.375 Fl N.E. 2 1/2 Load Data

The .375 Flanged Nitro Express 2 1/2 inch, often referred to simply as the .375 Fl NE 2 1/2, is a classic British cartridge developed in the early twentieth century. Originally introduced by Holland & Holland around 1899, this cartridge emerged during the golden age of British sporting rifles. Designed specifically for use in double rifles, the .375 Fl NE 2 1/2 filled a much-needed niche for hunters pursuing medium-sized game within the confines of the British Empire. The “Flanged” designation refers to its rimmed case, making it particularly well-suited for break-action firearms typical of the period. While it’s now overshadowed by more modern and powerful cartridges, this caliber played an important role in the evolution of nitro-expressed hunting ammunition and remains an object of interest for collectors and enthusiasts of classic British firearms.

In terms of practical application, the .375 Fl NE 2 1/2 was originally intended for hunting in locations where game was neither dangerous nor excessively large, but where rapid second shots from a double rifle might be needed. Its utility stretches from the game fields of India to Africa and select regions in Europe. Hunters favored it for stalking smaller antelope, deer, wild boar, and thin-skinned plains game. In that capacity, it acted as a bridge between the lighter .303 British and the much heavier .450-400 Nitro Express cartridges. The manageable recoil in these sturdy yet relatively light double rifles made it ideal for quick, accurate shooting, qualities valued by professionals and sportsmen alike.

The target species for the .375 Fl NE 2 1/2 have traditionally been medium-sized game. On safari, it was popular for antelope such as impala, reedbuck, and bushbuck, as well as for red and fallow deer in the British Isles or continental Europe. It was never considered a dangerous game cartridge but was greatly esteemed for its effectiveness on warthog, wild boar, and deer-sized animals. Its combination of moderate velocity and sufficient bullet weight provided deep penetration and reliable expansion at the ranges typically encountered with double rifles—usually under 150 yards. Its usefulness on game up to the size of black bear adds to its versatility among ammunition reloaders targeting similar species today.

Typical bullet weights for the .375 Flanged NE 2 1/2 are in the 270 to 300 grain range, with most original or reproduction factory loads using a 270 grain soft point or solid projectile. The cartridge is intended to push these bullets at velocities around 1950 to 2000 feet per second, balancing effective impact with modest chamber pressures suitable for older or finely made double rifles. The case itself is recognized by its rimmed, straight-wall design, facilitating reliable extraction in break-action guns. This also makes it a favorite among reloaders who appreciate its straightforward construction and reliable performance when loaded with quality modern components. While not as widely available in modern commercial ammunition as it once was, the .375 Fl NE 2 1/2 continues to appeal to reloaders who value history, tradition, and the practical field effectiveness of classic British hunting calibers.