Jeffery introduced the .450-400 Nitro Express 3 Inch, also known as the .400 Jeffery, in 1902 as an all-around cartridge for the Dark Continent. It was once one of the most popular rounds for Africa, that is, until the 1912 emergence of the .375 H&H Magnum, which proved more versatile and remains the top choice today. Unlike the older
3 1/4-inch version, which had extraction problems and used blackpowder, the .450-400 N.E. 3 Inch utilized smokeless Cordite to propel its 400-grain bullet to 2,100 fps, for 3,920 ft.-lbs. of energy—plenty for even the largest African species. The .450-400 N.E.
3 Inch was used primarily for dangerous game; therefore, it was most often encountered in expensive double rifles, though it could be occasionally found in pricier single-shots as well.
Earlier this year Hornady, in conjunction with Ruger, announced manufacturing would begin for .450-400 N.E. 3 Inch ammunition in two, 400-grain bullet types—round nose and full metal jacket—and that No. 1s would be built for the chambering. Each load is claimed to have a muzzle velocity of 2,050 fps, producing 3,732 ft.-lbs. of energy. The loads use premium-grade brass and .410-inch-diameter bullets, the median between the bore diameters encountered in rifles in this chambering, and are designed to replicate the original ballistics and regulate in double rifles. Hornady claims propellant technology used in the .450-400 N.E. 3 Inch ammunition prevents inconsistent performance in temperature extremes.
To evaluate the 400-grain round-nose load’s performance, the only offering available during the test phase, I topped a 24-inch-barreled Ruger No. 1 with a Leupold VXIII 1.5-5x20 mm riflescope and headed to the range. For practicality reasons, I moved the targets to 75 yards—authentic dangerous-game range. Even with a flier that significantly increased each individual group size, the average for four, five-shot groups was 2.81 inches. Disregarding the spoiler, each group came in under 2 inches. Considering the low magnification of the scope, combined with the bullet weight, profile and purpose for which this cartridge was designed, I was satisfied with the results.
Velocity, as measured by a Shooting Chrony Alpha Master chronograph for 10 consecutive shots, averaged 2,028 fps at 10 feet, giving it 3,653 ft.-lbs. of energy. The fastest of that 10-shot group attained 2,055 fps, while 2,007 fps was the slowest.
In reality, the .450-400 N.E. 3 Inch cartridge is neither for the timid nor the faint of heart. Although the 8-pound, 13.6-ounce weight of the scoped Ruger No. 1 certainly helps mitigate some of the recoil, it becomes somewhat tolerable only after conditioning (i.e. practice). What the cartridge is designed to do is stop the largest, most dangerous game extant, and to do so consistently requires a large, heavy bullet delivered at modest to high velocity, which in turn produces a hearty dose of recoil. Be prepared to practice, and to practice often!
As might be expected, Hornady’s .450-400 N.E. 3 Inch ammunition is not inexpensive, running $101.87 for a box of 20 cartridges, regardless of bullet type. At this price, it’s not likely to fly off the shelves in short order, but anyone who is looking to satiate nostalgia or experiment with a classic British cartridge will find it here.
—Aaron Carter