Two of the big 5 (buffalo and male lion) with two bullets. The buffalo actually came off his feet at the impact centered on the shoulder. Im told that doesnt happen too often with 375 but it did this time. Yes he got back up but was blowing blood like a firehose out his nostrils and was now minus the use of his right front. Plus a totally unexpected, half a second to execute, slap shot at a gorgeous 16" Bushbuck in really thick cover that put him in the salt. That's why I love it. Yes, a couple of animals does not offer much of a sampling for statistics but look at some of the famous PHs over history that carried nothing else but a 375 H&H.
I think that for many, if we are really honest with ourselves, it is the sensible maximum in tolerable recoil while maintaining the ability to place accurate shots.
I know that I can comfortably shoot my Model 70 from sticks or the bench, am not afraid of it and can focus on executing a good shot. Both of my PHs have stated they were much
happier to see me arrive with, and be able to shoot well, my 375 vs showing up with a Rigby or a Lott that I shot marginally with. Im sure there are better stoppers. Both PHs on my hunts
carried 470NE Searcy doubles and we never got to test them because I was able to execute with little fanfare. I put over 300 rounds through my 375 from field positions and offhand in the 9 months leading up to my trip. Im not sure Id have had that kind of commitment and might have been fighting the flinches with a bigger bore. Im a little guy, 5-7" and 140lbs soaking wet. I think its Newton's law??? that comes into play when you are my size!
Im planning elephant and leopard next. Was talking to my PH at the DSC show and thinking of a Dakota or Montana 404 Jeff with handloads to pull it up to "Rigby class" for elephant. He said great cartridge, by all means do it if you want but honestly, you could put the money towards taxidermy and just bring your H&H. It will absolutely do the job on elephant if we do our part correctly. Especially with the excellent solids on the market these days by Swift, Barnes and others. Taxidermy? What a stupid reason to not get another gun! But I digress....
Great article in Sports Afield this month about Wally Johnson's sp? Model 70 375 H&H by the way.