.450-400 Nitro (Nitro Express)
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.450-400 Nitro Express: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Double Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Big Game Hunting, Dangerous Game |
| Case Design | Rimmed, Straight |
| Year Introduced | 1899 |
.450-400 Nitro Express: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent stopping power for large game
- ✔ Moderate recoil compared to larger Nitro Express cartridges
- ✔ Versatile for various African game species
- ✔ Good balance of power and manageability
- ✔ Historic prestige and proven track record
Cons
- ✘ Limited availability of ammunition
- ✘ Expensive to purchase and reload
- ✘ Heavy rifles typically required
- ✘ Not suitable for long-range shooting
- ✘ Overpowered for most non-dangerous game hunting
.450-400 Nitro Express: A Comprehensive Overview
The .450-400 Nitro Express is a powerful big game hunting cartridge developed in the late 19th century. It was designed to provide adequate stopping power for large and dangerous game in Africa and India. This cartridge is known for its effectiveness against thick-skinned animals like elephants and rhinoceros, while still offering manageable recoil for its class.
History and Development
The .450-400 Nitro Express was developed in 1899 by W.J. Jeffery & Co. It was created as a more powerful version of the earlier .450-400 Black Powder Express, utilizing cordite propellant to achieve higher velocities and energy. The cartridge was designed to be used in double rifles, which were popular among big game hunters of the era.
The .450-400 Nitro Express quickly gained popularity among professional hunters and sportsmen due to its excellent balance of power and manageable recoil. It was particularly favored in India for tiger hunting, where its flat trajectory and hard-hitting characteristics made it highly effective in dense jungle environments.
Throughout the early 20th century, the .450-400 Nitro Express remained a staple cartridge for dangerous game hunting. Its reputation for reliability and stopping power ensured its continued use even as newer cartridges were introduced. The cartridge's effectiveness led to its adoption by several colonial administrations for use by game wardens and professional hunters.
In modern times, the .450-400 Nitro Express has experienced a resurgence in popularity among traditional hunting enthusiasts and collectors. While no longer as widely used as it once was, the cartridge continues to be produced by specialty ammunition manufacturers, ensuring its availability for those who appreciate its historical significance and proven performance.
Cartridge Specifications
The .450-400 Nitro Express uses a rimmed, straight-walled case with a length of 3 inches (76mm). It typically fires a .410-inch (10.4mm) diameter bullet weighing between 300 and 400 grains. The standard loading propels a 400-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,150 feet per second (655 m/s), generating approximately 4,100 ft-lbs (5,559 J) of muzzle energy.
The cartridge's moderate velocity combined with its heavy bullet weight results in deep penetration and substantial tissue disruption, making it highly effective against large, thick-skinned game animals. The relatively low velocity also contributes to the cartridge's reputation for moderate recoil compared to other big bore nitro express cartridges.
Timeline of .450-400 Nitro Express Development:
.450-400 Nitro Express Performance
The .450-400 Nitro Express offers substantial performance for big game hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 400 grains Standard loading |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,150 fps (655 m/s) With standard 400-grain bullet |
| Muzzle Energy | 4,100 ft-lbs (5,559 J) Sufficient for largest game animals |
| Effective Range | Up to 200 yards (183 meters) Optimal for dangerous game hunting distances |
| Recoil | Moderate for its class More manageable than larger nitro express cartridges |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .450-400 Nitro Express loads.
.450-400 Nitro (Nitro Express): Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .450-400 Nitro (Nitro Express) ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-200 | Ideal for large, non-dangerous game in dense cover |
| Dangerous Game | 0-100 | Effective for close-range encounters with dangerous African game |
| Target Shooting | 0-300 | Limited use in long-range target shooting due to trajectory |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, and specific firearm characteristics. The .450-400 Nitro (Nitro Express) is primarily designed for big game hunting at relatively close ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .450-400 Nitro (Nitro Express)
The .450-400 Nitro (Nitro Express) is a specialized cartridge designed primarily for big game hunting:
Caliber Comparisons: .450-400 Nitro (Nitro Express)
The .450-400 Nitro Express is a powerful big game hunting cartridge. To understand its capabilities, let's compare it to similar large-bore cartridges:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .450-400 Nitro Express with other large-bore rifle cartridges. (Based on a 10 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .450-400 Nitro Express with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .450-400 Nitro Express with other large-bore rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .450-400 Nitro Express with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density of .450-400 Nitro Express
The .450-400 Nitro Express is a powerful big game hunting cartridge. This table shows the sectional density for common bullet weights used in this caliber.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .450-400 Nitro Express | 400 | 0.257 |
| .450-400 Nitro Express | 360 | 0.231 |
| .450-400 Nitro Express | 300 | 0.193 |
Note: The .450-400 Nitro Express was developed for hunting large and dangerous game. Its high sectional density contributes to deep penetration, which is crucial for taking down large animals. The cartridge is known for its stopping power and is still used in some African hunting situations.