Craig Boddington was the senior contributing editor of our modern gun and ammunition caliber dictionary. Craig was involved in the development and testing of many of these and writes from first hand experience. This dictionary was written exclusively for Wholesale Hunter with unique information found nowhere else.
GUN CALIBER DICTIONARY
Rifle
450/400 Nitro Express 3"
There are two versions of the 450/400 Nitro Express: 450-400 3 1/4", based on a blackpowder case; and 450-400-3" (400 Jeffery), designed for smokeless powder and introduced by W.J. Jeffery in 1902. Although performance is very similar they are not interchangeable, as the 450-400-3" has a thicker rim. The 450-400 3 1/4" is slightly more powerful, but the 450-400-3" is more common today and offers better load density with modern propellents. Collectively they were extremely popular a century ago, probably the most popular cartridge among tiger hunters and considered adequate for the world's largest game. On Craig Boddington's recommendation Hornady added the 450-400-3" to their dangerous game line; it has been popular in the Ruger Number One single shot and is currently chambered by most modern double rifle makers. With a 400-grain bullet at 2100 fps it develops much less recoil than big-bore cartridges, yet is perfect for buffalo and adequate for elephant. Kynoch loads both versions. — Craig Boddington