Custom 300Hoffman Magnum

[SouthTx1911]

Howdy everyone! This is my first post here. Ive been stopping in on this site for a while now. I just inherited a custom rifle built on a Sako chambered in 300 Hoffman Mag. The only info I can find ANYWHERE on the web is from a member here from a few years ago and it was pretty sparse. I have been looking and looking and cant find anything. Pretty much all I can find out is that its based off a 300H&H case and Western Ammo used to sell rounds and that the only ones left are "collectable". Im looking for any reloading data yall might have info on and just general history on this gun. I will have reloading dies in hand hopefully by the end of the month. I cant figure out who built this gun or much of anything. It is absolutely gorgeous with a MXIV 4.5-14 on it. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[MudRunner2005]

Sharp rifle. Got any pictures of the formed cases? Or any dimensions on the formed cases? That would give us more insight as to what it might be most similar to, so we can help.

 

[SouthTx1911]

Thanks!

Don't even have any cases yet. This is from midway.

 

[SouthTx1911]

First is a loaded case posted on Gun Auction and second from Cartridge Corner. I cant find any pictures of this round next to any other caliber to get any kind of an idea or comparison.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Looks like an antiquated caliber designed back when they used Cordite for propellant... This is just basing that off the heavy taper the case has, along with the very low shoulder angle.

Since it is based off the .300 H&H, I would consider having that rifle rechambered to a .300 Ackley or a .300 Weatherby, to utilize all the newer powders with a more functional (and updated) case design. Re-chambering would be simple for a gunsmith to do, and should be fairly inexpensive and quick.

But if the sentimental factor is strong, then I would just leave it alone as a keepsake.

 

[SouthTx1911]

Yeah sentimental is pretty strong. I did find a picture of it next to a 375 Hoffman which most believe is actually just a 375H&H with the name changed for marketing purposes stamped on the Hoffman Custom rifles. I have no idea what to believe about it though. I may just end up rechambering it though at some point just so I can actually use it.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I just did some quick research on it, and everything I've found is pointing to the same thing as you said, about them just re-naming the H&H calibers as their own for marketing.

It does looks similar to a .300 H&H...But appears to have a sharper shoulder angle. But the body taper appears to be the same as the .300 H&H.

 

[SouthTx1911]

Found this after pages of Google searches. Still doesn't tell me much but it's interesting.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Interesting.....So the plot thickens... They disappeared around 1926. That's kind of strange.

 

[mountainman56]

Looks the same as a 300 H&H to me. You could get a casting of the chamber and measure it against an H&H......could be you can simply use H&H cartridges.

 

[SouthTx1911]

Looks the same as a 300 H&H to me. You could get a casting of the chamber and measure it against an H&H......could be you can simply use H&H cartridges.

Ive thought about it but it is definitely not the same as H&H. The very small amount of info I found makes it clear it is not the same. From what I can tell it more resembles the shoulder of a 300Weatherby. Ill post a pic comparison. Its like a middle man to the H&H and the Weatherby

 

[SouthTx1911]

Side by sides

Left to right
300 Hoffman-300 H&H-300 Weatherby

 

[MudRunner2005]

Yep, that's why I was saying I'd just open it on up to .300 Wby or .300 Ackley (.300 Wby Improved w/ a 40* rectangular shoulder), and make the rifle really useable, since it's a very nice rifle. It would basically still be sentimental and the same rifle, just more updated and functional.

If you are interested in the .300 Ackley, I can point you in the direction of where to get a chamber reamer and dies. I have one, and it is a very powerful cartridge. Very fun to talk about, not very common these days, and it makes a great conversation piece.

Just let me know if I can be of any help.

Here is a new .300 Wby brass (left) next to one of my .300 Ackley cases (right). I form cases from new .300 Wby brass. It is the simplest wildcat to form brass for. You load new Wby brass with a light load, then fire them in your rifle and out pops a newly formed .300 Ackley case.

 

[lilharcher]

Is it possible to fire form Hoffman cases with light loads in an H&H case?