| .577/.500 Magnum Nitro Express | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | |
| Place of origin | UK | |
| Specifications | ||
| Bullet diameter | .500 in (12.7 mm) | |
| Neck diameter | .526 in (13.4 mm) | |
| Shoulder diameter | .585 in (14.9 mm) | |
| Base diameter | .645 in (16.4 mm) | |
| Rim diameter | .717 in (18.2 mm) | |
| Case length | 3.13 in (80 mm) | |
| Overall length | 3.74 in (95 mm) | |
| Rifling twist | 1:16 | |
| Primer type | .251 (6.38 mm) Berdan (Kynoch #31A) | |
| Ballistic performance | ||
| Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
| 440 gr (29 g) (factory load) | 1,725 ft/s (526 m/s) | 2,920 ft·lbf (3,960 J) |
| Source(s): Barnes & Amber 1972 | ||
The .577/.500 Magnum Nitro Express is a British centerfire fire rifle cartridge.
Designed as a black powder round in the mid-1880s, it was based on the .577 Nitro Express, necked down to .500" (12.7mm),[1] and was later offered in a smokeless version.[1] While it resembles the .500 No. 2 Express, they are not the same.[1]
In power, the .577/.500 is comparable to the contemporary .50-110 Winchester, or the modern .30-'06.[2] It is sufficient for elk, deer, moose, or bear at medium range or in woods[1] and thin-skinned dangerous game, including tiger and lions,[3] but not thick skinned ones such as the rhinoceros. It was favored more in India than Africa by contemporary shooters, and tended to be offered in heavy rifles.[4]
Moderately popular in its day, the round has long since ceased to be offered commercially. Black powder rifles in this caliber should not use heavy smokeless loads.[1]