.450 Short Load Data

The .450 Short caliber is an intriguing cartridge steeped in history and once enjoyed significant popularity, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Developed in Great Britain, the .450 Short is closely tied to the evolution of self-defense and military sidearms during the Victorian era. Initially created to meet the demand for a compact, easily carried revolver cartridge, the .450 Short found favor among British officers and colonial personnel. It was designed to work in top-break revolvers, which were appreciated for their quick unloading and reloading capabilities thanks to their extraction mechanism. The cartridge’s relatively low power compared to later developments reflected both the manufacturing limitations and ballistic theories of its time. Over the years, the .450 Short was eventually supplanted by newer rounds, such as the .455 Webley, but it remains a fascinating chapter in the story of revolver ammunition.

When considering modern applications, the .450 Short is primarily a cartridge of interest to vintage firearms collectors, historical reenactors, and specialized target shooters. While it is no longer a mainstream choice for self-defense or personal protection, enthusiasts enjoy the challenge of handloading this caliber to create authentic shooting experiences reminiscent of the late 1800s. Reloaders pay close attention to period-correct components and velocities, often utilizing black powder or carefully calculated smokeless powder charges to replicate original ballistics. The cartridge’s manageable recoil and modest report make it a pleasant round for recreational shooting, especially in historically significant revolvers that have been properly maintained or restored.

In terms of target species, the .450 Short was never designed as a big game hunting cartridge. Its most significant use was as a self-defense and military sidearm round, intended for close-range encounters. Today, if pressed into use, it would be suitable only for small game and varmints at close distances, but sportsmen would generally choose more modern and powerful rounds for any hunting purpose. The relatively low velocity and energy of the .450 Short make it ill-suited for ethical hunting beyond plinking or perhaps dispatching snakes or pests. As such, the cartridge’s value lies much more in historical or recreational shooting than in field applications.

Typical bullet weights for the .450 Short range from about 225 to 230 grains, often utilizing lead round-nose (LRN) or conical projectiles to match period specifications. The case itself is rimmed and quite short by modern standards, with an overall length designed for safe and reliable function in vintage top-break revolvers. Velocities are generally mild, frequently under 650 feet per second, contributing to the gentle shooting characteristics of the round. Reloaders must pay particular attention to case dimensions, bullet seating depth, and compatible primers, especially since some revolvers chambered for .450 Short are well over a century old and may require special handling or reduced loads to preserve safety and firearm integrity. Collectors and handloaders appreciate the .450 Short as a piece of ammunition history, providing a tangible link to the evolution of military and civilian revolvers in the era of the British Empire.