.375 CZ H&H Safari Magnum and the Factory Target

[Master Aegidius]

Well, I finally got around to sighting in my .375 today. I must say I was kinda dreading it as my factory target wasn't encouraging (@1.5" at 50 meters). First couple of shots were holding that average at 100 yds, but as my powder charges went up, my groups shrank considerably. Best was 5/8", 3 shot group, using 69.0 grains of H4895 and cheap 300 gr. Hornady BTSP's. 

I have not touched any of the wood yet, and didn't break in the barrel. So this represents the rifle AS IS, with absolutely no tweaking.

Something to consider with CZ's is that their throats are cut exceptionally long. If you have the option of handloading, the bullet can be seated further out to accommodate this. In addition, all my CZ's tend to like heavy for caliber bullets that can still handle the ROT.

So, even if you don't get a stellar factory target, all is not lost.

[mauserand9mm]

That's good accuracy!

I might have to try AR2206H (that's the equivalent of H4895 over here). I'd been using AR2208 (equivalent to Varget) since I always try to fill up the case as much as possible.

I've had the most luck with 350gn round nose, I think because the length puts them closer to the rifling. I'm going experiment with seating the projectiles further out now. I haven't done this yet because I'd been side tracked with my 458 - the novelty of the "new toy" hasn't worn off yet.

[Master Aegidius]

Let me see if I can't get a picture up later tonight of how far out I'm seating the Hornady's. I would guess that I'm seating them @ 5/16" behind the cannelure. At 69.0 grains, I am well above max listed loads for this combo, but I am gaining a significant chunk of case volume, and all pressure indicators show that the rifle is very happy.

I also am a big fan of trying to get as close to 100-105% case capacity with my powder.

The set trigger also was a considerable factor in that  group size. Not that I would necessarily use it hunting (yet).

On another note, my 100 yd. express sights placed my shot's @ 9" low. Anyone know what the replacement height for the front sight should be? Windage was right on.

[mauserand9mm]

Actually come to think of it H4895/AR2206H should be perfect for the 375H&H in this case. It just seemed like the slower powders would be better suited, but I've actually run out of room in the case using Varget/AR2208. I used to load with AR2209 (H4350 equivalent) in my 375H&H Brno, but the CZs have a much longer throat resulting in lower peak pressures and allowing more powder to be used etc.

Admittedly my loads are mild, so maybe this will help improve accuracy if I make them a bit "stouter", and I'll have to go to H4895/AR2206H. My Varget/AR2208 loads are already 15% over the maximum recommended loading with no room left.

I didn't realise you shot your group with open sights - that's impressive performance!!!

Not ideal, but have you tried the 300yd sight for shooting these at 100yds? Probably still wouldn't give enough correction anyway.

There's a Danish (?) company called "Recknagel" that make all sorts of sight components - I know they make taller front sight blades for the CZ (my 458 shoots very high at 100yds on the 100yds setting). The may make shorter ones too. It may be worth looking for a distributer for them where you are.

I've got small hands and can't comfortablly use the set trigger. The adjustments on the standard trigger are excellent though. I've adjusted mine to a light hunting trigger, and there is plenty of adjustment to go lighter

[Master Aegidius]

Oops!
Sorry for the confusion~ I shot those groups using a Leupold 3-9x40 VX-II scope! I then took the scope off and shot a 3" group with the open sights. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be.
Regarding the express sights, I was wondering along the same lines as you suggested: Perhaps my rifle is setup as a 25,50, 100 yd. express sight. That would be eminently more practical and realistic, as I seriously doubt that I could use the sights out to 300 yds! Still, being new to the .375, 9" low at 100 yds seems to low to fit that arc.

Guess I got to go burn some more powder! Gosh Darn It!!! 

[mauserand9mm]

Weekends just gone and I reloaded some AR2206H rounds on Saturday and shot them yesterday (Sunday).

I noticed something odd with the loading data - AR2206H is faster than AR2208 but in the 375H&H the loading manual says that more of it can be used. I've never seen this before. Must be a difference in the way the pressure peaks. Also, even though I'd use more AR2206H, the muzzle velocity is supposed to be lower than AR2208.

With my abundance of 270gn projectiles (I'd bought many of these before I discovered that my 375 doesn't like them), I thought I'd give them another chance with this different powder, and also seating them out further.

Anyway, the end result is that the milder AR2206H loads gave comparable accuracy to the AR2208 (2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches at 100yards) but a hot load with AR2206H (sticky bolt, primers okay though) gave me a 1 1/2 inch group at 100 yards.

I'll give the AR2206H a go with the 300 and 350grain projectiles and also try some warmer loads with the AR2208, although I suspect I'll end up sticking with the AR2208.

[Master Aegidius]

.... just discovered that my .375 Safari Classic holds 6+1. That's a lot of boolits!!!!! 

[mauserand9mm]

Yeah, the 458 is the same. It's just a pity that the rounds that sit in the LHS of the magazine occassioinally jam when cycling into the chamber (458 only - not 375). Still with a strategically placed left hand, the offending round can be pushed back into alignment fairly quickly - not something you would want to have to do if something big and angry was coming your way quickly.

[mauserand9mm]

Had a good Sunday with the 375. I shot a 5 shot group at 100yards just under MOA and a 5 shot group at 200yards just over MOA. Lucky day I guess. Not benchrest accuracy, but MOA always makes me happy in a hunting rifle.

It was hot (34 degrees C) though. I let the barrel cool between shots - about 3 minutes, and only fired 5 rounds per 1/2hr range open session.