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This is the ammunition you reach for when you're serious about hunting dangerous game at distance or in thick brush. The 450-400 Nitro Express is a classic caliber that balances power with shot placement requirements, and Hornady's Dangerous Game Series gives you the consistency and performance you need when the stakes are highest.
The .450-400 has been trusted by professional hunters for over a century because it delivers real penetration without excessive recoil. At 2050 fps with 400-grain Dangerous Game Solids, you're generating 3732 ft-lbs of muzzle energy that continues through thick hide, bone, and vital organs. The round is compact enough to regulate reliably in most double rifles while delivering the terminal performance required for large, thick-skinned game from cape buffalo to elephant.
Hornady's DGS bullets use a hard lead and antimony alloy cone surrounded by a copper-clad steel jacket. The flat meplat (nose) is wider than traditional round-nose designs, creating straighter penetration and more energy transfer on impact. This solid construction maintains structural integrity without expansion, making DGS loads your go-to choice for penetration-dependent hunting where bullet deflection isn't an option. The flat nose also resists deformation during the recoil of a double rifle, which is why experienced big game hunters prefer solids for follow-up shots.
These loads are manufactured to match the precision you'd expect from hand-loaded ammunition. Quality brass cases, carefully matched powders, and strict tolerance control ensure consistent pressures and velocities from shot to shot. Whether you're working with a Ruger No. 1 single shot or a classic double rifle, you get the reliability that comes from ammunition engineered specifically for dangerous game hunting.
Yes, Hornady specifically designed their Dangerous Game Series loads to regulate properly in both classic double rifles and single-shot rifles like the Ruger No. 1. The ammunition is factory-loaded to the appropriate pressures and velocities for both rifle types. If you're using a vintage or custom double, always verify it's properly regulated before hunting.
The DGS (Dangerous Game Solid) is a non-expanding bullet designed for maximum penetration on thick-skinned game like elephant, rhino, and hippo. The DGX (Dangerous Game eXpanding) expands on impact for controlled energy release on medium to large game. The DGS is your best choice when you need a follow-up shot that will drive straight through regardless of angle.
The 450-400 Nitro Express with 400-grain DGS bullets is purpose-built for African dangerous game hunting, particularly cape buffalo and other large, thick-skinned animals. The deep penetration and energy retention at distance make it an effective choice for hunters pursuing these animals. Always verify your rifle is in good condition and properly sighted before any hunt.
The flat meplat (nose) provides straighter penetration than traditional round-nose bullets, resisting deflection when striking bone or heavy muscle. It also resists deformation during recoil in double rifles, which is critical for reliable follow-up shots. The wider nose increases energy transfer on impact, making it more effective on dangerous game.
| Caliber/Gauge | 450-400 Nitro Express |
|---|---|
| Case Material | Brass |
| Cost per Round | 8.75 |
| Grains | 400 gr |
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 8242 |
| Units per Box | 20 |
| UPC | 090255382426 |
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