Hi everyone,

Im considering buying a Ruger No1 and overhauling it into a semi-custom. It'll either be a 9.3x74R or 450/400.

Has anyone played with the .41 bullets intended for revolvers in the 450/400. I understand that the 210gr XTP bullet makes a good plinking round. Has anyone hunted with this bullet?

Any thoughts on the two calibres 9.3 or 450/400?

Thanks!

Matabele - I own both calibers, and I really like both. My 9.3x74R is the Searcy Stalking rifle we have discussed previously, and I own double rifles and a Ruger #1 in 450/400 3". I have not tried any handgun bullets for my 450/400. The Ruger and the doubles all shoot Hornady factory ammo very well, and my best handload is a 400 gr Woodleigh soft point over 76.4 Gr of IMR 4831. These loads clover leaf 3 shots at 100 yards with the Ruger #1 and shoot better than I can in the doubles. For pure paper punching I substitute Hornady 400 gr DGX bullets for the Woodleighs, and they shoot to the same point of impact. I would not use the DGX on dangerous game however.
In the 9.3x74R, I normally shoot a 250gr Barnes X triple shock. I hope this helps a little.
Mangwana

Thanks for the info sub, that has helped! How do you find the difference in recoil between the 400gr 450/400 and the 286gr 9.3...is there a noticeable difference?

Really not much difference. The 450/400 is a little heavier, but still pretty mild for the size of the bullet / cartridge.
Mangwana

Matabele, I acquired a No.1 in this caliber last year and have had a great time shooting and hunting with it with 210 gr./.410 pistol bullets, 300 gr./ .411 (.405 win.) Hornadys and 400gr. Woodleighs. I'm finding it my most fun gun to shoot and it now accompanies me at each range session along with my Safari press Buff targets. I have posted both a range report and a field report of my experiences which you should be able to find by using the search function (Search ".450/.400 - 3" N.E.Range Report" and ".450/.400 - 3" N.E.Field Report". I have included the link below for the range report.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...631066931#8631066931

Thanks guys, Im liking the sounds of the 450/400 more and more.

Harvey great info thanks for posting, I found those two threads you were talking about. I found your field report intersting, and have also heard other hunters mention they thought the Woodleighs are a little too well constructed, esepcially when heavy bone is not hit.

Have you played with Hawk bullets?...I havn't but they seem like they would be worth a try for non-dangerous game when wanting a bullet that expands more readily.

I have a #1 in 450-400; I shoot a lot of Hornady pointed .405 bullets in it, 300 grain. I load them to 2200 fps, a light load, and they are the same power as the 405 Win, and very light recoil. I also shoot 400 grain lead bullets I cast for my 40-65. Accurate and no recoil. Get the 450-400; more versatile than the 9.3.

Thanks for the info dpcd, Im leaning more and more towards the 450/400.

Have you hunted with the 300 grainers at all? Im concerned the low sectional density in those lighter bullets might affect penetration...but maybe the bullet weight makes up for it??

Hi,
I've posted this before, but I've killed deer and pigs with the 210 grainers and deer only with the 300 gr hornady round nose and the woodliegh 400 sp bullets. Pass throughs on most of them with all bullet weights.

I have killed hogs with the 300 grainers; they are rather fragile, not for dangerous game at all. Or moose; don't depend on deep penetration but for stuff less than 18 inches thick thick, they kill quickly. A friend shot a bear with one and his exit wound was palm sized. For deer, as stated, all work well.