doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Loading data for the .450/.400 2 3/8"

I have a Westley Richards double in this caliber as well as an Alex Henry SS. The Westley is too "new" for me to have shot it much, but I have had the Henry for many years. Back when it was difficult to get brass, I made suitable cartriges using .348 Win. brass. You have to thin the rims a bit, and the resulting cases are a bit short in the neck, but work just fine. My bores measure .410, and .41 cal pistol bullets work well. I am away from my loading notes, so cannot give you my nitro for black charge.

What is the serial # of your Woodward?

All the best, Mal

MMG - the Woodward is #3717; it must be a early use of this cartridge. Looking forward to any loading data you can share. I was going to use .348's, but now think the new Hornady 450-400 3" should be a good bet. I'll do chamber casts soon.

Does anyone know if the new Hornady brass (450-400 3") has the thick rim or the thin (0.040")?

Does paper patch work with a slightly rough bore? Does unpatched bare lead work better?

Rocketman, the 450/400 3" is the Jeffery case which has the thick rim. The 3 1/4 has the .040 rim. What rifling type does your rifle have? If it is Henry type, you will probably do best with jacketed bullets if the bores are rough. If you try lead only, be sure they have plenty of lube, and are fairly hard. I have not had good luck with PP and rough bores with Henry rifling.
All the best, Mal