Bertram 450 Nitro Express 3 1/4 inch Brass

Important: This listing is for brass cartridge cases only. It is not loaded ammunition and contains no primer, powder, or projectile.

Why Choose Bertram .450 Nitro Express 3 1/4 inch Brass?

• New-production cases for a specialized cartridge with limited commercial availability
• Manufactured for the correct cartridge rather than improvised from unrelated brass
• Produced by Bertram, a manufacturer specializing in rare, obsolete, and large-bore cartridge cases
• Imported and supported in the United States by Desert Tech Munitions

Who This Product Is For

• Handloaders with firearms correctly chambered for .450 Nitro Express 3 1/4 inch
• Dangerous-game hunters, collectors, gunsmiths, and specialty ammunition manufacturers
• Qualified dealers and OEM buyers requiring volume quantities

Cartridge at a Glance

Introduced	1898
Origin	Great Britain
Developer	John Rigby & Co.
Primary role	Dangerous-game cartridge for double and single-shot rifles
Case design	Rimmed, straight

Cartridge Profile: .450 Nitro Express 3 1/4 inch

The .450 Nitro Express 3 1/4 inch is a British rimmed, straight-cased dangerous-game cartridge introduced by Rigby in 1898.

It was among the foundational smokeless-powder big-game cartridges of the classic safari era and was chambered in double rifles and single-shot rifles.

Although later cartridges were developed in response to historical caliber restrictions, the original .450 3 1/4 inch Nitro Express remains in use in surviving and newly built double rifles.

Rifles and Actions Associated with the .450 Nitro Express 3 1/4 inch

This brass is intended only for firearms specifically chambered for .450 Nitro Express 3 1/4 inch. Documented examples and platform types include:

Historic Rifles

• Rigby double rifles
• Other British double and single-shot rifles chambered for the cartridge

Modern Production and Bespoke Rifles

• Modern Westley Richards double rifles built to order
• Other bespoke British and European double rifles

Collector and Restoration Rifles

• Original rifles requiring careful chamber, bore, regulation, and proof-status verification

Compatibility note: A rifle model or action type may exist in several chamberings. Always verify the exact chamber marking on the firearm before ordering components.

Common Applications

• African dangerous-game hunting
• Classic double rifles
• Single-shot sporting rifles
• Historic rifle preservation and restoration
• Specialty ammunition manufacturing

Product and Reference Specifications

Manufacturer	Bertram
Product condition	New
Primed	No
Material	Cartridge brass
Reloadable	Yes, when inspected, prepared, and loaded correctly
C.I.P. designation	450 N.E. 3 inch 1/4
Maximum case length	82.55 mm / 3.250 in
Maximum cartridge length	100.33 mm / 3.950 in
Reference bullet diameter	11.63 mm / .458 in
Maximum rim diameter	15.85 mm / .624 in
Country of manufacture	Australia
U.S. distributor	Desert Tech Munitions

Reference dimensions do not replace inspection of the actual component or verification against the firearm, dies, and published loading information.

Case Preparation Before Loading

• Inspect every case before use
• Check the case mouth, body, primer pocket, and flash hole
• Run an expander through the neck or size the case when appropriate
• Chamfer, deburr, and measure as needed
• Use reliable published loading information suitable for the firearm and components

Reloading note: Bulk packaging and transportation may leave some case mouths slightly out of round or produce minor cosmetic marks. Inspect and prepare every case before loading.

Why Buy from Desert Tech Munitions?

• Authorized U.S. Bertram distributor
• U.S. inventory and domestic shipping when product is available
• Direct working relationship with Bertram
• Knowledgeable support for rare and specialty cartridge brass
• Dealer pricing for qualified resellers
• OEM pricing for qualified manufacturers and volume buyers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this loaded ammunition?

No. This listing is for new, unprimed brass cartridge cases only.

Who manufactures this brass?

Bertram manufactures these cases in Australia.

Does Desert Tech Munitions import Bertram brass directly?

Desert Tech Munitions is the authorized U.S. Bertram distributor and imports Bertram products for the U.S. market.

Can this brass be reloaded?

Yes. Case life depends on chamber dimensions, load pressure, case preparation, sizing practices, and careful inspection between loadings.

Should I size new cases before loading them?

Inspect every case before use. Running an expander through the neck or sizing may be appropriate to restore shape and establish consistent dimensions before the first loading.

What rifles have been chambered for this cartridge?

The cartridge has been chambered in Rigby and other British double rifles, single-shot rifles, and modern bespoke double rifles.

Why is this brass sometimes difficult to find?

The cartridge serves a specialized market, so brass is commonly manufactured in scheduled or limited production runs rather than continuously.

Can Desert Tech Munitions supply dealer or OEM quantities?

Yes. Dealer and OEM programs are available to qualified buyers. Contact us for current requirements, pricing, and availability.