I got my 450 400 NE up and running last weekend. Thanks Rusty for the use of the brass. Velocity with 400 gr. Woodleigh soft point was ~ 2300 fps. What is the classic load for buffalo. What do you think the best distance is for zero. Thanks in advance.

If you are using Woodleigh softs as you say,I would not drive them any faster than 2200 & no slower than 1800,the classic velocity for most NE rounds is 2150,although the 450-400 is slower,my DR with 26" tubes barely gives me 2090 with Hornady ammo,if you plan on hunting Buffalo,I would zero the gun @ 50 yrds & check how it shoots at 100yrds as well.

Thanks very much Bill, will give it a shot.

Yeah, the classic velocity is for double rifles, but I think you are using a Ruger, in which you can run the pressures way up and get a lot more velocity, if your bullet can take it. No PH will let you shoot a buff much over 50 yards.

Impala what is your load if you don't mind me asking?
Just curious I'm shooting a 400 Whelen, ballistic twin to your 450/400.
And what diameter Woodleighs?

quote:

What do you think the best distance is for zero. Thanks in advance

a Hair high at 50

Sure Snellstrom, I am using Hornady cases, CCI 250 primers, 83.5 gr. IMR 7828 SSC. As stated ~ 2300 fps. Recoil did not seem to bad off the bench.
The #1 has a Leupold 1.5 x 5 x 20 scoope on it.

Sorry, I did not go to the shop to look, but I think the Woodleighs are .410

Well I did go to the shop for a look. Correction, 88.5 gr IMR 7828 SSC. The Woodlleighs are .410 400 gr Weldcores.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Yeah, the classic velocity is for double rifles, but I think you are using a Ruger, in which you can run the pressures way up and get a lot more velocity, if your bullet can take it. No PH will let you shoot a buff much over 50 yards.

That is correct,but he is shooting Woodleigh bullets,& that was his question!Ruger or a DR,too much recoil & your second shot is a waste anyways.

I've zeroed my 400 Whelen at 1" high at 100 yards.
Seems like a good compromise to me and for my uses.

Impala,

2300 is stepping a bit for woodleighs... Good combo 400gr/2300 but nothing wrong with the classic 2150.
Get some CEBs to try from what I've read and heard they are devastating bullets! Keen try some myself.
Enjoy the rifle!
Leon

I'm using 69 1/2 of RL 15 and CCI 250's with wadding. Haven't chronographed yet. Just really accurate.

Thanks for all the replies. The CEB's are on my list to try.

2300 is very likely to make the gun go off the face in time, usually a short time..A 450-400 should regulate at 2125 to as much as 2150 max. Unless your shooting a Ruger no. 1, then 2300 is probably do-able, but I see no reason for it, a 400 gr. bullet at anything over 2000 is plenty for the biggest, meanest buff in Africa.

Thanks Ray, it is a Ruger #1. I think 2150 to 2200 ought to be plenty for anything. Less recoil too.