[pennlineman]

I finally got my 375 H&H scoped yesterday and picked up some reloading supplies for it. The scope I finally decided on is a Luepold VX-2 3X9. So other than getting a sling for it, I'm good to go.



Here is the rifle with the two .45's that made the trip. My 625 and .455 2nd model hand ejector.



The best effort of the day with the handguns was with the 625. This is a 25yd target. 30 shots single action just taking my time. The top 4 shots were the first ones out of this gun. I moved the sights down a bit and shot the rest. Looks like I need to bump it back up a little.



I had a heck of a time getting the rifle on paper. I had to adjust the mounts getting them centered better. Starting off it was way off to the right at 25 yards. eventually I got it close at 25 yards, backed it off to 50 then finally after 17 shots out to a 100 yards. The range I went to today sucks for rifle shooting. No real shooting benches. Basically a chair and a table to shoot from, very ackward. My wife is a member at the club that has the nice range for rifle but was busy today. At least I got her close. Here is the last 3 shots ay 100 yards.



I had a hard time getting comfortable for that last shot. Now all I need to do is work up some loads and see what she can really do.

[ronin.45]

Good shooting with the 625.

Sounds like a bunch of recoil sighting that rifle in. I hate shooting big bore rifles off a bench.

[pennlineman]

Originally Posted by ronin.45

Good shooting with the 625.

Sounds like a bunch of recoil sighting that rifle in. I hate shooting big bore rifles off a bench.

Yeah, it was getting to me towards the end. Before I got the scope I shot some in field positions, it's really not too bad. A proper shooting bench would have made a World of difference. I've been waiting a long time to get this rifle going.

[fnfalman]

The 625's groupings always put a big smile on my face. That gun is ridiculously accurate. Not far behind a Python if at all.

[Haldor]

Not trying to be a jerk, but I don't understand scoping a 375 H&H at all.

Isn't 375 H&H a dangerous game rifle? Why would you want or need a scope on something in this caliber? It obviously is not a target or varmint rifle. What game would you shoot at long range with it? Elk, moose?

[AK_Stick]

Unless you're planning on running into dangerous game, at bad breath distance, why wouldn't you?

Then again, even if you were, a 1-4X scope is still damn fast in close quarters.


375 is an exceedingly popular caliber up here in AK, and used all over the world. Its quite capable of 3-400 yd shots and cleanly taking even large game at those ranges.

[Berto]

I might rather shoot the lion at 250 yrds rahter than 100yrds or less with open sights.
...or just use the gun for elk, moose and stuff.

Nice shooting Penn, looks like you have the scope at least dialed in now.

[Batesmotel]

Originally Posted by Haldor

What game would you shoot at long range with it? Elk, moose?

With a light bullet is is one of the best elk guns made.

375 H&H is one of the most versatile rounds in the world. Easy to reload and a very wide range of bullets. It is a favorite for African planes game at longer distances. I have a Winchester 70 with a 4X Leupold and quick disconnect rings. Gives me the best of both worlds.

[pennlineman]

Originally Posted by Haldor

Not trying to be a jerk, but I don't understand scoping a 375 H&H at all.

Isn't 375 H&H a dangerous game rifle? Why would you want or need a scope on something in this caliber? It obviously is not a target or varmint rifle. What game would you shoot at long range with it? Elk, moose?

Pretty much like the other guys said. The cartridge is quite capable of long distance shooting. Its trajectory with 270 grain bullets is similar to 180 gr. .30-06 or a 250 gr bullet out of a .338 Win. I always figured if I ever wanted something like a .338 I might just as well step up to the .375. It can also be down loaded to mimic the old 375 Win cartridge, it really is a very versatile cartridge.

To make my decision on which scope I wanted I had to look at what I'd be using it for. Hopefully a Elk hunt in Montana. I'll probably shot a deer or two with it here in Pa this fall with 220 grain reduced loads. Where I hunt shots out to 200 yds are possible. Normally less than 100 though.

So nothing really dangerous at this point in time. I'll probably never be able to afford a trip to Africa. But if my health holds out maybe a trip to Alaska for brown bear. At that point I'll probably put a 1X4 on it as AK Stick pointed out.

Originally Posted by Berto

I might rather shoot the lion at 250 yrds rather than 100yrds or less with open sights.
...or just use the gun for elk, moose and stuff.

Nice shooting Penn, looks like you have the scope at least dialed in now.

Thanks, I got it close now. Some load developement and I'm good to go for this fall.

[Bruce M]

Looks like you had a very enjoyable time.

[jhooten]

Just a thought. A guy with glasses and a gray beard shouldn't have to ask why to scoping a rifle.

[pennlineman]

Originally Posted by AK_Stick

Unless you're planning on running into dangerous game, at bad breath distance, why wouldn't you?

Then again, even if you were, a 1-4X scope is still damn fast in close quarters.


375 is an exceedingly popular caliber up here in AK, and used all over the world. Its quite capable of 3-400 yd shots and cleanly taking even large game at those ranges.

I just wanted to say thanks for your imput on the scope in the earlier thread. The eye relief on the Leupold is excellent. I can't believe the brightness the scope offers. It blows away the old Tasco I've had on my .30-06 all these years.

Anyone who has never used a quality scope I can say they are definitely worth the extra expense.

Originally Posted by Bruce M

Looks like you had a very enjoyable time.

Actually it was a bit frustrating. The good thing is I got everything sorted out with the rifle. My two new revolvers worked well. The .455 was a little harder to shoot with the small old style sights. But it function well and is accurate enough. It's just a range gun anyways. The 625 is a gem. The recoil is a bit more brisk than what I expected with the 3" barrel. Especially when compared to my 6 1/2" 1955 target model. I may have to rethink my grip selection. Something that fills the hands more would be better.

[DonD]

Originally Posted by AK_Stick

Unless you're planning on running into dangerous game, at bad breath distance, why wouldn't you?

Then again, even if you were, a 1-4X scope is still damn fast in close quarters.


375 is an exceedingly popular caliber up here in AK, and used all over the world. Its quite capable of 3-400 yd shots and cleanly taking even large game at those ranges.

Quite correct. The .375 H&H is a very versatile caliber, does most everything well. Don

[Folsom_Prison]

Cool, what's the recoil like with the 375? Is is pretty brutal?

[AK_Stick]

It can be a little unfriendly with the heavier loadings. But I find it to be more managable than a 12 gauge 3 1/2 mag.


Getting a stock that fits you, and a good recoil pad will make a big difference. Not being dumb enough to get a ultra lightweight 375 will also help.


I find the wide "express" stocks like the old african rifles to be my favorite style.

And Penn, no problem brother. Glad you like the scope you got. If you ever do make it up here to AK for a bear hunt look me up.

[pennlineman]

Originally Posted by G19_AJ

Cool, what's the recoil like with the 375? Is is pretty brutal?

The best I can descibe it is that it is comparable to heavy 12 gauge load. In field positions it is not bad at all. The first few off the bench are tolerable. After a long session you're ready to put it down for a while. As I said before, the benches at my club are poorly designed. The next time I shoot it I'll go to my wifes club. I'm sure this will make a big difference too.

[bac1023]

Looks like a nice time

Congrats!

[pennlineman]

Originally Posted by AK_Stick

And Penn, no problem brother. Glad you like the scope you got. If you ever do make it up here to AK for a bear hunt look me up.

Thanks!

[Folsom_Prison]

Originally Posted by pennlineman

The best I can descibe it is that it is comparable to heavy 12 gauge load. In field positions it is not bad at all. The first few off the bench are tolerable. After a long session you're ready to put it down for a while. As I said before, the benches at my club are poorly designed. The next time I shoot it I'll go to my wifes club. I'm sure this will make a big difference too.

Ok thanks, I've never had the opportunity to shoot a bigger bore rifle like that.

[DonD]

Originally Posted by pennlineman

The first few off the bench are tolerable. After a long session you're ready to put it down for a while. As I said before, the benches at my club are poorly designed. The next time I shoot it I'll go to my wifes club. I'm sure this will make a big difference too.

I'm 6' 3" and the benches at the last two clubs I've belonged to were too low for me to be comfortable. They put me more in a prone like position and shooting something stout like my .458 Win isn't a thriller. Actually, those benches are worse than prone where controlling the gun in recoil is easier. Don

[GotFour]

Get ya a "Lead Sled" and enjoy that H&H at the range. In the "lighter" .375 bullets I had pretty good reloading results with H-414, IMR 4895, and IMR 4320. A pound of powder doesn't last very long at 80 odd grns per round

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/152...-shooting-rest

[pennlineman]

Originally Posted by DonD

I'm 6' 3" and the benches at the last two clubs I've belonged to were too low for me to be comfortable. They put me more in a prone like position and shooting something stout like my .458 Win isn't a thriller. Actually, those benches are worse than prone where controlling the gun in recoil is easier. Don

Yep, kinda like shooting off of the kitchen table.

Originally Posted by GotFour

Get ya a "Lead Sled" and enjoy that H&H at the range. In the "lighter" .375 bullets I had pretty good reloading results with H-414, IMR 4895, and IMR 4320. A pound of powder doesn't last very long at 80 odd grns per round

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/152...-shooting-rest

I was thinking about getting a can of powder then I thought I better get two.

[glock2740]

I want a .375 H&H so bad, but have NO reason to get one, other than just for the hell of it.

[Haldor]

Originally Posted by jhooten

Just a thought. A guy with glasses and a gray beard shouldn't have to ask why to scoping a rifle.

When I bought my AR15 last year, it came with a 3x bullet drop compensating scope on it. I fought getting that thing to do what I wanted for several range trips. Finally I just yanked it off and started using the iron sights, I am much happier now. I am sure I would be happy with an ACOG that costs more than my rifle, but to be honest I don't really see the need. I killed more than my share of coyotes with my first AR15 using nothing but iron sights. I don't feel lacking using iron sights on my current one.

Personally I am just fine with an aperture sight. I put a Williams 5D on my Win94 30-30 and it is perfect for the range that rifle is intended for (less than 200 yards).

The idea of shooting a lion at 250 yards does tickle me a bit. Living in North America, the only lions I have seen are mountain lions and the best shooting distance for them is about 20 yards up a tree (with a pack of hounds right under them making sure said lion stays in said tree). A 9mm pistol loaded with ball ammo works great on lion too, kills em dead with minimal pelt damage. I have never personally killed a lion, but I have been on several lion hunts in AZ back in the late '70s. We got a couple too. All of them ended up being collected with a Browning Hi-Power.

I understand the 375 is a great long range rifle with light loads, but I am curious why anyone would pick it for that role when there are so many calibers that do just as well if not better at that game at lower cost and with less recoil (7mm Mag in particular comes to mind). The 375 H&H is always going to be an Africa round in my mind. That may just be me being short sighted.

On the subject of a dangerous game rifle. If a dangerous animal was charging me, the only thing I would want on my rifle are iron sights. A scope on a dangerous game rifle just does not compute in my mind. That's OK, different strokes for different folks.

[pennlineman]

Originally Posted by glock2740

I want a .375 H&H so bad, but have NO reason to get one, other than just for the hell of it.

That is reason enough.