ok now that the no.1 in 9.3x74r is on its way i'm still jonesing for a 450/400. i guess there's just no pleasing me. i do have an 1885 hi wall (one of the new ones) in 405 winchester. its fun and i've played with loads on the higher end alot but i'm kinda wondering if it would be possible to rechamber to 450/400. what kind of work is involved? cheaper in the long run to just order another ruger? thanks for the help (again).

It cost me $400 for a rechamber from a 458WM to 450 NE. It's probably cheaper to sell the 405 and get a 450/400NE.

the 405 is .411.. the 450/400 can be a wider specturm of bullets.. but .411 wouldn't be too aweful a choice

check robgunbuilder for his tc encore exp with the 405

The .405 Win. In a single shot is nothing to sneeze at. Besides between the three calibers your talking about, I doubt there's anything one can do that the other two couldn't.

Good Luck
Kidd

To do that on an 1885 seems like a fun idea, wish that had occurred to me. I like them better than #1's. Wonder if the top of the block for the 405 has clearance for the bigger rim? Anf if maybe the barrel has enough meat for the rim dia.?
I used a some 405 tools for cast bullets for mine, Lyman 405 M-die works fine for the 450-400.
The expander for the 405 is nice for the 405 factory bullets. The Hornady hand primer tool is the only one I know of that you can use on the 450-400 case, and, the one I got was a piece of junk, so, I would not recommend it to anyone.
That could be an interesting idea.

Steve Mecham makes a great hand priming tool that takes regular shell holders and it also knocks out the old primer. I use it for all my big guns.

The Pope style is nice to use, no doubt about it. I have one for my 32-40. Considered getting one for the 450-400, and then cheaped out. I was referring more towards the Lee or RCBS handprimers, shell holder for Lee would likely be to big for the unit and does not appear to be offered, RCBS isn't big enough either, although, a different plate may solve that issue for it. I may be possible to modify existing also.
I ended up using the press, which I do not like doing very much at all.