375 HH for EC PG?

[Wiley64]

Just booked sable safari in the EC. Couldn’t be more excited, want to bring the new 375 model 70 to baptize it in African hunting. What would you say of the effective range of this rifle for use on plains game in the mountains?

 

[Flipper Dude]

Took a zebra across a valley with my Model 70 in 375 H&H. Ranged 250 meters. Barnes TSX. Biggest obstacle was the 1x4 scope, as he was in the shade and small brush. DRT

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

With the right bullet it is probably a 300 yard cartridge.
Remember, recoil is not conducive to consistent accuracy.

The question is, how far away can you hit a 4 to 6" circle?
Can you fire a .375 from a prone position accurately?
Will the terrain most like afford a prone shooting or will your shooting be off sticks?
If so, then how far can you hit a small target consistently using shooting sticks?

Answering questions like those above will provide your answer.

 

[375er]

I think that more lends to your comfort making long shots. The cartridge is capable of carrying enough energy to do the job at quite long range. As long as you know the tragectory use it with confidence.

 

[YancyW]

The effective range is far further than the range one can practically shot off sticks. I practice shooting 6-8" steel off sticks, I would say that is a good place to start. In time, you will have a very good idea how far you are comfortable/able to shoot consistently.

 

[TucsonFX4]

I agree with what’s been said. The effective range is likely limited to the distance you can consistently hit a properly sized target from sticks, with prone being another option to extend range of the shooting position presents an opportunity and you tolerate the recoil.
It won’t be the flattest shooting round, but it will carry sufficient energy for a good distance. Which you could calculate for your specific rifle, cartridge if you wanted.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Want to know the best way to turn your 375 into a pussycat when it comes to recoil?

Go practice with your 458 Lott for about 6 months.

Seriously, I’m not taking shots over 200 yards standing off the sticks. If an animal is that far out, I will always put my butt on the ground and shoot off of a leg of the sticks or shorten them if they are collapsible. Can‘t always do it, but will usually pass otherwise. That’s just me.

 

[375Fox]

My 375 with 250 gr Barnes TTSX is my most accurate rifle. At 100 it will consistently give 0.75” groups with 5x scope some days better and at 300 3” groups. I’ve taken several animals at the 300 yard mark including a warthog slightly farther. The 300 gr bullets drop more than I’d like if you know you are just hunting plains game. I like the 250 grain bullets.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Want to know the best way to turn your 375 into a pussycat when it comes to recoil?

Go practice with your 458 Lott for about 6 months.

I did just that last year working up loads and practicing with my .458 Win Heym double and a M70 in .458 Lott. I recorded almost 600 rounds shot off a standing bench, shooting sticks, and 25 yard rapid fire drills. Now, my .375 H&H seems to have noticeable but not unpleasant recoil.

 

[Red Leg]

Biggest issue is shooting position - I don't care how many big boy loads one shoots from other calibers. As noted above, you may wish to talk to your PH how often a prone shot over a pack is needed in that terrain. Eating a scope of a .338 in the Rockies is fairly common when crawling up a stock in an awkward prone shooting position. Shooting a .375 from a prone position can be even more tricky and not always pleasant. Since it is a dedicated PG hunt with more than enough gun, I too would recommend a 270 gr or less bullet - both for range and ease in shooting from a hasty rest.

 

[IvW]

300m if you can

 

[Wiley64]

Thanks for the input I feel certain it will be up to the task after hearing others have done the same. Lots of practice should make it a fun trip

 

[YancyW]

Thanks for the input I feel certain it will be up to the task after hearing others have done the same. Lots of practice should make it a fun trip

I use a 223 to a lot of my practice reps shooting off sticks, a 22lr also works well for this.