.450 Nitro with 500gr North Fork Bullets

[Qwali2023]

Dear Members,

Has anyone on here loaded for the .450 Nitro Express using 500gr monolithic bullets, such as those offered by North Fork? Is it still possible to obtain the magical 2150fps or more with this combination given the additional length? Or does it lack case capacity to do this at safe pressures? Perhaps the .500/.450 Nitro Express would be better in this regard? I know components for the latter are more difficult to source. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Regards

James

 

[Hunter-Habib]

You will encounter regulation issues in your double rifle. Best to stick to the tried & tested 480Gr bullet weight in your .450 Nitro Express.

 

[Qwali2023]

You will encounter regulation issues in your double rifle. Best to stick to the tried & tested 480Gr bullet weight in your .450 Nitro Express.

Yes but if you were to build a rifle around that custom load?

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Yes but if you were to build a rifle around that custom load?

Then, you would be fine.

I actually have load data from the late Jack Lott for using 500Gr bullets in the .450 Nitro Express (if you’re interested).

 

[Qwali2023]

You will encounter regulation issues in your double rifle. Best to stick to the tried & tested 480Gr bullet weight in your .450 Nitro

Then, you would be fine.

I actually have load data from the late Jack Lott for using 500Gr bullets in the .450 Nitro Express (if you’re interested).

Yes please, that would be fantastic to get that load data. Thank you.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Yes please, that would be fantastic to get that load data. Thank you.

Bottom load.

I just noticed something. It says here that you will get 2050 FPS with lead cored 500Gr bullets. So with monolithic bullets (which are longer for weight & this take up more case capacity), you're looking at an even slower velocity. Something to think about...

 

[Qwali2023]

Bottom load.

I just noticed something. It says here that you will get 2050 FPS with lead cored 500Gr bullets. So with monolithic bullets (which are longer for weight & this take up more case capacity), you're looking at an even slower velocity. Something to think about...
View attachment 648646

Thank you, yes case capacity might be an issue with the longer monolithic bullets and trying to get 2150 fps.

 

[1dirthawker]

just a thought,

i suspect that case capacity will not be an issue.(even with a longer bullet) the 450 nitro has lots of case, ghrame wrights book has load data as well.

 

[Qwali2023]

just a thought,

i suspect that case capacity will not be an issue.(even with a longer bullet) the 450 nitro has lots of case, ghrame wrights book has load data as well.

Yes that’s what I was thinking given the .458 Lott can do it in a much smaller case. I do have Graeme Wrights book but all load data is for the 480gr FMJ and Soft Nose. I have Cartridges of the World arriving soon hopefully there’s something in there on it. Thanks

 

[1dirthawker]

i suspect that if you use the 480 gr data, drop the powder charge a few grains (using the 500 gr bullet) and chrono the load, working up a grain or two at a time, the gun will likely go back to a regulation that it likes.

just don't shoot it too fast (2150 fps is the standard) and as it gets close to the correct velocity, the bullets will start coming together.

 

[zephyr]

Stick with the 480's ... I have shot 2 Tuskless with my 450NE using 480gr CEB Solids both head shots neither bullet recovered

 

[Mark R]

I use 480gr Woodleigh Hydros in my 450 NE. Doesn’t NF make a 480?

 

[Qwali2023]

i suspect that if you use the 480 gr data, drop the powder charge a few grains (using the 500 gr bullet) and chrono the load, working up a grain or two at a time, the gun will likely go back to a regulation that it likes.

just don't shoot it too fast (2150 fps is the standard) and as it gets close to the correct velocity, the bullets will start coming together.

Thanks, yes would probably work up a bit of a ladder load then regulate the barrels one desired velocity is achieved.

 

[Qwali2023]

I use 480gr Woodleigh Hydros in my 450 NE. Doesn’t NF make a 480?

Yes that might be the way to go. Have heard very good things about that bullet. NF do a 450gr not the 480gr. Just thought of the extra SD and Oomph of the 500gr.