Loading .375H&H for DG: Is fastest best or is there an ideal FPS to strive for?

[Bert the Turtle]

I’d focus on reliability above other considerations and accuracy above velocity once velocity is adequate. More velocity is to increase range, not to make the rifle more deadly. At close range. Tailor accuracy goals to the job at hand.

Insisting on cloverleaf groups from a dangerous game rifle (ie close range) is like building a house with calipers instead of a tape measure.

 

[WyoBull]

I’d focus on reliability above other considerations and accuracy above velocity once velocity is adequate. More velocity is to increase range, not to make the rifle more deadly. At close range. Tailor accuracy goals to the job at hand.

Insisting on cloverleaf groups from a dangerous game rifle (ie close range) is like building a house with calipers instead of a tape measure.

You can easily have both accuracy and reliability at an acceptable Velociti. My load is a perfect example of that.

 

[Puddle]

I agree with others views that the 300 grain A-Frame is at its best between 2,400 - 2,500 fps MV.
I've settled on handloading the A-Frame from a 24" barrel to a MV of 2,450 - 2,460 fps. This is for use on buffalo under 100 yards.

I gave up on using RL-15 for the 300 grain A-Frame. A great powder for producing shot groups smaller than minute-of-buffalo, but too finicky between powder lots and overly sensitive to temperature swings. These days I'm relying on more temperature resistant powders such as Big Game, Varget, H4350, etc.

I also load the 300 grain A-Frame for the 9.3x62mm to a MV of 2,425 - 2,435 fps, also for a 24" barrel using the same powders.

 

[BeeMaa]

Wyobull, this has been my exact experience with 250 gr TTSX. I worked up a load (65 gr H4895 I think) that will cloverleaf at 2700 fps but when I looked it up it was a really light charge and I'm not used to seeing so much room at the top of the case. I wondered if I'm missing something.

It is sure nice to shoot-- very mild recoil. And the best part is I was able to find a few boxes so I can do a little practice and hunt for years.

The 250 grain (.375 caliber) TTSX bullet has a sectional density (SD) of .254 which is often expressed without the decimal so 254.

Sectional density is defined as a bullet's mass (aka weight) divided by its cross sectional area. The higher the number the more penetration it will give, meaning better performance on large game animals like giraffe, buffalo, moose, brown bear...etc.

In general, a SD above 300 is considered very desirable for hunting dangerous game. This means using a bullet of at least 300 grains in .375 caliber which yields a SD of 305. Step up to the Rhino 380 grain and it moves up to 386. These bullets will drive deep and in a straight line.

For the factory loaded Barnes 300 grain TSX with 150 yards zero it's 1" high at 100 and 2.8" low at 200. Max point blank range (MPBR) is 250-ish yards with a 7.6" drop. You are good for everything your PH will let you shoot at.

I'd highly recommend you have a discussion with your PH about what bullets (and weight) you plan on using. Better yet, ask for his recommendation without telling him what you have planned.

 

[Forrest Halley]

I’d focus on reliability above other considerations and accuracy above velocity once velocity is adequate. More velocity is to increase range, not to make the rifle more deadly. At close range. Tailor accuracy goals to the job at hand.

Insisting on cloverleaf groups from a dangerous game rifle (ie close range) is like building a house with calipers instead of a tape measure.

This is well said. You can put yourself in a pickle at close range. If the velocity is too great for the impact distance...exploding bullets happen and we don't get the needed penetration.