Throughout modern firearm history, only a few calibers have gained almost cult-like status across the globe. Ask any hunter to name some of these and the answer will invariably include the .375 H&H. It is easy to understand why. One obvious reason is that it was embraced by American hunters almost immediately after Winchester started making them in 1925, and therefore has the benefit of almost a century of positive press in the US. Another reason is the reputation it gained for field performance. It has seen use on every continent of the world and in every country in Africa for over a century, by a plethora of seasoned professionals (and old-time poachers), to good effect. These men, like Harry Manners and Wally Johnson, Harry’s mentor and hunting partner, used a .375 H&H for many decades, felling mostly bull elephants for ivory, although they had to contend with all the other members of the big game club as well over the course of their careers.
John Taylor, in goes as far as to single out the caliber, devoting an entire chapter in the book to it. His admirationWhat hogwash, with all respect to Mr Taylor. Taylor’s comments in this regard must be taken with a pinch of salt. No caliber possesses the magical ability or “energy” to fell any animal if the shot was poorly placed. Newcomers to the game may get the impression that once it has fallen it will stay down and that is what is to be expected when you shoot something with a .375. Not true. Over the course of my hunting career I have personally had to follow up on at least eight animals that went down after a shot from a .375 H&H, only for each to get up again and show you its rear end.
