Looking for some opinions on the 450-400 3 1/4" round.

What kind of double rifle game round would this be good for and availability of ammo?

Happy 4th of July to everyone.

Thanks,
Cdog

NE or BPE? NE would be good for anything given good bullets. BPE would be good for any thin skinned game. Ammo should be available or certainly easily formed. Good cartridge, one I would like to work with.

Thanks Sharpes4590,

That particular double is Nitro proofed. Built around 1911.

What kind of recoil could be expected?

The 450/400 isn't a hard kicker compred to a 600 NE..
What have you shot so it can be compared?

Equivalent to a 375 H & H with 300 grain bullets plus a little more. That was my immpression the one time I fired a 450-400 in a Ruger #1. Not a lot to go on but that was my impression.

Good caliber for anything in North America and most in Africa. Really rolls elk and bears! Recoil isn't painful like other Nitro Express'. Brass and bullets available from Huntingtons', so easy to load for.

Thanks for all of the informative replies.

AkMike1, probably the hardest recoil I have felt has come through a bolt action 7MM Magnum rifle or perhaps even a light 12 gauge shotgun shooting the extra heavy Fiocchi Golden Pheasant loads.

Thanks,
Cdog

The 450-400 NE is one of the best "all round" big bores ever put together; no matter if in the original 3-1/2" case or the later 3 Inch as put out by Jeffrey. Its 400 gr. bullet has a muzzle velocity of about 2100 fps with an energy of 4000 fp; enough for any animal on the planet given good shot placement. Recoil is manageable for almost anyone, although I haven't shot a Ruger #1 in this caliber in which it might be a bit "snappy". It is easy to load for with basic brass the .450 nitro. Early rifles have a variety of bore diameters, so be sure to slug your rifle and choose the right dia. Woodleigh makes bullets in .408, .411, and some for the .405 win. which will work if your rifle is exceptionally tight. The .408 and .411 bullets are available in soft and solid, so you are good to go for all of the tough guys in Africa. Don't wait!

Best,

Mal