.500 No. 2 Express (.577/.500) | ||
---|---|---|
Type | Rifle | |
Place of origin | UK | |
Specifications | ||
Bullet diameter | .507 in (12.9 mm) | |
Neck diameter | .538 in (13.7 mm) | |
Shoulder diameter | .560 in (14.2 mm) | |
Base diameter | .641 in (16.3 mm) | |
Rim diameter | .726 in (18.4 mm) | |
Case length | 2.81 in (71 mm) | |
Overall length | 3.40 in (86 mm) | |
Primer type | .251 (6.38 mm) Berdan (Kynoch #31A) | |
Ballistic performance | ||
Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
340 gr (22 g) (factory load, black powder) | 1,925 ft/s (587 m/s) | 2,800 ft·lbf (3,800 J) |
300 gr (19 g) | 1,870 ft/s (570 m/s) | 2,340 ft·lbf (3,170 J) |
360 gr (23 g) (smokeless, Lyman 509134) | 1,700 ft/s (520 m/s) | 2,315 ft·lbf (3,139 J) |
Source(s): Barnes & Amber 1972 |
The .500 No. 2 Express (also called the .577/.500 and, in Germany, 12.7mm British No. 2) is a British centerfire fire rifle cartridge.
Designed as a black powder round in 1882 or 1883,[1] it resembles the .577/.500 Magnum Nitro Express, but uses a shorter case; the two are not interchangeable.[1] It was offered in single or double rifles, as well as a variety of Martini-based lever guns.[1]
In power, the .500 No. 2 is comparable to the contemporary .577/.500 Magnum and .50-110 Winchester, or the modern .30-'06.[2] It is sufficient for elk, deer, moose, or bear at medium range or in woods[3] and thin-skinned dangerous game, including lions and tigers,[1] but not thick-skinned animals such as elephant. It was popular in India with contemporary shooters, and tended to be offered in heavy rifles.[4]
The bullet is virtually the same as the .50 Sharps, and Lyman molds can be used to produce cast examples for reloading.[1] Factory loads used about between 130-160 gr (8.4-10.4 g) of Fg.
Moderately popular in its day, the round has long since ceased to be offered commercially. Black powder rifles in this caliber should use somewhat light smokeless loads.[3]