375 H&H Ballistics Chart

A 375 H&H Ballistics Chart is a highly detailed numerical reference table that outlines the velocity energy bullet drop and aerodynamic efficiency of the legendary medium bore magnum cartridge across various shooting distances. This specialized tracking layout allows dangerous game hunters and safari professionals to analyze how different commercial factory loads perform under extreme field conditions. By evaluating these specific flight metrics marksmen can accurately calculate precise optical holdovers while guaranteeing ethical terminal impact forces on the largest animals on earth. Utilizing this extensive ballistic data ensures supreme accuracy and maximum stopping power when deploying this universally trusted dangerous game cartridge.

375 H&H Ballistics Chart

Manufacturer	Bullet Weight	Bullet Type	Ballistic Coefficient	Sectional Density	Muzzle Velocity	Velocity At 100 Yards	Velocity At 200 Yards	Velocity At 300 Yards	Velocity At 400 Yards	Velocity At 500 Yards	Muzzle Energy	Energy At 100 Yards	Energy At 200 Yards	Energy At 300 Yards	Energy At 400 Yards	Energy At 500 Yards	Trajectory At 100 Yards	Trajectory At 300 Yards	Trajectory At 400 Yards	Trajectory At 500 Yards
Hornady Dangerous Game	300 gr	DGS Solid	0.275	0.305	2530 fps	2223 fps	1938 fps	1678 fps	1448 fps	1256 fps	4263 ft lbs	3292 ft lbs	2503 ft lbs	1875 ft lbs	1396 ft lbs	1050 ft lbs	1.8 in High	9.8 in Low	30.5 in Low	66.2 in Low
Hornady Dangerous Game	300 gr	DGX Bonded	0.275	0.305	2530 fps	2223 fps	1938 fps	1678 fps	1448 fps	1256 fps	4263 ft lbs	3292 ft lbs	2503 ft lbs	1875 ft lbs	1396 ft lbs	1050 ft lbs	1.8 in High	9.8 in Low	30.5 in Low	66.2 in Low
Hornady Superformance	270 gr	SP RP	0.380	0.274	2800 fps	2562 fps	2336 fps	2122 fps	1919 fps	1729 fps	4699 ft lbs	3935 ft lbs	3272 ft lbs	2699 ft lbs	2208 ft lbs	1793 ft lbs	1.5 in High	7.2 in Low	21.6 in Low	44.8 in Low
Hornady Outfitter	250 gr	CX	0.404	0.254	2700 fps	2481 fps	2272 fps	2073 fps	1885 fps	1708 fps	4047 ft lbs	3416 ft lbs	2865 ft lbs	2385 ft lbs	1972 ft lbs	1620 ft lbs	1.6 in High	7.9 in Low	23.5 in Low	48.2 in Low
Federal Premium	300 gr	Swift A Frame	0.325	0.305	2530 fps	2280 fps	2045 fps	1825 fps	1620 fps	1435 fps	4263 ft lbs	3462 ft lbs	2785 ft lbs	2218 ft lbs	1748 ft lbs	1371 ft lbs	1.8 in High	9.2 in Low	28.4 in Low	60.5 in Low
Federal Fusion	300 gr	Bonded Soft Point	0.300	0.305	2530 fps	2265 fps	2015 fps	1785 fps	1570 fps	1380 fps	4263 ft lbs	3417 ft lbs	2704 ft lbs	2122 ft lbs	1642 ft lbs	1268 ft lbs	1.8 in High	9.4 in Low	29.1 in Low	62.4 in Low
Barnes VOR TX Safari	300 gr	TSX Flat Base	0.357	0.305	2530 fps	2305 fps	2090 fps	1885 fps	1695 fps	1515 fps	4263 ft lbs	3539 ft lbs	2910 ft lbs	2366 ft lbs	1913 ft lbs	1528 ft lbs	1.8 in High	8.8 in Low	27.2 in Low	57.5 in Low
Barnes VOR TX Safari	300 gr	Banded Solid RN	0.307	0.305	2530 fps	2270 fps	2025 fps	1795 fps	1585 fps	1395 fps	4263 ft lbs	3432 ft lbs	2731 ft lbs	2146 ft lbs	1673 ft lbs	1296 ft lbs	1.8 in High	9.3 in Low	28.9 in Low	61.8 in Low
Nosler Trophy Grade	260 gr	Partition	0.314	0.264	2750 fps	2485 fps	2235 fps	2000 fps	1780 fps	1575 fps	4367 ft lbs	3564 ft lbs	2883 ft lbs	2309 ft lbs	1829 ft lbs	1432 ft lbs	1.5 in High	7.6 in Low	23.1 in Low	49.0 in Low
Norma African PH	300 gr	Oryx Bonded	0.320	0.305	2550 fps	2300 fps	2065 fps	1845 fps	1640 fps	1455 fps	4331 ft lbs	3523 ft lbs	2840 ft lbs	2267 ft lbs	1791 ft lbs	1410 ft lbs	1.7 in High	8.9 in Low	27.8 in Low	59.2 in Low
Norma African PH	300 gr	Solid Round Nose	0.229	0.305	2550 fps	2183 fps	1847 fps	1545 fps	1285 fps	1085 fps	4333 ft lbs	3174 ft lbs	2274 ft lbs	1590 ft lbs	1100 ft lbs	784 ft lbs	1.8 in High	10.6 in Low	34.5 in Low	78.5 in Low
Federal Premium	300 gr	Trophy Bonded Bear Claw	0.340	0.305	2530 fps	2295 fps	2075 fps	1865 fps	1670 fps	1490 fps	4263 ft lbs	3508 ft lbs	2868 ft lbs	2317 ft lbs	1858 ft lbs	1479 ft lbs	1.8 in High	9.0 in Low	27.8 in Low	58.8 in Low

Reviewing this extensive table illustrates exactly how differences in bullet mass muzzle velocity and modern aerodynamic design affect the external flight path of the premier safari cartridge over five hundred yards.

Understanding The 375 H&H Ballistics Chart

Analyzing the provided data reveals that minor variations in bullet shape and factory powder charges create massive differences in downrange authority.

Every observation perfectly demonstrates why this specific cartridge remains the absolute global standard for professional hunters facing thick skinned dangerous game.

Velocity Analysis

Evaluating the velocity metrics within the table shows that the Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP is the undisputed speed leader with an incredible muzzle velocity of 2800 feet per second.

This exceptional starting speed gives the medium weight projectile a massive advantage across the first three hundred yards of open air flight.

However examining the heavier bullets reveals that aerodynamic efficiency plays a crucial role in velocity retention over extreme distances.

The Barnes VOR TX Safari 300 grain TSX Flat Base starts at a slower 2530 feet per second but retains an impressive 1515 feet per second at the five hundred yard mark.

In contrast the Norma African PH 300 grain Solid Round Nose features a very blunt profile that slows down drastically arriving at five hundred yards with only 1085 feet per second remaining.

This specific velocity data proves that for extended plains game hunting aerodynamically superior expanding projectiles preserve their supersonic stability far better than traditional blunt solids.

Energy Analysis

Muzzle energy dictates the sheer physical shock delivered to a heavy target upon initial bullet impact.

The table data highlights that the Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP produces the highest initial strike force with 4699 foot pounds of muzzle energy.

Heavy duty hunting options like the Norma African PH 300 grain Oryx Bonded also start incredibly strong generating 4331 foot pounds of energy at the barrel exit.

Downrange energy retention is where high ballistic coefficient bullets truly separate themselves from standard safari ammunition.

By the time the projectiles reach the three hundred yard line the Barnes VOR TX Safari 300 grain TSX Flat Base retains a massive 2366 foot pounds of lethal kinetic force.

Meanwhile the Norma African PH 300 grain Solid Round Nose bleeds off power rapidly arriving at three hundred yards with only 1590 foot pounds of energy remaining.

High retained energy values guarantee that the bullet maintains enough momentum to crush heavy shoulder bones and penetrate thick hide at extended hunting distances.

Trajectory Analysis

Reviewing the trajectory profile with a standard two hundred yard zero demonstrates how surprisingly flat this massive cartridge can shoot across open savanna terrain.

The flattest shooting factory load in the chart is the Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP which exhibits a minimal bullet drop of only 44.8 inches at five hundred yards.

The Nosler Trophy Grade 260 grain Partition also provides a stellar trajectory dropping just 49.0 inches at the same half mile distance.

As distance increases beyond the three hundred yard line older blunt projectile designs begin to fall away rapidly due to massive air drag.

The Norma African PH 300 grain Solid Round Nose plunges drastically dropping a full 78.5 inches by the time it reaches the five hundred yard target.

Practical holdover estimates using these chart values indicate that shooters using modern tipped ammunition require significantly less optical dialing than those utilizing exposed lead flat nose solids.

Ballistic Coefficient Analysis

The ballistic coefficient values listed in the table reveal a massive technological divide between traditional safari solids and modern aerodynamic expanding designs.

The Hornady Outfitter 250 grain CX dominates this category with a highly impressive rating of 0.404.

Traditional brush hunting configurations like the Norma African PH 300 grain Solid Round Nose feature a much lower aerodynamic rating of 0.229.

The high rating of the CX bullet allows the projectile to easily slice through dense atmospheric resistance without shedding precious velocity.

According to the chart data this massive aerodynamic advantage guarantees that high coefficient bullets arrive at distant targets with significantly flatter pathways and heavily reduced lateral wind drift.

Sectional Density Analysis

Sectional density directly influences how stable a hunting bullet remains during flight and how deeply it penetrates thick muscle and bone upon arrival.

The chart confirms that all 300 grain projectiles possess the absolute highest sectional density rating of 0.305.

The lighter 250 grain options exhibit a noticeably lower sectional density value of 0.254.

A higher sectional density means the bullet concentrates its massive physical weight over a relatively small cross sectional area forcing it incredibly deep into the vital cavity of dangerous game animals.

This specific data confirms that hunters pursuing elephant or cape buffalo must rely entirely on the 300 grain projectiles to maximize deep straight line penetration.

Best Factory Loads Based On The Chart

For Extreme Long Range Plains Game Shooting the Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP is the absolute best choice due to its massive muzzle velocity and exceptional trajectory.

Key Takeaways From The Chart

The fastest factory load in the entire chart is the Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP at 2800 feet per second.

The highest initial muzzle energy is produced by the Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP at 4699 foot pounds.

The highest retained kinetic energy at five hundred yards belongs to the Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP at 1793 foot pounds.

The flattest trajectory at five hundred yards is achieved by the Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP with a minimal 44.8 inches of bullet drop.

The highest overall ballistic coefficient listed is the Hornady Outfitter 250 grain CX at 0.404.

The best overall safari performer based on combined energy retention and deep penetration metrics is the Barnes VOR TX Safari 300 grain TSX Flat Base.

Common 375 H&H Bullet Weights

The specialized internal case capacity of this legendary cartridge allows it to utilize an incredibly wide spectrum of projectile weights optimized for distinct safari roles.

235 Grain

The 235 grain projectile weight is a historical offering that maximizes the velocity potential of the medium bore caliber.

Typical muzzle velocity for this specific weight easily breaks the 2800 feet per second barrier when paired with specialized high energy propellants.

The primary advantage of this weight is its incredibly high initial velocity which creates a laser flat mid range shooting path.

The main disadvantage is that the lighter mass results in shallower penetration making it inappropriate for hunting dangerous thick skinned animals.

This specific weight is best applied in general target practice open country antelope hunting and hunting small to medium plains game species.

250 Grain

The 250 grain projectile represents an excellent modern option for perfectly balanced plains game hunting ammunition.

Typical muzzle velocity sits comfortably around 2700 feet per second which generates roughly 4047 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.

The primary advantages of 250 grain options are brilliant velocity retention moderate recoil and exceptional terminal expansion on thin skinned game.

The primary disadvantage is that these bullets still lack the extreme mass required for reliable pass through shots on heavy animals like hippopotamus.

This weight is the absolute ideal choice for open country elk hunting in North America or pursuing large plains game across the African savanna.

270 Grain

The 270 grain projectile weight represents the historical sweet spot for general purpose hunting within this specific cartridge family.

Typical muzzle velocity is roughly 2650 to 2800 feet per second which translates into a massive 4300 to 4700 foot pounds of initial muzzle energy.

The single biggest advantage of this weight is its exceptional balance of flat trajectory and perfectly reliable soft point expansion.

The primary disadvantage is a slight reduction in absolute sectional density compared to the massive heavy solids required for elephant hunting.

This weight is the ultimate choice for hunters who require deep penetration on lion or bear alongside a remarkably flat trajectory curve for long shots.

300 Grain

The 300 grain bullet is the legendary global standard for pursuing thick skinned dangerous game across the entire African continent.

Typical muzzle velocity hovers around 2530 feet per second maintaining immense structural momentum and massive bone breaking authority.

The advantage of the 300 grain bullet is its unmatched straight line penetration capabilities guaranteeing the bullet will reach the vital organs from any angle.

The main disadvantage is the severely steep trajectory arc beyond three hundred yards making long range shots extremely difficult without precise measurements.

This extreme weight is universally required by law in many African countries when pursuing the legendary Big Five game animals.

Effective Range

Understanding the realistic limits of this powerful cartridge helps professional hunters select the correct equipment and optical setups for their specific field goals.

Plains Game Hunting

For standard large scale plains game the effective range easily spans from one hundred yards out to four hundred yards using quality expanding ammunition.

At these extended distances the medium bore projectile remains comfortably supersonic keeping its flight path predictable through varying atmospheric conditions.

Professional guides highly recommend utilizing modern polymer tipped bullets to guarantee maximum terminal expansion when shooting across wide open valleys.

Dangerous Game Hunting

When participating in dangerous game hunting activities ethical marksmen restrict this cartridge to a maximum distance of one hundred and fifty yards.

North American Big Game

This specific cartridge is widely utilized by experienced Alaskan guides for protection against massive coastal brown bears in heavy timber.

The ballistic properties of this cartridge actually exceed the legendary thirty caliber magnums in terms of raw stopping power and heavy bone destruction.

Hunters pursuing massive bull moose or huge elk regularly utilize the expanding soft point ammunition to guarantee a clean ethical harvest inside three hundred yards.

Competition Shooting

Within local sporting rifle matches and heavy bore events the cartridge performs admirably out to the five hundred yard line.

At this specific distance the high ballistic coefficient of modern pointed ammunition allows shooters to achieve incredible accuracy despite heavy recoil pulses.

Firing this massive cartridge from a benchrest position requires significant physical endurance and excellent fundamental recoil management techniques.

Factors That Affect 375 H&H Ballistics

External environmental variables and physical firearm attributes combine to shape exactly how a heavy bullet behaves once it leaves the muzzle.

Barrel Length

Barrel length plays a crucial role in determining how much velocity the massive powder charge can generate before the bullet exits into the open atmosphere.

A standard twenty four inch barrel allows the slow burning magnum powder inside the huge case to completely ignite maximizing the initial velocity.

Shorter twenty inch guide gun barrels can cause a massive loss of up to one hundred and fifty feet per second which noticeably diminishes stopping power on dangerous game.

Bullet Weight

Bullet weight dictates the core relationship between quick initial exit speed and deep terminal penetration inside heavy muscle tissue.

Lighter bullets leave the barrel much faster but lack the physical mass required to punch entirely through heavy shoulder bones without deflecting.

Heavier bullets start noticeably slower but hold their forward momentum incredibly well guaranteeing a straight line path through vital organs.

Bullet Construction

The physical design of the projectile whether it is an exposed lead core soft point or a monolithic brass solid heavily affects terminal performance.

Expanding bullets dump all their kinetic energy rapidly creating massive wound channels which is perfect for thin skinned lions or leopards.

Solid non expanding bullets maintain their shape entirely allowing them to punch straight through five feet of elephant tissue without deviating from their path.

Ballistic Coefficient

The ballistic coefficient measures exactly how easily a bullet overcomes raw air resistance during its long journey across the open savanna.

A higher ballistic coefficient directly reduces vertical bullet drop and minimizes the lateral drift caused by harsh crosswinds during the rainy season.

Professional hunters prioritize heavy flat nosed solids over high ballistic coefficient bullets because deep penetration always supersedes long range aerodynamics in the thick bush.

Altitude

High altitude mountain environments feature thinner air which drastically reduces the aerodynamic drag forces acting against a flying bullet.

Hunters operating in elevated mountain ranges will notice flatter overall pathways and much higher retained velocities than those shooting near sea level.

Temperature

Air temperature heavily impacts air density with freezing cold temperatures creating denser air that slows down projectiles much faster.

Additionally extreme ammunition temperature fluctuations under the blistering African sun can alter powder burn rates causing unexpected pressure spikes and velocity changes.

Wind

Due to the massive physical size and weight of these projectiles crosswinds have a slightly reduced effect on the downrange trajectory of the bullet.

However a strong crosswind will still push the bullet sideways over long distances requiring precise windage alignment based on detailed ballistic chart evaluations.

Zero Distance

The specific distance at which a heavy rifle is zeroed determines the entire arc of the flight trajectory relative to the shooter looking through the optic.

An inappropriate zero distance can require excessive physical adjustments on an optics turret when suddenly moving between close brush and distant open targets.

Best Zero Distance

Choosing the correct zero distance establishes an incredibly efficient baseline for dialing or holding over targets during a high stress safari.

50 Yard Zero

A fifty yard zero is highly popular among professional guides carrying iron sighted double rifles into the thick brush.

The primary advantage is that it aligns the sights perfectly for close quarters engagements where dangerous game charges occur instantly.

The main disadvantage is that the bullet will fly significantly high at one hundred yards making precision shots on small targets very difficult.

This zero is best for general target practice dangerous game backup rifles and hunting in extremely dense jungle environments.

100 Yard Zero

A one hundred yard zero serves as an exceptional general purpose baseline for a wide variety of heavy timber hunting conditions.

Utilizing a one hundred yard zero keeps the bullet path perfectly aligned for the vast majority of traditional safari shooting distances.

The disadvantage is that you must hold slightly high when transitioning to longer open field targets standing past two hundred yards.

This zero is highly recommended for bear hunters and field marksmen who require instant readiness inside heavy woods without immediate turret manipulation.

200 Yard Zero

A two hundred yard zero is an incredibly specialized configuration utilized by plains game hunters carrying scoped bolt action rifles.

The massive advantage is that it eliminates the need to dial elevation corrections when engaging distant antelope right at the edge of the savanna.

The disadvantage is that the bullet flies roughly two inches higher than the line of sight at one hundred yards which requires careful aiming on small targets.

This approach is best reserved for dedicated medium range plains game hunting where target distances are consistently uniform and open.

300 Yard Zero

A three hundred yard zero is entirely impractical for this specific dangerous game cartridge due to the massive rainbow trajectory arc.

The major detriment of attempting this zero is that the bullet trajectory flies over six inches high at mid range making practical hits mathematically impossible.

The massive heavy bullet simply lacks the extreme aerodynamic efficiency to maintain a totally flat path across this extended distance.

This zero is strictly an academic target exercise and should never be applied to ethical safari hunting or practical field shooting scenarios.

375 H&H Compared To Similar Cartridges

To understand exactly where this legendary cartridge stands it helps to compare its performance against other prominent large dangerous game options.

Cartridge	Velocity	Energy	Trajectory At 300 Yards	Ballistic Coefficient	Effective Range	Recoil	Dangerous Game Performance
375 H&H Magnum	2530 fps	4263 ft lbs	9.8 in Low	0.275	400 yd	Heavy	The Global Legendary Standard
416 Rigby	2400 fps	5115 ft lbs	12.0 in Low	0.330	300 yd	Severe	Massive African Stopping Power
338 Winchester Magnum	2950 fps	3860 ft lbs	6.5 in Low	0.430	600 yd	Heavy	Ultimate Long Range Elk Cartridge
9.3x62mm Mauser	2360 fps	3530 ft lbs	14.5 in Low	0.280	250 yd	Moderate	Excellent European Heavy Game
458 Winchester Magnum	2150 fps	5100 ft lbs	18.0 in Low	0.220	150 yd	Severe	Supreme Elephant Capability

The major difference shown above is that the classic belted magnum provides an absolutely perfect middle ground between the flat shooting magnums and the massive big bore elephant stoppers. It delivers vastly superior trajectory profiles compared to the enormous big bore rounds while generating noticeably more kinetic energy than standard thirty caliber magnums. This perfect historical balance makes it the premier choice when hunting dangerous game where versatility is prioritized over absolute close quarters knockdown power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical muzzle velocity of this classic safari cartridge?

Typical factory ammunition muzzle velocity ranges exactly between 2500 and 2800 feet per second depending on the specific bullet weight and powder charge.

How much bullet drop does a 300 grain bullet have at three hundred yards?

With a standard two hundred yard zero a typical factory cartridge experiences roughly 8.8 to 10.6 inches of total gravitational drop at three hundred yards.

Which factory load retains velocity best at long range plains game hunting?

The Hornady Superformance 270 grain SP RP retains velocity incredibly well due to its specialized powder charge and exceptionally high aerodynamic rating.

Is this cartridge truly effective and legal for hunting African elephant?

Yes the cartridge maintains immense deep penetration capability and is universally recognized as the legal minimum caliber for hunting thick skinned dangerous game in Africa.

What is the average muzzle energy of a standard 300 grain cartridge?

Average muzzle energy spans from 4263 to over 4333 foot pounds making it a highly capable and devastatingly powerful dangerous game hunting round.

Why do solid bullets penetrate so much deeper than soft point bullets?

Solid non expanding bullets refuse to deform upon impact which drastically reduces frontal resistance and allows them to punch straight through extremely thick skull bones.

What is the historical significance of the belted magnum case design?

The legendary belt was originally engineered to guarantee absolutely perfect and reliable headspace ensuring the rifle would fire flawlessly during dangerous game encounters.

Does barrel length significantly change the extreme stopping power?

Yes longer twenty four inch barrels maximize internal powder combustion while short twenty inch guide gun barrels reduce muzzle velocity noticeably and limit kinetic energy.

What is the best zero distance for a dedicated dangerous game backup rifle?

A fifty yard zero provides the best general purpose balance keeping the trajectory perfectly flat for lightning fast emergency shots inside the thick African bush.

How does recoil affect the shooter compared to standard hunting calibers?

Due to its massive powder capacity and heavy bullets it generates significantly more felt recoil than standard hunting rifles requiring excellent shooter technique to master.