What is 500 Nitro Express ammo?🤔
It is a type of rifle cartridge, specifically a big-bore cartridge used for hunting large and dangerous game. It was developed in the late 20th century and is known for its substantial power and stopping capability. The “500” in the name refers to the caliber of the bullet, which is .500 inches in diameter.
Features📢
The .500 Nitro Express ammunition is designed specifically for heavy-duty hunting of large and dangerous game animals, such as elephants, Cape buffalo, rhinos, and other massive creatures. Here are some of the features:
⏰ Velocity: While the velocity of these rounds can vary depending on the specific load and rifle used, they generally achieve relatively high velocities for such large-caliber rounds. Higher velocity helps with better trajectory and terminal ballistics.
⏰ Stopping Power: The primary purpose is to provide exceptional stopping power against large and potentially dangerous game animals. The combination of the bullet’s size, weight, and velocity delivers substantial kinetic energy upon impact, which is crucial for quickly incapacitating such animals.
⏰ Recoil: Due to the substantial power of the cartridge, such ammunition produces significant recoil. This can make shooting rifles chambered in this caliber challenging for many shooters, requiring proper technique and physical preparation.
⏰ Specialized Use: It is not typically used for target shooting or recreational shooting due to its immense power and cost. It’s specifically designed for professional hunters pursuing the most dangerous and largest animals in specific regions.
Benefits✍️
The .500 Nitro Express ammunition offers several benefits for those engaging in specialized hunting of large and dangerous game animals. Here are some of the notable advantages:
✴️ The ammunition is specifically designed for hunting the largest and most dangerous animals, such as elephants, Cape buffalo, and rhinos. Its ability to penetrate deep and deliver a powerful impact makes it well-suited for taking down such formidable creatures.
✴️ When used responsibly by skilled hunters, it can contribute to ethical and humane hunting practices. The ammunition’s stopping power reduces the chances of wounded animals escaping and suffering, as quick and effective kills are more likely.
✴️ This cartridge is designed for relatively short-range shooting, typically within 100 yards or even closer. This aligns with the close quarters at which hunters often encounter large, dangerous game animals, ensuring precise shot placement.
✴️ Like many other ammunition types, it can be available in different loads and bullet designs. Hunters can choose ammunition tailored to their specific needs, such as bullet construction optimized for controlled expansion or deep penetration.
✴️ While the ammunition is designed for the largest and most dangerous game, it can also be used effectively on smaller games if necessary. This versatility makes it a suitable choice for hunters pursuing various species during the same expedition.
Ballistics explained📝
The ballistics of .500 Nitro Express ammunition are characterized by the performance of the cartridge in terms of velocity, energy, trajectory, and stopping power. Below are general ballistics characteristics for typical loads:
| ☑️ Bullet Weight: This ammunition typically features bullets weighing around 570 to 570 grains or more. The heavy bullet contributes to the ammunition’s stopping power and penetration capabilities. |
| ☑️ Muzzle Velocity: Muzzle velocities can vary, but they are generally in the range of 2,150 to 2,300 feet per second (fps) or more. The high velocity helps with trajectory and terminal ballistics, allowing for accurate shots at short distances. |
| ☑️ Muzzle Energy: The combination of a heavy bullet and high-velocity results in substantial muzzle energy. It can generate muzzle energies of around 6,000 to 6,500 foot pounds or more. This high energy contributes to the cartridge’s stopping power. |
| ☑️ Trajectory: Such ammo is not designed for long-range shooting. Its trajectory is relatively steep, and the effective range is limited to around 100 yards or even less. This is well-suited for the close-quarters hunting scenarios in which this cartridge is intended to be used. |
| ☑️ Recoil: Due to the high power of the cartridge, it produces significant recoil. Recoil management techniques, proper shooting form, and a well-designed rifle stock are important for handling the recoil effectively and accurately. |
| ☑️ Stopping Power: The immense energy and momentum delivered by this cartridge contribute to its exceptional stopping power. The cartridge is capable of quickly incapacitating large and dangerous game animals by delivering a devastating impact. |
| ☑️ Accuracy: While the primary focus of the .500 Nitro Express is stopping power rather than long-range accuracy, skilled hunters using quality rifles and ammunition can achieve accurate shot placement within the cartridge’s effective range. |
| ☑️ Hunting Use: The ballistics of this ammunition are tailored to hunting large and dangerous game animals. The ammunition’s combination of power and penetration makes it well-suited for quickly and humanely dispatching animals that can pose threats to hunters. |
Best 500 Nitro Express Ammo Reviews
1# Solid – Hornady Dangerous Game – 500 Nitro Express – 570 Grain – 20 Rounds
Searching for dependable and accurate ammunition for your next safari hunt? Look no further than Hornady Dangerous Game Series ammunition. Because of our knowledge gained through practice, the classic bullet designs are tailored to meet the needs of the serious safari hunter. There are used only the finest components and strict quality control is measured to ensure every cartridge is up to the task. With Hornady ammo, you can be confident you’re getting bullets that are accurate, consistent, and always reliable.
2# Solid – Nosler – 500 Nitro Express – 570 Grain – 10 Rounds
The Nosler Match Safari Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is excellent for hunters who demand the very best. These rounds are available in boxes of 10 or 20, and each bullet is either a Nosler Solid or Partition. This ensures that each shot will have an identical point of impact. Every case is checked for proper length and the necks are trued, chamfered, and sized. The powder charges are weighed and each finished round is inspected and polished to guarantee high performance.
3# Semi-Spitzer Soft Point – Federal Premium – 500 Nitro Express – 570 Grain – 20 Rounds
Federal Premium’s Cape-Shok Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is the perfect choice for those who demand high performance and quality. This top-of-the-line ammo enhances your shooting experience with its high-quality and reliable design. Our findings show that with its semi-spitzer soft point bullet, the Cape-Shok centerfire ammo provides greater accuracy and lethality than traditional round bullets. Whether you’re a competitive shooter or casual enthusiast, this ammunition will help you achieve your goals. So don’t settle for anything less, get this centerfire ammo from Federal Premium today!
4# Solid – Federal Premium – 500 Nitro Express – 570 Grain – 20 Rounds
When you want the best quality ammunition for your rifle, you want Federal Premium Cape-Shok .500 Nitro Express. These Woodleigh hydro solid bullets are designed for exceptional accuracy and penetration, and they deliver both on the range and in the field. With 20 rounds in each box, you’ll have plenty of firepower for whatever game you’re pursuing. And because Federal Premium is a leading name in ammunition, you can trust their products to perform flawlessly. So make the most of your next hunt with such quality ammunition!
5# Banded Solid Flat Nose – Barnes Vor-TX – 500 Nitro Express – 570 Grain – 20 Rounds
Precision ammunition loaded with the deadliest bullets on the planet, Barnes Vor-TX is the ultimate choice for hunters who demand the utmost in accuracy and terminal performance. The TSX, Tipped TSX, and TSX FN provide double-diameter expansion, maximum weight retention, and excellent accuracy for complete tissue and bone destruction, pass-through penetration, and devastating energy transfer. Based on our observations multiple grooves in the bullet’s shank reduce pressure and improve accuracy while the all-copper bullets open instantly on contact for quick, humane kills.
6# FBHP – Barnes Vor-TX – 500 Nitro Express – 570 grain – 20 Rounds
If you need the deadliest bullets on the planet, Consider Barnes Vor-TX precision ammunition. Loaded with cutting-edge technology, Barnes bullets are designed for maximum accuracy, terminal performance, and hand-loaded precision. The TSX, Tipped TSX, and TSX FN offer double-diameter expansion, maximum weight retention, and outstanding accuracy. These all-copper bullets open instantly on contact, delivering devastating energy transfer and quick, humane kills. The multiple grooves in the bullet’s shank reduce pressure and improve accuracy, while the nose peels back into four sharp-edged copper petals upon impact, destroying tissue, bone, and vital organs. Whether you’re hunting big game or varmints, Barnes has the perfect bullet for the job.
600 Overkill vs 500 Nitro Express💡
Both the .600 Overkill and the .500 Nitro Express are extremely powerful cartridges designed for hunting large and dangerous game. They are part of the same class of cartridges known as Nitro Express, which are intended for taking down massive animals at relatively close ranges. Here’s a comparison of the two:
| ➡️ .600 Overkill: | ➡️ .500 Nitro Express: | |
| 🔶 Caliber and Bullet Size: | The “.600” in the name refers to the caliber of the bullet, which is approximately .600 inches in diameter. This makes it even larger than the .500 Nitro Express. | The “.500” in the name refers to the caliber of the bullet, which is approximately .500 inches in diameter. |
| 🔶 Bullet Weight: | Bullets used in this ammunition are typically very heavy, often exceeding 900 grains or more. The increased bullet weight contributes to even higher energy and stopping power compared to the .500 Nitro Express. | Bullets used in this ammunition are typically around 570 grains or more. |
| 🔶 Muzzle Velocity: | It generates muzzle velocities in the range of 1,950 to 2,150 feet per second (fps), depending on the load. While slightly slower than the .500 Nitro Express, the immense bullet weight compensates for this in terms of energy. | It generates muzzle velocities in the range of 2,150 to 2,300 fps or more. |
| 🔶 Muzzle Energy: | Such cartridges produce tremendous muzzle energies, often exceeding 10,000-foot pounds. This extreme energy makes it one of the most powerful cartridges available. | Such cartridges produce muzzle energies of around 6,000 to 6,500-foot pounds or more. |
| 🔶 Recoil: | Due to the significantly increased energy and bullet weight, this ammo produces even more recoil than the .500 Nitro Express. This makes shooting rifles chambered in this caliber, particularly challenging. | This ammo also produces significant recoil, requiring skilled shooters to handle the rifle effectively. |
| 🔶 Effective Range: | It is intended for short-range hunting, typically within 100 yards or less. | It is intended for short-range hunting, typically within 100 yards or less. |
🔍 Both cartridges are specialized tools used by experienced hunters pursuing dangerous game under ethical and controlled circumstances. The choice between them depends on the specific hunting situation, the hunter’s skill level, and personal preference.
FAQ😎
Conclusion🙂
500 Nitro Express ammo is a powerful round that can take down any target. It is important to choose the right 5ammo for your needs to succeed and in this article, we have reviewed some of the best ones on the market and shared some tips on how to select the perfect round for your needs. We hope you find this information helpful when choosing ammunition for your next hunt or shooting range trip. Thanks for reading!🤠👍
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Can you give me some recommendations is still producing rifles in 500/700 nitro express?
I discovered that you can find a CZ rifle chambered in .505 Gibbs for less than $3000, which seems to be a great option. However, it’s worth noting that the ammunition for this caliber can be quite expensive, ranging from $10 to $20 per round. The .505 Gibbs is essentially a rimless version of the .500 Nitro Express, designed for use in bolt-action rifles. This combination of a reputable firearm manufacturer and a unique caliber could be a solid choice for those interested in hunting large game.
I was curious about people’s opinions regarding the .500 Nitro Express cartridge. Additionally, I was hoping to receive recommendations on rifles to consider purchasing in this caliber. Your insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
My exposure to the .500 NE is somewhat recent, given that I’ve only had my double rifle for about two years now. During this time, I’ve managed to take down a handful of buffalo with it. I must say, I’m incredibly impressed by its “knock-down” effect, especially at close range. Surprisingly, I’ve even managed to bag a couple of buffalo at distances of 120 and 140 yards. I opted for the Semi-Spitzer Soft Point – Federal Premium – 500 Nitro Express – 570 Grain – 20 Rounds primarily for early-season hunts when the bush is dense and encounters with buff usually happen up close. The sheer power of the heavy-caliber double provides that extra punch needed to bring down the animal before it disappears from view.
I find the .500NE to be an exceptional cartridge, offering a substantial amount of stopping power that’s particularly effective against large buffalo bulls. We’ve experienced its prowess firsthand, using this impressive double rifle cartridge to halt numerous buffalo along the Maiwok, Wilton, and Waterhouse areas. The sheer strength of Banded Solid Flat Nose – Barnes Vor-TX – 500 Nitro Express – 570 Grain – 20 Rounds is truly remarkable and has been invaluable during our hunting experiences.
I’m curious if any of you in the forum have firsthand experience using soft points on Buffalo. Your insights and experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
I’ve come to realize that the American bison is considerably smaller than the Asiatic water buffalo. Given this distinction, I’m a bit cautious about taking chances by using the same load for both species. My preference leans toward having a load tailored primarily for water buffalo, given their larger size and robust nature. Shifting back to the main point, I believe that Solid – Nosler – 500 Nitro Express – 570 Grain – 10 Rounds, should prove to be more than sufficient for buffalo.
I’m reaching out to gather insights from anyone who might have experience with the .500-3″ NE or with the formidable Merkel double rifle. If you have any observations to share about either the rifle or the caliber, I’d greatly appreciate it.
The .500 NE stands as my favorite among the vintage African double rifle cartridges. I’m quite taken by its aesthetics, more so than the 470, 577, or any other alternatives. If you might not use factory loads in this firearm, I can’t help but feel that it would be a fun experience to get a couple of old-timers loaded with cordite powder – just to get a taste of the “real thing” and immerse oneself in the sensation and aroma of it. It’s infectious to sense your enthusiasm for both the rifle and the cartridge!
This might not be the most appropriate place to ask, but I’m facing a challenge in working up loads that are properly regulated for my dad’s two double rifles. I’m particularly keen on finding suitable loads for the 500NE. I do have dies, as well as a mix of old and new brass, and remarkably well-preserved old Barnes bullets that he used. Can you help me?
I’ve loaded using old H4831 powder that had been stored for over 10 years, and my experience has shown it to be quite similar to the new H4831. If you’re considering using an older powder like this, my suggestion would be to treat it like you’re transitioning between different lots of powder. As long as the charge weights aren’t significantly higher than what standard reloading data recommends for those specific cartridges, you should be in a safe range. Interestingly, I’ve observed that a couple of powders that were over 30 years old tend to build pressure a bit sooner than new production powders. I’m not entirely sure if it’s due to increased volatility over time or some other factor, but it’s worth noting. Most of the instances I’ve noticed this have been with older pistol powders.