Question for the experienced handloader

[BlackRhino]

I am going to handload the .375 H&H& Magnum to the max (buff loads) using 350 grains Degol bullets (RN and FMJ). In Europe American powders are sometimes hard to come by. Hence, I will use either Swedish Bofors or Finnish Vit powders. I could not find published data for 350 grains and therefore I would like to use simulated loads to start with. Are there any significant differences in simulated data between Quickload and the Freeware Gordan's Reloading Tool (GRT)? Your help is highly welcome!!!

 

[Nhoro]

I use GRT but Have compared it to Quickload and to normal reloading manuals. I find GRT and Quickload pretty similar. I think both are pretty conservative with regards predicted pressure and velocity. I have had one load workup that went past their dangerous pressure before showing pressure signs. These are just my observations, work up your loads slowly looking for pressure signs!

I would also avoid pushing for velocity in big bores. You don't need max velocity for big game and it can lead to extraction problems. I have a friend who I have reloaded with and we loaded a hot load and fired it on the highveld where I live- cool and higher altitude. He said that same load has had extraction problems in the Zambezi Valley. My preferred load for my 458 lott is Vihtavuori N 133 and 515 gr Pergrines at 2195 fps. Not a max load, but absolutely capable. No pressure signs and reliable at any temperature.

 

[uplander01]

I’d pull up a burn rate chart and cross reference the Woodleigh load data for .375-350’s with the listed powders to similar burn rate powders for the brands you have access to. There is no reason, really ever, IMO to push a dangerous game rifle to absolute max powder charge and velocity….asking for trouble in extreme heat, which you will encounter if you hunt Africa enough.