.300 H & H Mag.

First introduced by Holland & Holland in 1925, the .300 H&H Magnum—also known as the .300 Belted Rimless Magnum—quickly gained notoriety in the world of big game hunting. Its development occurred during an era when British gunmakers were pioneering belted magnum cartridges, intending to achieve greater ballistic performance for long-range hunting in the sprawling landscapes of Africa and India. The .300 H&H was essentially a response to the increasing popularity of high-velocity, flat-shooting rounds for use on game animals at greater distances. Its belted case design, which was derived from the .375 H&H Magnum, allowed for smooth chambering and reliable extraction, particularly in bolt-action rifles. For much of the early 20th century, this cartridge remained the gold standard among hunters and competitive shooters alike, celebrated for both its accuracy and its stopping power.

Over the years, the .300 H&H Magnum has built a reputation for versatility, making it a favorite among reloaders who enjoy tailoring loads to specific shooting scenarios. While originally designed for hunting big game, it found its way into the world of competitive shooting, including long-range target shooting and F-Class competitions, where its inherently accurate design could truly shine. Reloaders value the .300 H&H for its flexibility—it can be loaded with lighter bullets for medium game and target shooting or heavier projectiles for large, tough animals. Its long neck and ample case capacity allows for various powder and bullet combinations, offering reloaders ample room for experimentation to achieve an ideal balance of velocity, accuracy, and manageable recoil.

The .300 H&H Magnum is capable of taking a wide range of game species. Traditionally, it has been used on North American species such as elk, moose, and bear, where its power ensures deep penetration and reliable performance at distance. In Africa and other international destinations, it has proven highly effective on plains game such as kudu, wildebeest, and even eland, as well as for long shots on sheep and antelope in mountainous terrain. Its relatively flat trajectory and maintained energy downrange make it a wise choice for hunters who may encounter shots beyond 300 yards. For reloaders, this means the ammunition can be specifically tailored to the hunter’s intended quarry, from light, fast bullets for deer and antelope to heavy, controlled-expansion bullets for larger, tougher animals.

When it comes to bullet weights, the .300 H&H typically employs projectiles in the 150- to 220-grain range. The most popular, versatile loads tend to be in the 180- to 200-grain window, offering an excellent combination of velocity, penetration, and ballistic performance. For reloaders, the 26-degree shoulder angle and the generous case capacity offer consistent case fill with a wide variety of powders, from slower-burning magnum propellants to more traditional rifle powders, affording excellent consistency and velocity. The cartridge’s belted design ensures robust headspacing, which is helpful for reloaders seeking safety and uniformity in their loads. While more modern magnum cartridges such as the .300 Winchester Magnum or the .300 Weatherby Magnum have taken some of the spotlight, the .300 H&H remains a classic—valued for its history, its elegant design, and its enduring, reliable performance. For reloaders and shooting enthusiasts, it offers both tradition and the rewarding challenge of precision handloading.