Author Topic: Optimum barrel length for 375 H&H? (Read 2210 times)

Mauser · « **on:** March 14, 2005, 08:30:34 PM »

Just wondering what some of your opinions might be on what the best barrel length should be for a bolt-action 375 H&H Mag? The rifle would be used for the normal game one would think of for the 375 including, hopefully someday, the game found in Alaska and Africa. Factory rifles appear to have barrels anywhere from 22 to 26 inches long.

I'm considering having my 'smith build one up for me. Thanks in advance.

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2005, 02:41:10 AM »

Mine has a 22" barrel with sling swivel mounted to a barrel band. This is great in brushy areas because it effectively makes the rifle shorter and therefore less prone to getting caught on things. However, a lot of Africa hunting enthusiasts (and professional hunters) use the CZs and Brnos with their 24 and 25" barrels. It's probably a matter of preference.

For contrast of my own experience I have a 24" bolt action 22 that is a pain to carry in the brushy areas that I frequent because the barrel is always getting hung on something when I've got the rifle slung on my shoulder.

Ramrod · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2005, 03:57:04 AM »

24 inches on mine. Barrel mounted swivel is the best way to go. But when I hunt brushy areas with any gun, it is in my hands, not on my shoulder, so the length is not really an issue for me.

Lawdog · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2005, 10:05:44 AM »

Mine all have at least 24" barrels(one is 24", another is 25" and my .375 Weatherby is 26"). In my opinion any big bore needs at least a 25" barrel. Lawdog

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2005, 10:30:15 AM »

My Sako has a 24 inch barrel. I would not go any less. 24 to 26 inches is just about right.

msorenso · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2005, 12:07:15 PM »

For what is worth my 375 ultra rem mag in 26 inch

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2005, 04:05:55 PM »

For a 375 H&H a 20" barrel will do about 95% of what a 24" barrel will and is easier to carry and faster handling. 20-22 would be about ideal.

Moose-Hunter · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2005, 05:16:56 PM »

A 24" barrel is just about perfect for any bolt action big bore IMO.

crow_feather · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2005, 10:45:10 AM »

Barrel legnth depends on what you want to do with your rifle. Are you shooting far distances where you want all the speed that you can get? Or are you hunting dense forrest and thick brush where it would be better to have a shorter barrel? I think you should consider your usual hunting location as the basis for barrel legnth. And remember you can always cut off, but it's hard to glue back on.

C F

Jimi · « **Reply #9 on:** March 23, 2005, 05:53:14 AM »

The .375H&H is so efficient at burning powder that 20" is plenty. As for performance, each inch correlates to approximately 50fps. I have a Sako with a 20" barrel and it is plenty accurate out to at least 300 yards. I can't see much past that so I haven't pushed it. The one caveat is that if you are shooting the lighter bullets, 210-235 grain, that you load hot, a longer barrel will add stability.

AkRvrrat · « **Reply #10 on:** March 26, 2005, 05:56:48 PM »

this is not off the topic of the .375HH barrel lenth and it has to do with the same question but with the .375HH improved i.e., the .375 weatherby. I too like to use the absolute min and that is the 20" in any caliber/catergory but what about the .375Weatherby - is the acceptable minimum to burn that much more powder at 22",24"25" and/or 26"? Cannot see swinging them darn long tubes around when I can get by with something more practical for my use and here in Alaska that range can obviously will vary as all situations do. I do not see shooting outside 300yds and if I do it will not be with iron sights but with a scope. I have settled with the .375 Weatherby as my next firearm BUT in the Montana flavoring

Ramrod · « **Reply #11 on:** March 26, 2005, 06:27:10 PM »

AkRvrrat, I think a short barreled .375 Weatherby is an even bigger mistake than a short .375 H&H. A powder charge that big needs alot of barrel to burn in. Otherwise you get alot of muzzle blast, a blinding fireball at dawn or dusk, more recoil, and alot less velocity and killing power. Not a good tradeoff for something you might be able to point 1/10 of a second faster.

jro45 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 27, 2005, 03:05:51 AM »

My Sako Hunter 75 has a 25" barrel. That lenght seems just about right to me

AkRvrrat · « **Reply #13 on:** March 27, 2005, 05:49:07 AM »

I do not need to get blinded or notice powders unburnt or ..... it was was something I had to post. Something CFeathers said "bbls can't grow" - be somthing if'n they could - sure would eliminate this discussion. If Lawdog comes on maybe he can tell me what his .378 tube is---24" - now that cal. is too much of a good thing ----amazing how we waste time wonderig and then bring into topic and the feedback is what we already know? Support is needed- thanks you guys. Splittin hairs ain't worth spit - my .375RUM would be very ineffecient at 20"--Sako shooter w/25" I see ya waving --I believe ole Hal Waugh's gal was named "Nan" seems like it was a 26" -that always got me to wonder.mmmh. Never too old to relearn-stubborn is no good sometimes. That other caliber I considered was the .338-06 - that .06 is always a favorite round- gawd I recall when Alaska was like "black and white" and many a ole miners and State road crews were carrying such great wonders as the .06, 300wthby..375HH - I grew up to some wonderful calibers and many heart stopping moments. Where are those days? Getting carried aways- later

Lawdog · « **Reply #14 on:** March 27, 2005, 10:47:31 AM »

AkRvrrat,

Quote

If Lawdog comes on maybe he can tell me what his .378 tube is---24" - now that cal. is too much of a good thing

My .378 Weatherby has a standard length 28" barrel. My .375 Weatherby has a 26" barrel. Even at these length's firing either of these around 20 - 30 minutes after the sun goes down creates a heck of a fire show. :eek: Lawdog