Hello! I've a Ruger #1 on the way in 450/400 NE 3".

I've ordered some Barnes 300 grain triple shock bullets, in .411 diameter, and some Hornady 400 gr .410 soft points for 'normal use'.

The Barnes bullets are made for the 405 Winchester but will work in the 450/400. I called Barnes and they're not concerned about the extra thousandth. Orginal 450/400's of course varied much more than that in bore diameter.

I'm going to be using IMR 4350 powder for the larger bullets, and will get to know this wonderful cartridge. But eventually, I'd like to shoot lighter bullets for deer and practise.

Load data is almost non-existant. I've a box of Cast Bullet Performance 265 gr GC and numerous 220 and 210 gr weighted jacketed .41 cal bullets around.

Wouldn't it be possible to load the cartridge for these smaller weight bullets?
I want to assure anyone reading this that I've been reloading for many years now, and am going to take this very cautiously and very slow. That is why I've written this post- to ask for help. I've loaded for the 45/70, 338, and 375 H&H, but this large cartridge is in a class by itself and I'm giving it the respect it deserves by being careful.


There are many new powders on the market today that I'm not familiar with.
If anyone can offer any information, or help I'd sure appreciate it.

I haven't looked forward to a new rifle with this much expectation and interest for many many years.
I found this forum while trying to locate data on the cartridge. It looks to be a great forum.
Thank You,

munk

In my double 450/400 3 inch, I use the same pwoder charge that I use for my 400 grain bullets with 300 grain Hawk bullets for pigs. In my rifle the Hawks shoots to the same POI.

Nice thing about your Ruger is you don't have to worry about regulation. YOu should be able to work up some nice practice/light game loads.

Yes, I'm going to start with 400 gr data for the 300 gr bullets.

4350 won't be the best for reduced loads when I take the bullet weight below 300 grs.

Can AA 5744 be uses safely?

munk

munk,
I've been using Hornady 210 gr 41 pistol bullets and 48 gr 5744 in my Searcy 450/400 since I got it in 2006.....works great on deer and pigs. That load doesnt shoot as tight as the 400 gr regulation load but good enough for the hunting that I do. I got the load data by emailing Accurate Powders. I can send you what they sent me if you'll give me your email addresss.

Thank you very much. Trying to find the starting point was tricky. I noticed 5744 had a small range of weight charges in any application.

munk@ttc-cmc.net

The bad news for the Number One is that it isn't a double rifle. The good news is the action is stronger. The pressure established for the 450/400 NE 3" is for double rifles. That gives me a real safety margin. It also means I could develope a higher velocity, though my days of hotroding, if I ever really had them, are over.

I suspect a 400 gr bullet at 2150 fps is enough for me.

It's been my experience that cartridges do better ballistically and hurt less on the recieving end for the shooter with heavy for calibre bullet selections. A fast thirty may not develope the recoil energy of a big bore, but the way it recoils more than compensates. I'd rather be shoved by a big bore then smacked by a smaller bullet's recoil energy moving much faster.

I don't want a .41 210 gr bullet at 2900 fps. They won't hold very well and either would I. I thought it sure would be great though, to have 2400fps to 1800 fps.

munk

Welcome to the Board.

Just a caution here. With the big 450/400 brass, you need to keep your loading density high, or use a filler such as dacron if you use a faster powder than IMR4350. Issue as I understand it is low loading density without a filler to keep the powder against the primer risks flashover and detonation rather than burn

Regards

Yes, I've heard that. If the density percentage is not great enough I won't do it without fillers. Loading data for 45/120 and 45/110 and AA5744 does not include a filler on the AA website. They suggest having a strong crimp. I mention this as these are also large cases. The 450/400 case 3" is midway between the H&H series and the Rigby case. It compares favorably to the older cases. As you know. It is not straight walled, but has a shoulder that is very sloping and gentle. I don't really want to run a filler if I don't have to.
Before I do anything I'll compare notes with my gunsmith and fellow reloader.


munk

munk,
email is on the way. With 5744 a filler is not needed, nor is it recommended by the mfg.

I've worked up accurate loads in 300 gr cast and Hornady Jacketed using 5744. Call Accurate for starting loads. No filler necessary or recommended. It's used all the time in high volume BP cases. Bob