.375 JDJ loads for moose..

[bigbore442001]

I'd like to querry the wisdom of all here on what would be a good load for moose.

I was thinking about using the factory ammunition made by Hornday for TC . The advertised ballistics are a 220 grain flat point at 2300( but I have heard that out of the 14" barrel it is more like 2100)

Would the factory load be enough for moose? Should I use a good handload with a heavier bullet? I like factory ammo due to a misfire at a big bear with a handload.

So. Any comments will be welcomed. Thank you.

[Sverre A.]

My big game load is Nosler Partition 260 gr./1950 fps.

[MS Hitman]

I'd go with the 270 Hornady SP for moose.

[mkee]

I have to agree with MS Hitman, the 270 Hornady is a great bullet, and happens to be the most accurate out of my 375.  With Hornady bullets, you generally get the most for your money in my opinion.

[oso45-70]

bigbore,

I too would go with the 270gr Hornady. The more the better in this case.
They worked real well in mine, Accuracy was good also, Regards.........Joe.........

[Sverre A.]

Maybe I got a bad lot of the bullet - but 3 of 8 animals which was shot with the Hornady 270 gr. SP last year - I found a lot of fragments and the biggest part of the bullet which was found - had only 25% retentionweight.   The shooting distances was 30-70 yds. - and the weight of the animals was 80 - 140 lbs.  Nothing to write home about - if you ask me!  
This year I have shot 6 animals from distances between 70-240 yds. with Nosler Partition 260 gr. - and all went through.  The weight of the animals was between 70 and 450 lbs.

[mkee]

Saverre A,
Were you shooting a pistol barrel 375 JDJ?

[Sverre A.]

Yes - I was shooting with a SSK 15".

[Lawful Larry]

What I have found is that I am more comfortable with my own reloads.  I want to know exactly what my bullets are doing and are capable of doing when out in the woods.  As to the .375 JDJ I only have range ballistics to give you on the Hornaday 220 FP (#3705) bullets.  I worked up a load that was comfortable to shoot at the range and one for the woods during hunting season.  

Hunting round was 48 grs of IMR 4895 moving at an average of 2031 fps with a SD of 3.00.  That would be close to the findings of the Hornaday research in their reloading book.  

The range rounds I worked up were 45 grs. of IMR 4895 for an average velocity of 1855 fps.  This was a very comfortable round to shoot.  All these rounds were shot from my 14" factory barrel.  I must admit I have no need for the 270 gr bullet, but have read that it is not what some my think.  It has a history of problems as was mentioned by another poster in this thread.  I can only say what I have read.  

This is a picture of my target posted at 50 yards.  For hunting here in Virginia, 50 yards is the average range for the woods that we hunt.  I was shooting with a bench rest and my elbows will attest to the agony they went through to obtain this info.   :lol: