Tired of testing different loads in the .375 JDJ

[Sverre A.]

I have a SSK-barrel in .375 JDJ.  I was in Africa in April, and shot 7 animals with Hornady 270 SP.  But the bullet did not hold together. All the animals was shot dead with one shot - but I want a bullet without a lot of fragments after a hit.  Therefor I have tried different loads with Nosler Partition 260 gr.  Average 3-shot groups measure 2,42" (1990 fps) at 110 yds. - not the accuracy I want out of it - but now I`m tired of testing loads.  I think I will "settle down" with this accuracy. I`m used to the accuracy from my 30-30, therefor I am a little bit dissapointed.  But the accuracy is more than enough for the huntingsituations (but on the paper the groups looks bad). I try to comfort myself and say: And I say:  Sverre - if you mount the gun in a Ransom Rest - the groups will be 1,9".

[palgeno]

I have found the same result with the Hdy 270 SP from my limited experience with larger game using the .375 JDJ ( never been to Africa or Alaska but still dreaming!) And also the same slightly disappointing but still adequate accuracy with Nosler Partitions. But both seem to give the desired effect on the few animals which I have taken with them. I will try the 260 gr Accubond and hope to have Ballistic Tip Accuracy with Partition terminal performance----am I dreaming here too?---But which bullet do you trust for Cape Buffalo or Alaskan Brown Bear? Apparently JD has had good luck with the Hdy 270 SP---and some use the Hdy 300 gr solid----maybe I am just paranoid---your thoughts?   pg

[Sverre A.]

"But which bullet do you trust for Cape Buffalo or Alaskan Brown Bear? Apparently JD has had good luck with the Hdy 270 SP---and some use the Hdy 300 gr solid"

Certainly not with the 270 SP.  When the bullet in 2 cases of 7 - on small animals like Blesbok and Bushbuck don`t keep together - how would the result be on a Buffalo?

[Lone Star]

Since hundrerds of hunters have successfully taken large game around the world with the 270 Hornady, your results are puzzling.  I don't doubt them, but I wonder about the interpretation; these bullets are designed for large game at much higher velocities that a .375 JDJ achieves.  What did the recovered bullets look like?  What was their weight retention?  How deeply did they penetrate large game?  What part of the animals stopped them?  How do bullets from rifles perform under the same conditions?  Has Hornady changed the design of this bullet in recent years?  Many manufacturers do make small changes unannounced - that could be a player here as well.

[Sverre A.]

"What did the recovered bullets look like?" Like fragments.
 "What was their weight retention?" 18 and 22%
 "How deeply did they penetrate large game? What part of the animals stopped them?"

They was hit in the right shoulder (was standing in an angle) and stopped in the stomach.  The bushbuck (85 pounds) was shot at 45 yds, and the Blesbok (120 pounds) at 70 yds.

[JD HHI 6092®]

Just 2 weeks ago a buddy of mine to a grizzly with his 375 JDJ.  Said the 270 performed perfectly.  He's taken 56 big game animals all over the world and the only time this bullet was a disappointment was when he shot his cap buffalo several years ago.  He told me he should have used a 300 grain solid.

[Sverre A.]

"He's taken 56 big game"

Also the animals I shot with the bullet - was dead, but anyway:  I prefer more than 18 and 22% recoveryweight.   Maybe it was something wrong about those two bullets - but because of MY bad experience, I will not use the bullets as my huntingloads anymore.

[MS Hitman]

I just used 300 grain FMJs for most everything I took in Africa with my .375.  Plenty good accuracy, just can't remember the group sizes right now.  Slept since I shot them.  Did take my Zebra with one shot at 220-ish yards, so it's plenty accurate.