Does anyone know where I can get my hands on some 450 Rigby brass? I am hesitant to use Jamison because of the soft brass issue.

Lee, I've considered this issue myself. With brass for this round being as expensive as it is, how about using Hornady 416 Rigby brass, run it through your sizing die and fireform with a load of AA5744 and maybe a 400gr. bullet. I know you obviously can't take that across the pond, but if you're looking for practice rounds, that should suffice. I use the Hornady brass in my 416 and it's proved to hold up well with as many as 4 loadings. This big cases keep pressures fairly low at sane velocities, so case life is pretty good it seems. If you can't find the 416 Rigby brass (it was scarce a while back) I can send you a couple boxes. Let me know if you need it.

David

Lee, Check with Huntington's. They list Horneber and Jamison and may have others available.

David

http://www.custombrassandbullets.com/horneberbrass.html

They list Horneber as in stock.

Black Hiss Shooting supplies should have stocks of Norma brass. Unfortunately the nickle plated brass is only available in loaded ammo at present. The Norma big bore stuff is made on the same machines as the weatherby so not too soft!

Thanks all, I'll check out these places.

David,

Thanks for the offer of .416 brass, but I've got some time to work with, so I should be able to find some 450.

Lee

No problem Lee. The 416 brass idea is mainly to cut costs if the price of 450 brass is very prohibitive. Glad to help out any way I can.

David

Update. Black Hills doesn't have it. I sent an email to Custom Brass, because they have some Bertram brass listed for $285, but do not have a quantity.

did you check with Huntington's?

quote:

because they have some Bertram brass listed for $285, but do not have a quantity.

Lee, stay away from Bertram brass at all costs, they give stickey primary extraction from being too soft or something. I use .416 brass, just fireform, trim and load. I also restamp the 16 to look like a 50 on the head, and have crossed numerous borders, mostly between Namibia/ Botswana/ Zim, but also in and out of South Africa, with NO problem (touch wood.)



Also, here is a link to an article I wrote on the .450 Rigby:
http://www.huntingsafaris.net/pdf/reloadingtherigby450rimless.pdf

David,

Huntington's has Horneber in stock. I'll order some when I get home, I can't on my work computer.

Karl,

I've read your article and actually have a PDF copy saved on my computer. It was very helpful when I was making the decision to buy a .450 Rigby. Thanks for the heads up on Bertram.

Lee

Glad you found it Lee. Keep us updated on your new Rigby. I want a 450 of some sort and I'm thinking the Rigby is gonna get the nod. Probably start looking for a RSM in Lott to rechamber and whatever else it takes. I like my 416 very much and would like to have a matching pair.

Good luck,

David

quote:

Originally posted by Karl S:

quote:

because they have some Bertram brass listed for $285, but do not have a quantity.

Lee, stay away from Bertram brass at all costs, they give stickey primary extraction from being too soft or something. I use .416 brass, just fireform, trim and load. I also restamp the 16 to look like a 50 on the head, and have crossed numerous borders, mostly between Namibia/ Botswana/ Zim, but also in and out of South Africa, with NO problem (touch wood.)



Also, here is a link to an article I wrote on the .450 Rigby:
http://www.huntingsafaris.net/pdf/reloadingtherigby450rimless.pdf

How do you restamp (what is the best way) 416 Rigby brass to 450 Rigby? What are the tricks for holding the brass, etc.

MHC, I used to clamp the cases in a gun vise, and stamped them, then I had my freind the gunsmith make me a "chamber" from a cut off of a barrel, where I just rest the case in and stamp it with 2 seperate punches (a 5 and a 0). You soon get the feel, you do not have to hit hard at all, just a slight nodge. To alighn it, you use the 16 lettering, the punches actually "stick" in there. You will be able to do it within 3-5 tries, and if you concentrate on what you are doing, those nshould be your only "rejects" in a bunch of 100.