.375 H&H Mag (Holland & Holland Magnum)
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.375 H&H Mag (Holland & Holland Magnum): At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Big Game Hunting, African Safaris, Dangerous Game |
| Case Design | Belted, Rimless |
| Year Introduced | 1912 |
.375 H&H Mag (Holland & Holland Magnum): Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent stopping power for large and dangerous game
- ✔ Versatile for a wide range of game sizes
- ✔ Flat trajectory for long-range shooting
- ✔ Widely accepted in African hunting regulations
- ✔ Relatively moderate recoil for its power
Cons
- ✘ Expensive ammunition
- ✘ Heavy recoil compared to smaller calibers
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game
- ✘ Requires a large action rifle
- ✘ Limited availability of factory loads compared to more common calibers
.375 H&H Magnum: The Versatile Big Game Cartridge
The .375 H&H Magnum, also known as the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, is a powerful and versatile rifle cartridge developed by the British firearms manufacturer Holland & Holland. Introduced in 1912, it has become one of the most popular and respected big game hunting cartridges worldwide. Known for its excellent balance of power, range, and manageable recoil, the .375 H&H Magnum is capable of taking all African game species and is equally effective on large North American game.
History and Development
The .375 H&H Magnum was developed by Holland & Holland in 1912 to meet the demand for a cartridge that could handle a wide range of African game. It was designed to operate at relatively low pressures, which was crucial for its reliability in the hot climates of Africa. The cartridge features a belted case design, which was innovative at the time and helped ensure reliable headspacing in bolt-action rifles.
The .375 H&H Magnum quickly gained popularity among professional hunters and sportsmen due to its versatility and effectiveness. It became known as the 'Queen of the Medium Bores' and was adopted by many safari outfitters as their standard caliber. The cartridge's success led to its influence on many subsequent magnum rifle cartridges.
Throughout its history, the .375 H&H Magnum has been used to take every species of African game, including dangerous game like lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo. Its effectiveness on large, tough-skinned animals, combined with its flat trajectory for longer range shots, made it an ideal choice for both dangerous game hunting and general purpose use in Africa and other big game hunting regions worldwide.
Ballistic Performance
The .375 H&H Magnum typically fires bullets weighing between 235 and 300 grains. With a 300-grain bullet, it achieves a muzzle velocity of about 2,530 feet per second (fps) and muzzle energy of 4,270 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). This combination of bullet weight and velocity provides excellent penetration and energy transfer, making it highly effective on large game animals.
The cartridge's relatively flat trajectory allows for accurate shooting at longer ranges. At 300 yards, a 300-grain bullet retains about 2,790 ft-lbs of energy, which is more than adequate for ethical harvesting of large game at that distance. The .375 H&H Magnum's performance has made it a favorite among hunters who need a versatile cartridge capable of taking a wide range of game sizes.
Timeline of .375 H&H Magnum Development and Milestones:
.375 H&H Magnum Performance Characteristics
The .375 H&H Magnum offers exceptional performance for big game hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,530 fps (300-grain bullet)
2,690 fps (270-grain bullet) Based on a 24-inch barrel length |
| Muzzle Energy | 4,270 ft-lbs (300-grain bullet)
4,337 ft-lbs (270-grain bullet) Provides excellent stopping power for large game |
| Effective Range | Up to 400 yards for ethical hunting Retains sufficient energy for large game at this distance |
| Recoil | Moderate to heavy Manageable for experienced shooters, may be challenging for new hunters |
| Bullet Weight Range | 235-300 grains Allows for versatility in game selection and hunting conditions |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .375 H&H Magnum loads.
.375 H&H Mag (Holland & Holland Magnum): Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .375 H&H Magnum ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-400 | Excellent for large game like elk, moose, and bear |
| Dangerous Game | 0-100 | Ideal for close-range encounters with dangerous African game |
| African Safari | 0-300 | Versatile for a wide range of African game species |
| Long-Range Shooting | 0-500 | Capable of long-range accuracy with proper loads and optics |
| Brush Hunting | 0-200 | Heavy bullets maintain trajectory through dense vegetation |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .375 H&H Magnum is known for its versatility and ability to handle a wide range of game sizes. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .375 H&H Magnum
The .375 H&H Magnum's power and versatility make it suitable for a range of hunting applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .375 H&H Magnum's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .375 H&H Mag with other popular big game cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .375 H&H Mag with other popular big game cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .375 H&H Mag with other popular big game cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .375 H&H Mag with other popular big game cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .375 H&H Magnum
The .375 H&H Magnum, introduced in 1912 by Holland & Holland, is a versatile cartridge known for its effectiveness in big game hunting. This table compares the sectional density of various bullet weights used in the .375 H&H Mag.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .375 H&H Mag | 235 | 0.238 |
| .375 H&H Mag | 270 | 0.274 |
| .375 H&H Mag | 300 | 0.305 |
| .375 H&H Mag | 350 | 0.355 |
| .375 H&H Mag | 380 | 0.386 |
Note: The .375 H&H Magnum offers a range of bullet weights suitable for various hunting applications. The higher sectional densities of heavier bullets contribute to excellent penetration, making this cartridge effective for large and dangerous game.