I found a rifle in 500/450 NE I really like but I question if this caliber would be a pain in the butt or ammo could be developed with correct head stamp to hunt Africa. I have not researched this much just thought I would open up the topic. I understand there are numerous 45 cartridges that will perform better but that’s not my desire. Your thoughts please.
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500/450 NE go or stay away
- Thread starter Pole Pole
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deewayne2003
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I know Bertram makes the brass, now getting your hands on some is a different story.
Not quite sure what you mean about other 45's performing better... If you're talking about Double Rifles ... All of the DR Cartridges between 450NE and the 475's pretty much perform the same 480-500gr bullet 2150 fps at 5000'lbs of energy. We ain't talking Bolt Guns
If I really liked the Rifle and I could make it fit me I would source Brass and Dies before I pulled the trigger... The other caveat is many of the 500-450's were regulated for Tropical Loads I believe the Tropical Loads read 70grs Cordite 480gr Max and the Regular load was 75gr Cordite 480 Max
If I really liked the Rifle and I could make it fit me I would source Brass and Dies before I pulled the trigger... The other caveat is many of the 500-450's were regulated for Tropical Loads I believe the Tropical Loads read 70grs Cordite 480gr Max and the Regular load was 75gr Cordite 480 Max
.500/450 NE is a cool classic with legit African dangerous game cred plenty of power for buffalo, elephant, etc. It’ll get the job done fine.
Ammo is a pain. Factory stuff is scarce pricey when available, and headstamps are mostly vintage. Most guys handload using Bertram brass or necked .500 cases.
If you love the rifle and are willing to reload, go for it. Otherwise, a .470 NE or .500 NE would be way less hassle for Africa trips. Still a fun gun though.
Ammo is a pain. Factory stuff is scarce pricey when available, and headstamps are mostly vintage. Most guys handload using Bertram brass or necked .500 cases.
If you love the rifle and are willing to reload, go for it. Otherwise, a .470 NE or .500 NE would be way less hassle for Africa trips. Still a fun gun though.
Thanks guys, as I suspected doable but would take some effort to put together. Twenty years ago this effort be enjoyable, now, I’m not so sure or maybe it’s just the project I need! I do see where Buffalo Bore has Bertram brass on their website. Would have to update my press. Dies could take time to round up.
Zephyr, the rifle is cased and contain a tin of tropical 70 grain loads so it appears you are correct in assuming that’s what it is regulated for. Also, you mentioned stock fit which is another issue as it is hard to tell from the pictures.
Num64, you are correct, there are other calibers and guns more useful at less expense and hassle. I’m just a nostalgic old guy.
But, if I a young man and guns were girls I would be on my knee with ring in hand! If curiosity strikes you check out the Stephen Grant underlever on GI.
Thanks again,
Zephyr, the rifle is cased and contain a tin of tropical 70 grain loads so it appears you are correct in assuming that’s what it is regulated for. Also, you mentioned stock fit which is another issue as it is hard to tell from the pictures.
Num64, you are correct, there are other calibers and guns more useful at less expense and hassle. I’m just a nostalgic old guy.
But, if I a young man and guns were girls I would be on my knee with ring in hand! If curiosity strikes you check out the Stephen Grant underlever on GI.
Thanks again,
Huvius
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What I meant was that these are both black powder express rifles I believe.
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