.450 Rigby Load Data

The .450 Rigby is a powerful rifle cartridge developed in the early 1990s by John Rigby & Co., a renowned British firearms manufacturer with a rich heritage in designing big game rifles. The .450 Rigby was introduced as a modern, rimless alternative to classic big-bore cartridges like the .458 Winchester Magnum and the .416 Rigby. Its development was spurred by the need for a high-energy, accurate round that could perform reliably under the harshest conditions encountered during African safari hunting. The cartridge was specifically designed for use in magazine-fed bolt-action rifles, providing hunters with increased firepower and quicker follow-up shots compared to traditional double rifles.

Applications for the .450 Rigby focus primarily on dangerous game hunting, particularly in Africa. Its substantial stopping power and deep penetration capabilities make it highly valued among professional hunters and seasoned aficionados who pursue hard-skinned and dangerous species, such as elephant, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and lion. The .450 Rigby’s excellent terminal ballistics also make it a top choice for situations where hunter safety and a humane, effective kill are of utmost importance. While the cartridge is less common in North America, it is sometimes chosen by hunters targeting large, dangerous bears in Alaska or Canada, thanks to its proven reputation for sheer stopping capability.

Target species for the .450 Rigby predominantly include Africa’s “Big Five”: elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard. The sheer kinetic energy and heavy projectile weight ensure that even the largest and most resilient game can be brought down cleanly and efficiently. The .450 Rigby has rapidly gained favor in professional hunting circles, as its ballistics provide confidence in critical, close-range encounters with animals known for their thick hides and aggressive behavior. For reloaders who travel abroad for guided hunts, this caliber stands as one of the best insurance policies against dangerous game.

Bullet weights for the .450 Rigby typically range from 480 to 550 grains, with 500 grain solids and soft points being the most common projectiles loaded by both factory and handloaders. These heavyweight bullets are ideal for deep penetration and controlled expansion, crucial for ethical hunting of large, tough-skinned game. The cartridge case itself measures a robust 2.90 inches in length, with a relatively straight, unbelted profile, which contributes to reliable feeding in bolt-action rifles. The .450 Rigby generates impressive muzzle velocities around 2,400 feet per second (fps) with a 500 grain bullet, delivering over 6,400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This combination of size, velocity, and energy makes it a favorite among reloaders who demand uncompromising ballistic performance and reliability, especially in the demanding conditions of African safari hunting.