375 JDJ Versus the 375 H&H

[tcencore3006]

Hey Guys,
I was wondering if you could give the major differences between these two rounds.  Is there one you prefer over the other and why?  Looking to get a new encore barrel and would like something in a big bore round.  Not sure what to get.
Thanks

[M700]

I've not worked at all with the .375 JDJ, but as I understand it's a .444 Marlin case, necked down to take the .375" bullets, and develops about 2,400 ft lbs of energy. It has been very successful over the years as a hunting cartridge. I believe a 270 gr bullet does about 2,000 fps from the JDJ, although that may well be from a handgun, not a rifle.

The .375 H&H has been around for nearly 100 years and is a larger cartridge, one of the original belted magnums. Typical factory and hand loads for the .375 develop around 4,000 - 4,500 ft lbs of energy. A 270 gr bullet does about 2,700 fps from the H&H, and shoots with a trajectory very similar to a 180 gr .30-06 load.

I'm normally not big on using "energy" figures but it seemed an easy way to make the comparison. They're both good cartridges. I handload for the .375 H&H, and started hunting with it (Ruger Number One) a couple of years ago. So far, I'm impressed with the cartridge. Excellent accuracy and power, and not half bad to shoot, at least not from my rifle. No wonder it's still around after all this time.

Regards, Guy

[redneckdan]

I have both. The H&H in a CZ 550 and a contender barrel in JDJ.  The loads I most often shoot out of the H&H tend to be a 300gr paper patched lead at 1600-1800fps.  This works good for targets and flattening just about anything up to and including deer.  This is an energy level that the JDJ is perfectly capable of attaining and doing so with a better load density.  However, I cannot load the JDJ up like I can the H&H and be ready for anything short of rogue whales.  My favorite full power load in the H&H is a 390gr wide flat nose I designed traveling at about 2300fps at the muzzle.  If I had to sell one I would be kicking the contender to the curb.

[charles p]

The JDJ is designed to work at Contender pressures.  The H&H is normally loaded to much higher pressures and was made for double rifles and bolt rifles.  I think it came out of England.  It is popular in Africa on plains game and among elk hunters.

All I know is what I've read.  I do not own a firearm in either round.

[Ken ONeill]

There's a LOT of difference in the 2 cartridges. I have owned 2 .375 H&H's, a Mannlicher stocked Sako with a "wandering zero" that I sold years ago, and a stainless synthetic Winchester Mdl. 70 with a 24" barrel that I've owned for 16 years. I've used the Mdl. 70 in both Africa and Alaska, and have found it to be an outstanding rifle and cartridge for large game. I run a 300 gr. Nosler Partition @ 2550 fps. At that velocity, it can readily be used to 300 yards without a significant problem. The long sloping shoulder of the case makes for smooth feeding in the Mdl.70.

I also own 2 .375 JDJ's: a 12 1/2" barrel Contender that I've hunted on 4 continents with, and a 15" barrel Encore. My load runs a 270 Hornady Spire @ 2000 fps from the Contender, and ~ 2150 fps from the Encore. A 300 gr. Hornady solid will run about 1900 fps from the 12 1/2" Contender. I've taken game as small as a 25 lb. steenbok, and as heavy as a 2200 lb. Australian buffalo with the 270 Hornady from the Contender.

Large game up through elephant can be, and have been, taken with both cartridges. The H&H will, however, shoot significantly flatter, and provides a much larger margin of power. It depends what the user wants: for a pistol, I'd select the rimmed JDJ; for a rifle, I'd select the belted rimless H&H.

[pruhdlr]

Pls allow me to throw out another "big bore" chambering that you might also consider. The 416Rigby.

I have considered this bbl for my Pro Hunter but after checking the prices of brass and bullets have not jumped in with both feet as yet. Sill might though. Take a look. ----pruhdlr

[Grumulkin]

I've had experience with both chamberings in both rifle and handgun versions.  If you're going for an Encore rifle, I would go with the 375 H&H Magnum due to better availability of brass and, for your pleasure of shooting, I'd suggest a muzzle brake.  For a handgun, you could make a case for the 375 JDJ since the shorter case gives you a little more effective barrel length but, for me, the 375 H&H Magnum is still preferable.