Has anyone had experience reloading this cartridge? Who is a good source of brass? I've heard mixed opinions on some of the newly manufactured brass, that case capacities vary, doesn't stand up to pressure above 35K PSI, etc. Any experience/opinions? I plan to rechamber a Ruger #1 in 458 to this caliber but need to be sure first.

Why convert to a 100-year-old obsolete cartridge? Especially one that had case extraction problems when it was "on the market"?

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http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

Does this case have extraction problems? It's my understanding that the No.2 was developed to alleviate the case extraction problems of the 450 NE. It has a heavier rim, thicker walls and larger capacity than other 450 rounds. The A-2 manual thinks highly of it, particularly from the standpoint of reloading versatility. Reamers are available and the only problem I have so far is obtaining brass, but I don't expect to need much.

Bertram brass for the .450 #2 is available ($5 each, ouch) from Huntington's or Graf's, but the capacity of this enormous case makes loading a bit touchy. The .450 3-1/4 is eough smaller that loading is simpler and cases are considerably less expensive as well; that would be my choice for a Ruger #1 conversion. Graeme Wright lists loads and techniques for both in Shooting the British Double Rifle, which is also a pretty good read. With modern brass you'll not have extraction problems with either one.

[This message has been edited by bpesteve (edited 04-09-2002).]

FLA3006. I HAVE A DOUBLE RIFLE IN 450 No2. I AM VERY FOND OF THIS CARTRIDGE IN A DOUBLE RIFLE. HOWEVER IN A RUGER No.1 THERE IS NO NEED TO CHAMBER FOR A CARTRIDGE THAT HAS BRASS THIS EXPENSIVE AND IS ONLY AVIALABLE FROM ONE SOURCE. THE No.1 EJECTS RIMLESS BRASS WITH NO PROBLEM, WHY NOT CHAMBER FOR THE .458 LOTT, THEN IN A PINCH YOU COULD USE .458 WINCHESTER AMMO. THIS IS A SIMPLE RECHAMBER JOB IN A .458 No.1.

NE450#2: Your solution makes a lot of sense. I'm still thinking this project through. The only thing I'm certain of is I want to rechamber my 458, which is a beautiful custom piece, to something with greater potential & versatility.