Quick Facts
| Manufacturer | Bertram |
| Cartridge | .450 Nitro Express No. 2 3½ inch |
| Product | New, unprimed brass cartridge cases |
| Case type | Rimmed, bottleneck |
| Primary role | Classic dangerous-game cartridge for double rifles |
| Compatibility status | Historic No. 2 chambering; do not substitute standard .450 Nitro Express brass |
| Country of manufacture | Australia |
| U.S. distributor | Desert Tech Munitions |
Important: This listing is for new, unprimed brass cartridge cases only. It is not loaded ammunition and contains no primer, powder, or projectile.
Why Choose Bertram .450 Nitro Express No. 2 3½ inch?
- New-production component for a rare or specialized cartridge
- Correctly headstamped for identification and load-record management
- Manufactured by Bertram in Australia
- Imported and supported in the United States by Desert Tech Munitions
Cartridge Overview
The .450 Nitro Express No. 2 is a distinct British rimmed dangerous-game cartridge built around a long 3½-inch case. It should not be confused with the standard .450 Nitro Express 3¼-inch cartridge. The No. 2 designation identifies a separate chamber and case configuration used in British double rifles.
Rifles and Platforms
- Historic British double rifles specifically marked for .450 Nitro Express No. 2
- Restored or bespoke double rifles built and regulated for the 3½-inch No. 2 cartridge
Compatibility warning: Historic No. 2 chambering; do not substitute standard .450 Nitro Express brass. Similar names, shared caliber, or external resemblance do not establish interchangeability.
Legacy & Context
The No. 2 belongs to the great family of British .450-caliber dangerous-game cartridges developed during the transition to smokeless Nitro Express ammunition.
Did You Know?
The .450 Nitro Express No. 2 and the standard .450 Nitro Express are not interchangeable. The complete name and case length must be verified before ordering brass or dies.
Product and Reference Specifications
| Manufacturer | Bertram |
| Condition | New |
| Product form | New, unprimed brass cartridge cases |
| Material | Cartridge brass |
| Case type | Rimmed, bottleneck |
| Compatibility note | Historic No. 2 chambering; do not substitute standard .450 Nitro Express brass |
| Country of manufacture | Australia |
| U.S. distributor | Desert Tech Munitions |
Case Preparation Before Loading
- Inspect every case before use
- Check the case mouth, body, head, and flash-hole area
- Measure and prepare the case as appropriate for the chamber and loading tools
- Use authoritative published guidance or the rifle builder's specifications for the exact cartridge
Loading note: This page does not provide loading data. Match all components and procedures to the exact firearm, chamber, and authoritative technical guidance.
Availability & Production
Bertram manufactures many rare and specialized cases in scheduled production runs. Desert Tech Munitions maintains U.S. inventory when available and supports qualified dealer and OEM buyers.
Why Buy from Desert Tech Munitions?
- Authorized U.S. Bertram distributor
- U.S. inventory and domestic fulfillment when available
- Direct working relationship with Bertram
- Knowledgeable support for rare and specialized cartridge components
- Dealer and OEM programs for qualified buyers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this loaded ammunition?
No. This listing is for new, unprimed brass cartridge cases only.
Will it fit a firearm with a similar cartridge name?
Not necessarily. Verify the complete chamber designation and the individual firearm before ordering.
Should new cases be sized or inspected before loading?
Yes. Inspect every case and perform the preparation appropriate to the chamber, dies, projectile, and loading process.
Why is this product sometimes difficult to find?
Demand is specialized, so Bertram generally manufactures it in scheduled batches rather than continuously.
Safari & Dangerous Game Collection
Select any cartridge below to view its brass, pricing, and availability.