Ok, a week into the poll and the results are overwhealmingly in favor of the .450/.400 3” Nitro Express (Jeffrey).

Some are indifferent to it and the older 3 Ľ” version. We all agree that there isn't squat for difference in the two rounds.

There are several votes for the .375 H&H Flanged Magnum.

Some give the .375 H&H Belted Rimless an honorable mention.

So at this point the .450/.400 cartridges are the clear choice.

Let's let the poll go on a bit longer and see what develops.

My preliminary conclusion is that the market is oblivious to the .450/.400. Maybe Ruger and Hornady will bring it back, but let's face it, the Ruger No. 1 isn't going to set the world on fire. I think Merkel, Chapuis, Heym, etc. should be chambering this round. It was quite prevalent before WW2, and then forgotten. But the die-hard keepers of the flame have not forgotten. It's as good a cartridge as it ever was. It just could use a little contemporary support.

Ruger and Hornady are worried shitless about the .408" vs. .411" groove diameter problem. This is just like the problem with the 8x57, and it is a killer. The ammo maker is afraid to make ammo in .411" for fear it will blow old .408" guns. So they will do a shitty compromise, with anemic ballistics so you won't blow the smaller bore. The result will be like American 8mm ammo. Nothing! That's not going to bring back these fabulous chambers.

Well, let me crawl down off my soap box for now.

More votes, please. And don't let these comments influence your vote.

Curl