450-400 dies

[Russ16]

Looks like I’m getting a 450-400 through the classifieds here.

Now I need to get set up to load for it.

Prior to this my largest cartridge has been 375 H&H.

What are the best dies for 450-400? Any other special equipment or tips for loading these larger cartridges?

 

[glblanchard]

Hi Russ, If you are an experienced reloader, load just like any other cartridge. The only problem you may experience is the throat on some presses is a little tight for longer cartridges. You can usually insert the bullet up into the die, then bring the case up to the bullet and continue the upward movement of the ram. Works like a charm. Presses with a large throat,, no problem.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

You should be able to find Hornady and RCBS dies easily. And can order CH Tool if they don’t have them in stock. I personally prefer the RCBS but many folks swear by the Hornady dies as well.

 

[Charlie64]

Is it a .450/400 3 1/4 imch that you are looking at ?

I have one and have been looking for dies for some time .....

.

 

[Russ16]

No it is 3 inch.

Thanks for the replies. I’ll grab the RCBS dies. I just wanted to check if there was something unique about these larger cartridges.

 

[Boela]

I reload a bit for a 3", 450-400NE, using Hornady dies. When I started off, I really battled to seat my bullets. I kept on getting a crushed neck for every 3 or 4 successful bullets seated - even after very experienced reloaders tried and made adjustments at my reloading bench.

I took the dies completely apart (they were bought new), went them over and did a deep clean on them. Reassembled the dies and annealed all my brass before starting the process all over again. It worked like a charm, and I now have zero problems reload them. It is just the same as any other cartridge.

 

[Russ16]

I reload a bit for a 3", 450-400NE, using Hornady dies. When I started off, I really battled to seat my bullets. I kept on getting a crushed neck for every 3 or 4 successful bullets seated - even after very experienced reloaders tried and made adjustments at my reloading bench.

I took the dies completely apart (they were bought new), went them over and did a deep clean on them. Reassembled the dies and annealed all my brass before starting the process all over again. It worked like a charm, and I now have zero problems reload them. It is just the same as any other cartridge.

Thanks.

Any other tips? Favorite powders etc.

 

[uplander01]

I think the biggest difference between the die brands are the sizing buttons, I like Hornady the best, they seem smoother to me.