Skip to content
Lindcott Armory

Rifle · CIP

.450/400 Nitro Express

Also known as .400/.450 NE · .400 NE 3" · .450-400 NE

Classic African double-rifle cartridge widely considered the optimum caliber for dangerous game hunting.

Caliber
0.4098″ · 10.41 mm
Introduced
1900
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Hunting
Status
Active

Buy this cartridge

Buy at Rivertown

Buying from Rivertown

Partner link
VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains400 gr
Identity
Introduced
1900
Type
Rifle
Origin
United Kingdom
Inventor
John Rigby & Co.
Manufacturer
Kynoch, Norma, Hornady
Standard
CIP
Status
Active
Availability
Rare
Build
Case capacity
100 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Berdan Large Rifle
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
42,100 psi
Eff. range
150 yd
Max range
400 yd
Recoil
20–30 ft·lb

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .450/400 Nitro Express.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 10.410.410 ✓
Neck ⌀ 11.150.439 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ 12.650.498 ✓
Shoulder angle 5.6°— ✓
Base ⌀ 13.840.545 ✓
Rim ⌀ 15.850.624 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.070.042 ✓
Neck length 24.130.950 ≈
Case length 82.553.250 ✓
Overall length 100.333.950 ~

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .450/400 Nitro Express is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .450/400 Nitro Express

12 models in the database chamber .450/400 Nitro Express. Browse all →

Blaser S2 450-400 NERuger No.1 Tropical .458 Win Mag 24-inchRuger No.1-H Tropical .375 H&H 24-inchHeym Express .450-400 NE 24-inchWilliam Evans Double Rifle 470 NEHolland & Holland Royal Double Rifle 450/400 NEWilliam Evans Double Rifle 450/400 NEJohn Rigby & Co Boxlock Double 450/400 NEJohn Rigby & Co Boxlock Double 470 NEWestley Richards Droplock Double Rifle 375 H&HBoss & Co Double Rifle 470 NEJohn Rigby & Co Rising Bite Double 450/400 NE

Connected reference

FirearmsFirearms in .450/400 Nitro Express

History

Developed around 1900 by John Rigby & Co., the .450/400 NE 3" became one of the most respected African dangerous game cartridges of the early 20th century. W.D.M. Bell rated it highly for buffalo and lion. Hornady revived commercial production in the 2000s after Kynoch ammunition became scarce. Professional hunters (PHs) in Africa still chamber doubles for .450/400 NE for its manageable recoil compared to larger calibers while retaining genuine dangerous-game stopping capability.

FAQs

What twist rate does .450/400 Nitro Express use?
.450/400 Nitro Express typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .450/400 Nitro Express?
.450/400 Nitro Express uses a 0.4098″ (10.41 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .450/400 Nitro Express still in production?
.450/400 Nitro Express is active; typical availability is rare.
What is .450/400 Nitro Express used for?
.450/400 Nitro Express is primarily used for hunting.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 11 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →