in the 375 H&H, the speeds used in the Ultra mag. would def. cause alot of meat damage and possibly less penetration. 2200 -2400fps is all thats needed here!
brobones: I've been thinking alot about the one rifle to do it all lately and the 375H&H may have just been added to my short list. I'm not keen on running into Mr. Grizzly while dressing my deer and finding out how 270wsm vs 1000lbs of hungry has for odds.
chilly willy: If I need more authority I'll buy a 460WM TYVM!
Boomer: Nice! Who takes credit for that one?
ben hunchak: You're right. Besides the ultra mag doesn't even come into the managable recoil zone for me. With a slower burning powder will I still get moderatly flat shooting at 300yrds? The reloading notes I went through said "Sierra 300 grain spitzer boattail and the Speer 250 grain Grand Slam" seated on IMR-4064 for elk and moose at longer ranges. I believe it would be more than effective bear medicine at 10ft. But since I usually see whitetails at 100yrds or less the low meat damage appeals to me.
chilly willy: If I need more authority I'll buy a 460WM TYVM!
Boomer: Nice! Who takes credit for that one?
ben hunchak: You're right. Besides the ultra mag doesn't even come into the managable recoil zone for me. With a slower burning powder will I still get moderatly flat shooting at 300yrds? The reloading notes I went through said "Sierra 300 grain spitzer boattail and the Speer 250 grain Grand Slam" seated on IMR-4064 for elk and moose at longer ranges. I believe it would be more than effective bear medicine at 10ft. But since I usually see whitetails at 100yrds or less the low meat damage appeals to me.
Big Blaze said:
I've shot lots of deer with the 338wm, pounds them into their tracks. It's not "overkill", whats deader than dead? Less meat damage than a 270win, 30-06, etc. but you're packing a longer heavier rifle. Heavier constructed, slower bullets results in less meat damage. Oh, don't forget shot placement too.
Maybe for specifically for deer the 338fed would be handier in a short rifle.
My 338 has a 23" barrel, weighs 8 1/4 lbs w/2.5x8 leupold and kills deer very dead. Less meat damage than 270/7mm and just plain fun to use. The 375 may be more than you really need for deer but the claims of less meat damage are true.
I have shot a lot of muledeer and whitetails with a lot of different calibres. The .375 is the only calibre I have used on them that has always flatened them in their tracks.
If you use premium bullets, meat damage is minimum. I have found 270 gr. Hornady bullets to be very hard on meat under 150 yards or so.
If you use premium bullets, meat damage is minimum. I have found 270 gr. Hornady bullets to be very hard on meat under 150 yards or so.
I have actually found on lung shots the deer have went farther than with my 30-06 with 165 interlocks,the 375 punched right through but the 165 interlock would open a more massive wound channel.The 375 has definately flattened bears and moose very fast however.
Well from the responses I've heard I think the 375H&H will be my next purchase for the comming fall. Hopefully there will be some nice selection of new rifles around August.
All of the pluses I've heard about it are what I want. Good bear medicine, low meat damage, flat shooting out to 300 yards, managable recoil, quick kill, and just a good all around rifle. Guess I just have to make sure I'm not taking poor shots on moose or elk that will smash through bone, but to be honest I'll probably fill my tags with my bow before high power season anyways.
All of the pluses I've heard about it are what I want. Good bear medicine, low meat damage, flat shooting out to 300 yards, managable recoil, quick kill, and just a good all around rifle. Guess I just have to make sure I'm not taking poor shots on moose or elk that will smash through bone, but to be honest I'll probably fill my tags with my bow before high power season anyways.
SuperCub said:
That's all there is to it, as well as where you hit. Bullet construction has a bearing as well. As usual, lots of guys posting who have never shot a deer with a 375 H&H (probably never shot a deer). Did you know that a 270gr from a 375H&H has essentially the same Muzzle Velocity as a 30/06 with a 180gr?
I've taken two deer with a 375 H&H, one with a 25/06, and several others with 303 Brit and shotgun slugs. One deer shot with the 375 H&H had plenty of meat damage (shoulder shot at 35 yds), one had very little (centre of rib cage at 75 yds). The 25/06 made a mess of a shoulder at 185 yds (bullet went through the meaty part at about 2800 fps). The shotgun and 303 Brit have all been centre of ribcage with little meat damage.
Don't buy a 375 H&H thinking you'll save a few pounds of meat. Learn where to aim and how to shoot, and use a hunting bullet that will stay together.
