| .500 BPE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | |
| Place of origin | United States | |
| Specifications | ||
| Case type | Straight walled, rimmed | |
| Ballistic performance | ||
| Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
| 440 gr (29 g) | 1,900 ft/s (580 m/s) | 3,530 ft·lbf (4,790 J) |
The .500 BPE or Black Powder Express was first used in a Purdey Double Express rifle in the 1860s. [1] It is very similar to the .50-140 Sharps cartridge.
The cartridge usually fires a 440 grain bullet with a speed of 1,900 ft/s (580 m/s) and a muzzle energy in the current Kynoch factory load of 3,530 ft·lbf (4,790 J).
The round was originally used as a tiger hunting caliber, although it also saw use on elephants in some cases.