This has probably been discussed previously, but I can't find it.

Just what caliber is the new Hornady ammunition? In the range of old 450/400 bullet diameters (.408, .410, .411, maybe more?) which one is it?

I see on Midway's website, the Hornady DG bullets are 0.410. I'm guessing that their loaded ammo is the same, but does anyone know for sure?

I'm guessing that the new Heym, Krieghoff, and whoever else, that is using the Hornady ammo for regulation are bored to 0.410. Anyone know for sure?

Thanks.

Will....if I'm not mistaken, Chris (new guy) told me that the Heym bore is .410.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer
SCI
DSC

Will - They are actually 10.41mm. (0.4098417")

Remember that the 450/400 is a CIP regulated cartridge and all rifles so built in any CIP country (Germany, UK, Italy, Austria, etc...)will have the same specifications not only for bore but also for grooves, rifling, twist, etc...

Here is the CIP sheet for the 450/400.

Your answer is under "Barrel." Note the "F" and "Z" numbers respectively.



PS - Thanks for the mention and photo in your African Hunter article. I didn't notice it until I got to Reno.

Has anyone chronographed this ammo??????

At the Hornady booth, they told me .410" for the new ammo.

The 400 grain Barnes Banded Solids (#40935) I was able to buy in Reno SCI are actually labeled on the box as .409.5"

Wish Spring would finally get here, so we can go play.

quote:

Originally posted by Shumba:
Has anyone chronographed this ammo??????

I've only fired a few rounds of it over the Oehler. Average was @ 2080 IIRC on a 40-degree day? I'll check my notes to confirm.

Like many have pointed out in the past, the benchmark of 2150 fps may have been in 28 to 32" barrels, so 2080 would be pretty good in 26" barrels on a 40F day.

Kynoch lists it at 2125 fps with 30" barrels.

Now I'm lusting for a 450/400. Oh, brother.

The Hornady is basically .410, and appears to be loaded with 80 grs. of IMR-4831. In my 26" Searcy classic I get a 10 shot average of 2144 FPS taking out the high and the low, with the Hornadysoft point..BTW it sure does expand nice in the back drop (sand) and expands to about 1/4 back, so it appears to be one tough bullet, about time!

I was told velocity was about 2000 FPS, but thats not the case in my gun..I would be interested in what others get.

Does anyone know if this round has more potential if handloaded for a Ruger #1 in the factory 450-400 Nitro? I am assuming that the factory Hornady loading is loaded downward a bit for safe use in older double rifles. What is the possible potential if careful handloading techniques are employed, meaning something reasonable without hotrodding? I am looking forward to shooting this rifle very much, and will be looking to purchase a DR in this caliber within 2 yrs. I am going to start my DR collection with this loading and then move up to a 470 Nitro. I doubt I would need a 3rd DR with this 2 DR set-up.