I am considering a double rifle.It will most likely be my only double rifle so I want to choose correctly. Can anyone help me with the ballistics on the 9.3 x 74R and the 450-400 3"? I am not only interested in the energy of each at 50-100-200 but also the ballistic drop if scoped and zeroed for 100 or 150 yards. Any info would be a big help. Also what makers are making the 450-400 now?

I have both [my 450/400 is a 3 1/4", but same ballistics as the 3"].

Both of them are scoped with QD mounts.

I have hunted a lot in NA with both of them. I have taken the 9,3 to Canada, and the 400 to Alaska.

Both have killed deer, pigs, black bear, African Plains game, cape buff, and elephant.

The 400 had taken lion as well.

IF you are only going to have ONE double, either one is an excellent choice.

Here is how to chose between the two.

If I knew I would be going to Africa two or more times for cape buff, and elephant, I would get the 400.

If I would be using the double mostly in the USA, with maybe one trip to Africa for cape buff and plains game, I would get the 9,3.

If I was not recoil sensitive, and liked using a big bore for deer, wild pig, black bear over bait, and elk in the thick, I would get the 400.

If I was recoil sensitive, I would get the 9,3.

I have a Chapuis 9,3 and I am perfectly happy with it.

My 400 is British, but if I was buying a new made 400 it would be a Heym.


THE BEST PLAN, BAR NONE, IS TO GET TWO DOUBLES, A 9,3X74R, AND A 450/400 3". Both scoped with QD mounts.

On all my Zimbabwe trips I have taken the 9,3 double and a big bore double.

I always took my 450 No2, but on my last trip my wife took the 400, and I used it so I could say I have taken cape buff and elehants with all 3 of my doubles.

Hope this helps.

Not to disagree with N E 450 No2, however I think my Chapuis 9.3X74R has a much sharper recoil than my 450/400 3 inch. Of course the Chapuis weighs less than my Hollis.

If you will go to www.hornady.com , then click on the ammunition site, then rifle and select the two cartridges. A pop up featuring the selected caliber will appear upon which there will then be a "ballistics" key. It will give you your comparisons and trajectories (albeit, sighted in at 100 yards, but with trajectories at 200).

Like Tony and Mac, I have (had) both calibers and have hunted Africa with them. For whatever reason, I sold my .450/.400 and ordered a .450 N.E. I just figured if I was going to be toting around a rifle that weighed close to eleven pounds (w/o scope) that I'd just as soon have more whump.

My Merkel 141(e) weighs less than my .270 (6.7#'s), btw, even with scope and rings.

Cost... the 9.3's usually cost 60 to 70% less than the larger calibers.

Legality... Some countries require bigger calibers than the 9.3, but usually don't enforce those laws.

Effect on Game... bigger is better IMHO

Multiple use... No doubt in my simple mind, my Merkel is much more "usable" for whitetails and deer in the states and for plains game in Africa... and, the .450/.400 is better for DG.