.400 H.& H. Belt.Mag Load Data

The .400 H. & H. Belted Magnum, introduced in the 1920s by the renowned British gunmaker Holland & Holland, stands as a testament to classic cartridge engineering. Hailing from an era when safari hunting and exploration demanded absolute stopping power, the .400 H. & H. Belted Magnum was designed to provide a level of performance suited for dangerous game in Africa and India. Drawing inspiration from the earlier .375 H&H Magnum, Holland & Holland sought to up the ante, creating a round that delivered greater sectional density and energy, all while maintaining the smooth feeding and extraction characteristics of a belted magnum case. Its introduction was met with approval, quickly earning a reputation as a reliable, hard-hitting round for big game hunters operating in some of the world's most challenging environments.

In terms of application, the .400 H. & H. Belted Magnum is firmly situated within the dangerous game cartridge category. Its primary claim to fame lies in its ability to deliver consistent knockdown power on thick-skinned and large-bodied game such as Cape buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros. Big-bore enthusiasts and seasoned reloaders also appreciate the .400's utility for other challenging quarry, including lion and leopard, where a penetrating, hard-hitting cartridge is a must. While not as universally popular as some of its contemporaries, the .400 H&H has seen a resurgence in interest, particularly among custom gunmakers and reloaders seeking classic British safari performance with reliable modern components.

The target species associated with the .400 H. & H. Belted Magnum are primarily the so-called "Big Five" of Africa—elephant, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, lion, and leopard. Its ability to penetrate thick bone and muscle makes it an excellent choice for backup or primary roles in professional hunting scenarios. Many professional hunters and game wardens have relied on this cartridge as both an initial and follow-up shot solution, knowing the .400 H&H delivers the velocity, energy, and bullet weight needed to anchor dangerous animals at close range with authority. Its classic status also appeals to hunters who desire the nostalgia and proven performance of early 20th-century British designs.

Regarding bullet weights and caliber characteristics, the .400 H. & H. Belted Magnum typically utilizes bullets weighing between 400 and 410 grains, though some handloaders have experimented with bullets as heavy as 450 grains for specialized applications. The cartridge generally achieves muzzle velocities in the range of 2,150 to 2,250 feet per second, delivering impressive energy that exceeds 4,000 foot-pounds. Its case design, incorporating a belted rim and relatively straight taper, enables smooth feeding and reliable extraction, even under adverse field conditions. Modern projectiles, including solid and soft-point designs, allow reloaders to tailor loads for specific game and hunting environments, further extending the versatility and legacy of this storied cartridge. Enthusiasts respect the .400 H&H for its manageable recoil compared to larger calibers, reliable terminal ballistics, and the unique historical cachet it brings to any rifle collection or hunt.