New handloads for my 375 H&H

[PARA45]

I shot a Nyala at what I would call pushing the 375 H&H max range (around 350 yds), and it was a one shot kill. None of the animals I shot with the factory Barnes 300 TSX had an exit hole bigger than a quarter. I also do not know how fast those factory Barnes TSX are going out of my CZ-550.

 

[Azklmsr]

Getting closer on a 250 Grain TTSX. CFE223 and around 2900 FPS

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Getting closer on a 250 Grain TTSX. CFE223 and around 2900 FPSView attachment 688529

Pretty nice group, that'll hunt well. That's pretty great velocity, I'd be very careful moving up in charge from here, you're nearing a limit I'd say.

 

[Azklmsr]

Phil,

As fast as I want it for sure!. Pops like a 7mm, only at 250 grains!

Next step will be setting COL on both that and my 300 gr TSX load. Ready to go collect a few critters!

Kurt

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Azklmsr, yours is a very timely thread for me. Here's why, I was thinking about trying a new load for my 375 H&H(s) using CFE223 and 300 Gr. Nosler Accubonds. I recently purchased a 9.3 X 62 for my son. Bob Nelson 35 Whelen has been trying to get me to try CFE223 in our 35 Whelen(s) for years. I bought an 8 Lb. keg of it several years ago for that purpose. But I got to thinking that it might work just as well in the 9.3 X 62. According to my QuickLoad calculations it should be great for that caliber also. THEN, I got to thinking that it might work for 375 H&H(s) as well. I'm going to my son's for a visit in early May and thought I'd take one of my three 375 H&H(s) to a shooting date that we have planned. Seeing the accuracy of your loads has "pushed me over the edge." My previous handloads using H4350 were accurate but much slower than others I've seen posted here. Thanks for the "nudge."

BTW, if any of you reloaders out there have already given this a go, I'd be interested in seeing your results.

@Shootist43
Dang Art I've been telling y'all that CFE 223 is a great powder. Very versatile in a lot of cases from the 222rem to the 375.
While your at it load up some 250s for the sons Whelen and give him a hoot.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Super input. Thank you Bush Buck. You did use the 250 TTSX on Eland? I'm working with CFE223 with that bullet, but I have some work to do. Your idea on a second scope is a really good one and I will likely consider that. I have Leupold QR set up with a 2-7 VAR III right now that is very nice. Pretty affordable to pop a second one on. Thank you for the suggestions

Anyone have a CFE223 250 TSXX load that they like? I have a H4350 load that is working quite well at around 2800 fps.

Thanks again.

Kurt

@Azklmsr
So your using a bucket full of powder to get 100fps faster with a 250 grainer than the humble Whelen will do. The Whelen pushes a 250 at 2700 fps. And a 300 to 2600 while the Whelen pushes a 310 ( equivalent to a 350 in SD) to 2,455fps. And won't beat you up.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Bob
Couldn't resist it

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I just came back from South Africa. We shot five animals with my 375 H&H. I loaded 300 gr Nosler Partition bullets with 73 gr of IMR 4350 for 2400 MV. My ph said I would do better to load them closer to factory, which is around 2550 MV.
Could you guys give me your opinion about this and also what, in your opinion, would be a good powder measures for 300 gr, 270 gr, and 260 gr bullets.

@hunt4fun
Dang that's slower than the Whelen with 310s and your using over 10 grains of powder more.
But
Hey dead is dead.
Bob
Couldn't resist again

 

[Azklmsr]

Hey Bob.

Well with CFE223 I'm well past 2900 without pressure signs. That was tested at 96 degrees in Phoenix. That's all the speed I want out of a bullet in this class, but I have tested loads a little faster. Just not as accurate and I like "medium" in my hunting rounds.

A very positive note is that I've observed significantly less copper fouling with CFE223 than with either H4350 or Superformance with the Barnes TTSX 250 .375 bullets.

I've never shot a 35 Whelen, so I can't say anything about recoil or its performance in the field. It certainly has its fan base as does the 338-06, though the 2 groups seem to hate one and another. I have shot a variant based on the 35 Whelen parent case in 30 caliber that has become quite popular since its origin in about 1906. I always found its recoil quite modest and its field performance always strong when bullet is placed appropriately.

Happy hunting

Kurt

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hey Bob.

Well with CFE223 I'm well past 2900 without pressure signs. That was tested at 96 degrees in Phoenix. That's all the speed I want out of a bullet in this class, but I have tested loads a little faster. Just not as accurate and I like "medium" in my hunting rounds.

A very positive note is that I've observed significantly less copper fouling with CFE223 than with either H4350 or Superformance with the Barnes TTSX 250 .375 bullets.

I've never shot a 35 Whelen, so I can't say anything about recoil or its performance in the field. It certainly has its fan base as does the 338-06, though the 2 groups seem to hate one and another. I have shot a variant based on the 35 Whelen parent case in 30 caliber that has become quite popular since its origin in about 1906. I always found its recoil quite modest and its field performance always strong when bullet is placed appropriately.

Happy hunting

Kurt

@Azklmsr
Kurt
I just love stirring the pot with 375 owners. Not trying to be mean or a smart arse, just love the Whelen and it's capabilities.
CFE stands for copper fouling eliminator. That's why you see a reduction in copper fouling. I've been using CFE223 for about six years since I found it. My sons 308 hasn't been cleaned in 400 rounds and is still fairly free of copper.
I really love the versatility of CFE223 and the number of cartridges it works in. It gives increased velocities and lower pressure and turns old cartridges into something amazing.

I also use superformance in my 25. Give it a real set of balls. Just remember it's not the same powder used in factory superformance loads. It's actually quite a slow powder similar to Re22 and H4831sc.
It's good to see someone else experimenting with these powders and getting good results
Keep up the good work ol' son.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

What the heck is CFE-235?

I assume you meant CFE-223, or there is a new powder I am missing...

At any rate, I load the Speer 235 HC in my .375 WSM @ 2950 fps... it is a very accurate load and works well on game. Speer claims that because of its weight they anticipated high velocity and made the jacket tougher... from my experience I would believe that to be the case.

@hoytcanon
So your loading your 375 wsm with a bullet 10 grains heavier than the 225 gn 35 cal to the same speed as the Whelen.
I'll stick with the humble Whelen
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Bob

 

[hoytcanon]

@hoytcanon
So your loading your 375 wsm with a bullet 10 grains heavier than the 225 gn 35 cal to the same speed as the Whelen.
I'll stick with the humble Whelen
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Bob

I can get it going 2925 with the 250 TTSX, you can't do that in the Whelen, not without going over pressure. But my trajectory dial is for a somewhat backed off load at 2900 with the 250 TTSX... it is a great all-around combo... will do moose in the fall and another trip to Namibia next spring, along with my 6.5 Rem Mag.

 

[Azklmsr]

@Azklmsr
Kurt
I just love stirring the pot with 375 owners. Not trying to be mean or a smart arse, just love the Whelen and it's capabilities.
CFE stands for copper fouling eliminator. That's why you see a reduction in copper fouling. I've been using CFE223 for about six years since I found it. My sons 308 hasn't been cleaned in 400 rounds and is still fairly free of copper.
I really love the versatility of CFE223 and the number of cartridges it works in. It gives increased velocities and lower pressure and turns old cartridges into something amazing.

I also use superformance in my 25. Give it a real set of balls. Just remember it's not the same powder used in factory superformance loads. It's actually quite a slow powder similar to Re22 and H4831sc.
It's good to see someone else experimenting with these powders and getting good results
Keep up the good work ol' son.
Bob

Bob,

No offense taken at all!

Superformance powder is working well. 300 gr TSX around 2675 FPS. That's a fair amount of punch over stock. I have not tried the CFE223 on that heavy of a bullet, though I do like the CFE part of it.

I don't think I'd go lighter than my 375 for Buff, Elephant, Hippo, though I'm sure some have.

Shoot straight, Hunt Safe

Kurt

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Nice shooting.

I love Barnes TSX 300 Grain at about 2,550 FPS in my .375’s.. . Killed Croc, Hippo, Giraffe, Sable, Zebra, I think my Buff was with 350 Grain TSX. Zebra was about 125 Yards. Probably my longest shot with 300 Grain TSX.

Too much cleaning and then you’re back to fouling it in…

Get your TSX 300 Grain shot’s within 2” off sticks and you’ll be golden. Or whatever gets you comfortable.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

IMR4350 behaves a little faster than H4350. If you look at the load page I sent, you can see it in the NOS Partition 260s pretty easily. The IMR4350 max load is 78.6C and 2710 FPS. Moving to the H4350 max load is 81.5 (not shown as C, which is interesting as I bet its VERY C) and is 2818 fps. Both are right at 51000 CUP. So 3 grains difference in that specific example MAX, a pick-up of 108 FPS and about the same pressure. Note, these are likely shot in different rifles, different measuring systems, but this will give you an idea of the deltas.

Side note. Not a problem with Compressed loads. bullet seating may need a little more pressure, but nothing very high. Particularly with an extruded like either 4350, there is a TON of unused space in the case between grains. I load the tray then shake it pretty vigorously for a few moments and that usually makes bullet seating a non event.

Warning Label: I'm an engineer, ballistician, aerodynamicist with fair amount of shooting, loading and NA hunting. I have exactly Zero, "0", NADA African hunting experience. I found a kindly PH that agreed to teach me DG hunting next year and is mentoring me. A lot of experienced PH and African hunters say 2300 to 2500 is best speed range, bigger is better, heavier is better. My PH says use what you shoot really well. From your report, it sounds like you had a great experience! Keep that in mind as you seek improvements. I hope next year to have success that looks like yours!

Kurt

@Azklmsr
Have you tried using a drop tube for loading stick powders.
In my sons 308 47gn of Varget fills the case. Using a drop tube I can get the 50gn of Varget in for the 130gn projectiles and zero compression.
In my Whelen I can get an extra 5gn of H4350 with the same amount of compression with the 310s
Drop tubes are my best friend when it comes to reloading.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I did use the 250 TTSX on a mature Eland bull. It was a steep "quartering to me" shot at about 165 yards. It went through lung and liver and was lost in the gut pile. The bull stumbled, turned and made it about 25 yards and went down.

I like to experiment in reloading too but I don't share your enthusiasm for maximizing the velocity in 375 H&H. High nitroglycerin ball powders are useful in cases with less capacity than you need (want) but that's not really a shortcoming of the 375 H&H. I prefer a relatively temp-stable single base powder if it gets the job done. If I had a good load with H4350 I'd be pretty happy - then I'd try Varget.

@Bush Buck
I have used both CFE223 and superformance in temps up to 42 degrees Celcius and down to minus 8 Celcius without issues. I try and do my load development in summer when it is hotter. That way I know my load is safe in any temperature I use it in.
What I can't understand is why the Hornady manual limits superformance to lighter. for caliber bullets when it really excells with heavier bullets as it's a relatively slow powder. In my 25 it gives hell for leather results but in the Whelen it's lucky to generate enough pressure to get the bullet to the 25 yard target.
In big cases where H2213 & Re22 work well superformance will take you to the next level.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Here is a little bit better photo of my son's target.

@Shootist43
Art
So your getting 103fps more velocity and using 12 grains more powder than the Whelen with 310grainers.
Dang is the pain worth the gain.
Sorry Art couldn't help myself you know I love the Whelen. Just ain't DG legal. As Max Smart used to say MISSED BY THAT MUCH .008of an inch

Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Bob,

No offense taken at all!

Superformance powder is working well. 300 gr TSX around 2675 FPS. That's a fair amount of punch over stock. I have not tried the CFE223 on that heavy of a bullet, though I do like the CFE part of it.

I don't think I'd go lighter than my 375 for Buff, Elephant, Hippo, though I'm sure some have.

Shoot straight, Hunt Safe

Kurt

@Azklmsr
You will find CFE223 will probably give you pressure signs before you reach that velocity with the 300s. Superformance being slower will give you the sustained push you will need.
Generally speaking if you can use H2213sc you can use the same charge weight of superformance. JUST START A THE MINIMUM AND WORK UP.
Bob