.400/350 Rigby N.E. Load Data

The .400/350 Rigby Nitro Express is a classic British rifle cartridge with a storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. Introduced by the legendary firearms manufacturer John Rigby & Co. around 1908, the .400/350 Rigby NE was initially designed for use in Rigby’s Mauser-based bolt-action rifles at a time when the demand for powerful, reliable sporting cartridges was on the rise. The cartridge was also known as the .350 Rigby Magnum in some circles, although the .400/350 designation is more historically accurate. The round was created as a response to the British sporting community’s desire for a mid-bore, high-velocity cartridge suitable for use in far-flung parts of the British Empire, particularly in Africa and India. It gained popularity for its robust performance in the field and its ability to handle a wide range of dangerous and plains game animals.

In terms of application, the .400/350 Rigby NE is best known as a classic African and Indian sporting cartridge, often chosen by professional hunters and adventurers during the golden age of safari hunting. Its balanced blend of velocity and manageable recoil made it an attractive choice for hunters who needed reliable stopping power without excessive recoil, which was an important consideration in repeated shooting scenarios. The round’s original intention was to fill the gap between lighter medium-bore cartridges like the .303 British and heavier express cartridges such as the .375 H&H Magnum. Its versatility and performance in the field allowed it to see extensive use in both single-shot and magazine rifles, cementing its reputation among serious hunters and collectors alike.

The target species for the .400/350 Rigby NE traditionally include a variety of African plains game and medium-sized dangerous game, such as antelope, wild boar, and even the occasional leopard or lion. In India, the cartridge gained fame as a tiger and buffalo round, thanks to its ability to deliver decisive terminal performance on these formidable animals. While modern hunters may prefer newer calibers, the .400/350 Rigby NE still commands respect among enthusiasts who appreciate classic ammunition and historical hunting rifles. Its moderate recoil and reliable ballistics made it one of the preferred choices for taking game at moderate ranges under challenging conditions.

When it comes to bullet weights and caliber characteristics, the .400/350 Rigby Nitro Express typically fires bullets in the 225 to 310 grain range, with most traditional factory loads settling around 225 or 250 grains. These bullets are usually of a solid or soft-nosed design, tailored for deep penetration and controlled expansion—this is especially desirable for dealing with thick-skinned or heavy-boned animals. Muzzle velocities typically range from 2400 to 2600 feet per second, giving the cartridge a flat enough trajectory for most practical hunting applications within 250 yards. The .400/350 Rigby NE features a rimmed, bottlenecked case design that aids in reliable feeding and extraction in bolt-action and single-shot rifles. For ammunition reloaders, sourcing quality brass and correctly dimensioned bullets is crucial, as the cartridge's dimensions are less common than more modern offerings. However, the reward is a highly capable and historically significant round that combines manageable recoil with effective terminal ballistics—making the .400/350 Rigby NE a fascinating choice for those who value tradition and proven field performance.