It was my understanding that the .405 Winchester brass was the weak link in making it a viable contender as a .450/.400 clone and would fail at that point.

It seems to be the single most loved or hated round out there. I don't think there is much of a middle ground for it in terms of its appeal. I personally have nothing against it, and think of it as a dandy round with limitations. Those limitations being North American sized and tempered game. Obviously, this limits its thick skinned and dangerous in close stopping potential in my view.

Just because Roosevelt used it with great accolade on big cats does not mean that I personally would follow in that pursuit. I would opt for something with more punch. But that is just my opinion on it. If you like it, and want one, by all means go for it. It will take buffalo as Boddington proved, but pay attention to his remarks on it. In close, with a good shot, the right bullets, and there are better performers out there.