The 450 Nitro Express (450-3 1/4" NE) was designed and introduced by John Rigby in 1898. It was the first large-caliber Nitro Express cartridge case designed for smokeless powder, its long 3.25-inch case intended to reduce pressure with volatile Cordite propellant, and its straight-taper rimmed case designed for reliable extraction in double rifles and single shots. The 450 NE uses a .458-inch 480-grain bullet at 2150 feet per second, yielding 4926 foot-pounds. In bullet weight, velocity, and energy this cartridge set the standard that remains in place today for the world's largest game. Resurrected by Hornady and also loaded by Kynoch, the 450 NE has the advantage of a trimmer case than cartridges based on the 500 NE and thus can be housed in the Ruger Number One. It is currently chambered in most modern double rifles and some single shots, and remains a fine choice for Africa's thick-skinned game.
