Kimber Talkeetna in 375 H&H

[Wesson Smith]

This rifle has had my attention ever since its introduction. I'm really trying to justify in my mind why I need (want is more appropriate) this gun. If I ever go to Africa on safari, it will most likely be in my next life, if even then. The largest caliber I am personally familiar with is 30-06. I'd like to get some feedback if possible from those who shoot with the H&H Mag. I'm guessing that this rifle is not going to be one for "hours of shooting pleasure" on a 500 yard outdoor lane. Would this be a correct assumption? I'm also thinking that for hunting purposes, this rifle is not really practical with regards to critters that roam of the North American continent. I suppose the bottom line here is that I'm probably lusting for a gun that will supply me with no practical application in the (my) real world. Am I pretty much on the money, here? All comments will be welcome and appreciated.

 

[Interceptor_Knight]

If we only bought guns that we "need", the world of shooting would be pretty boring...
What the .375 gives you over the .30-06 is a larger heavier bullet for better penetration and a bigger hole. The ballistics are suprisingly similar. The .375 is not intended for precision shooting or extreme range shooting but it performs well at normal hunting ranges out to 300M and further.
It is a very practical round for deer and larger size game although not necessary for the lighter deer since you already have a .30-06. It may be a large bullet, but it is not excessively fast so there is not the issue of wrecking meat even at close ranges.
Unless you plan on hunting in extreme conditions where stainless is required, I would suggest you look at a CZ 550 instead of the Kimber. The premium wood CZ is near the price fo the Kimber but the standard wood which is still nice is considerably less $$. CZ recently upgraded the already sturdy beautiful stocks and bedding to include 2 heavy cross bolts and glass bedding. The recoil lugs are massive to begin with and now that they are adding glass at the factory, these things are anchored crazy strong. Your shoulder will thank you for the 2 extra recoil dampening pounds of rifle too.
I originally wanted a Euro style stock, but I ended up getting the American Safari style because of the cheek weld and comb which for me gives better eye position for a scope.

 

[Byron Quick]

I originally wanted a Euro style stock, but I ended up getting the American Safari style because of the cheek weld and comb which for me gives better eye position for a scope.

I've got a BRNO 602ZKK in .458 WinMag. With the European style stock. I've since drank the KoolAid. Al Thompson brought some ammo over. He said it kicked like a mule in his Ruger. It kicked about like a 12 gauge slug in my BRNO. Only real difference we could figure was the stock.

I've since got a CZ550FS in .308. European style stock. I wanted a rifle to practice with that was set up like the BRNO but using cheaper ammunition. The reduction in recoil is very noticeable.

Yes, the cheek weld is not as good. But in a dangerous game caliber; that's a trade I'll take.

Now the BRNO is not a rifle that you're going to take out plinking even with free ammo. But it's not brutal either.

 

[V.Oller]

I had one of the old Whitworth Express rifles in .375 H&H back in the mid 80's. I wish I still had that rifle! From a bench rest they can be punishing. When I first sighted it in it was a 9 round gun. I hurt too much to shoot the tenth.

So I sent it off to Mag-na-port. When it came back I grabbed a 60 round MTM box of Winchester 300 grain Silver Tips I had stored away, figuring I would only shoot 10 or so rounds.

I ended up shooting them all and wishing I'd brought more! The Mag-na-porting was wonderful! I can't recommend them enough!

In retrospect, I never did shoot that rifle without the Mag-na-porting from a free hand position, which would not have been so pounding on the shoulder.

What this did give me, besides an appreciation for Larry Kelley's work, was a lasting love of the .375 H&H. I too am looking at the Kimber!

 

[H&Hhunter]

I've been a .375H&H fan and shooter for years I've got two of them both M-70's one a prewar pre 64 the other a SS Classic actioned rifle that has been highly modified.

The .375H&H is a pussy cat to shoot IF your rifle fits you and you spend the money on a quality recoil pad. An ill fitting rifle with a solid rubber or worse steel butt plate will feel like swift pop in the face and shoulder with a sledge hammer.

Both of my .375H&H's are sub MOA guns my modern one shoots .5 MOA regularly with hand loads. In fact the .375 is noted for it's inherent accuracy. If you are a looking for a do it all rifle from short range thumper to long range stomper the .375H&H is your answer. I've killed elk at past 400 yards with mine and thumped cape buffalo at under 30 yards with it as well. It truly is one of the most versatile rounds ever designed.

As far as North American game I can't think of a better large deer (elk, moose) or big bear round than the grand old H&H. Even small deer die when hit with them! If I were you I'd look at one real serious the Talkeetna is a neat rifle. I am not a CZ fan as I've had trouble with a couple of them but they are built to last.

 

[blitzen]

Looks like you sort of have it fugured out for yourself. Anyone can buy any gun they want for any or no reason at all as far as I'm concerned but, based on your location and your own doubts about it being practical, I'd move to Alaska. It seems to be the only fix. Then you and that rifle would be right at home.

 

[Wesson Smith]

Thanks everyone for all the great observations. Very much appreciated.
It's funny - this is the first I've been back since I posted this, and I had
already started looking into the CZ 550 for comparison's sake! I think
I'm going to give this potential purchase very careful consideration.
You guys gave me a lot to go on. Although I'd love to add a 375 to my
stable, I'm just not sure how much utility I'd get out of it. And moving to
Alaska is out of the question. Hell, I'm ready to move South after this
crappy, semi-brutal Ohio winter.

 

[ElToro]

ive been jonesing for a 375 for a few months now and then the new American Rifleman shows up...

if you investigate it, a 10 day multi animal trip to africa is about the same as a fabulous guided CO elk hunt. i figure the 375 is perfect for anchoring a kudu or cape buff as well as a dikdik.. ha ha

anyway, i got a buddy who uses his 375 regularly for our PRK piggies, lot sof 1 shot drops and it anchors em

as H&H hunter says, its perfect downloaded for deer and elk and uploaded for big bears and africa.

now to find one cheap so i can spend the money on ammo.

 

[Grumulkin]

A 375 H&H Magnum can do EVERYTHING; I took this Jackal with one using Hornady FMJ bullets.

With the cost of reloading components, it probably wouldn't be one's choice for target shooting but mine, a Blaser, will easily do less than 1 inch at 100 yards with the FMJ bullets and 1.5 inches with Hornady BT Spire Points. It's not the flattest shooting rifle but 300 yard shots are certainly realistic.

My rifle has the Blaser Kick Stop which really tones down the recoil. I would say the recoil is no worse than some 30/06 rifles I've shot.