John Rigby's flagship dangerous game cartridge and one of the most celebrated Nitro Express rounds ever chambered in a double rifle. Used for elephant, cape buffalo, and lion by professional hunters across Africa for over a century.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1898, United Kingdom
Parent case: None
Standardization: CIP
Bullet diameter: 0.458" (11.63 mm)
Case length: 3.25" (82.55 mm)
Overall length: 4" (101.6 mm)
Max pressure: 42,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:16
Muzzle velocity: 2150–2175 fps
Muzzle energy: 4926–5038 ft-lbs
Effective range: 100 yd
Common bullet weights: 480 gr
Primary use: Hunting
Production status: Limited
Also known as: .450 NE · .450 Nitro Express 3¼" · 11.6x83mmR
History: Rigby introduced the .450 NE in 1898 as smokeless powder replaced black powder in dangerous game cartridges. The transition from black powder Express cartridges to the new 'Nitro Express' loads was driven by the enormous velocity gains smokeless powder offered. At 2,150 fps with a 480-grain solid, the .450 NE generated more energy than anything that had come before it at comparable bore size. It…
Notable firearms: Holland & Holland double rifles, John Rigby & Company double rifles, Westley Richards double rifles
Similar cartridges: .458 Winchester Magnum, .470 Nitro Express, .500 Nitro Express