A Potent Oldie: .450-400 NE 3"

by
posted on October 8, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ammo2015_fs.jpg

Using the recipe below, the .450-400 NE 3" is capable of taking all game animals with the exception of elephant; a homogeneous or full-metal-jacket projectile is preferable for that application. Additionally, the load virtually duplicates the velocities of the original cordite rounds, so point-of-impact shifts shouldn’t be a concern.

Loads_Hornady_DGX

Bullet: Hornady 400-gr. DGX
Propellant/Charge: Vihtavuori N165/86.5 grs.
Primer: Fed. 215
Case: Hornady
Case Trim-To Length: 2.980"
Cartridge Overall Length: 3.685"
Velocity @ 15’ (f.p.s.): 2108
Energy (ft.-lbs.): 3,947
Accuracy: 1.44"  
Uses: all game animals (except elephant)

Notes: Test rifle: 24"-barreled Ruger No. 1 topped with a 1.25-8X 32 mm Bushnell Elite 6500 riflescope; *for use in modern rifles with a 0.410" groove diameter; **firm roll crimp required; ***average of five consecutive, five-shot groups at 50 yds.

Latest

Ed Friedman The Armed Citizen F
Ed Friedman The Armed Citizen F

American Rifleman’s Editor Explains How This Historic Title is Staying Relevant

As the new editor in chief of American Rifleman—and former editor in chief of Shooting Illustrated—Ed Friedman has the critical and challenging task of bringing this storied title into the digital age.

Colt Gets $40 Million Contract for M4/M4A1 Carbines

Colt’s Manufacturing has been awarded a $40,863,564 firm-fixed-price contract with U.S. Army Contracting Command to produce M4/M4A1 carbines for sale to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Macedonia and Tunisia.

The Stenzel Industries SAK-21: A Uniquely American AK

More than an American-made AK, Stenzel Industries calls the SAK-21 “a modular, purpose-built firearm, developed to meet the demands of special operations forces and professional shooters.”

Review: Browning Citori 825 Field

For hunting and sporting use, Browning’s latest Citori 825 Field shotgun is more than up to the task.

The Armed Citizen® April 27, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Growth in Youth Shooting Sports Signals Bright Future for the 2nd Amendment

Judging by the record number joining clubs and teams, mass-media’s disinformation and political rhetoric are losing their luster with today’s youth, who are making time to head to the range.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.