.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.

 

[MacJenkins]

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

I think you can make it work. I have a newer 450NE I'm taking this summer for buffalo. WIll be using the 420 Raptor and 450 Solid from CEB. Have also worked up a load for the 500 Solid, which I don't think is needed for Buff. They don't list a 480 Solid anymore in their lineup but I'm sure you can order them. I have had them make custom runs for me in the past, moving bands around etc. I think they require 250 or a 500 minimum if I rmember correctly. This has been several years so not sure if that's still the case.

Anyway the 420's regulate in my double at about 2230, 450 at 2170, and the 500 was right around 2100. All loads under 2" at 50 with 4 shots.

Best of luck!

 

[zephyr]

Cutting Edge Bullets makes a 480 Solid and a 450 Raptor yu have to look under caliber and .457 I have been shooting this combo in my 1902 Gibbs 450NE at 2150 with much success so not think their is a need to go to a 500gr bullet in the 450

 

[MacJenkins]

Cutting Edge Bullets makes a 480 Solid and a 450 Raptor yu have to look under caliber and .457 I have been shooting this combo in my 1902 Gibbs 450NE at 2150 with much success so not think their is a need to go to a 500gr bullet in the 450

That’s good to know. Why would you want to shoot at .457 bullet?

 

[zephyr]

Between the Bore Riding concept and .001 diameter less the bullet is easier on older barrels