.500-416 Nitro Express Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.500-416 Nitro Express: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Double Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle Magnum
Used For Big Game Hunting, Dangerous Game
Case Design Rimmed, Straight
Year Introduced 2003

.500-416 Nitro Express: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent stopping power for large and dangerous game
  • ✔ Versatile for various big game hunting scenarios
  • ✔ Improved ballistics over the .416 Rigby
  • ✔ Lower recoil compared to .500 Nitro Express
  • ✔ Suitable for African and Asian big game hunts

Cons

  • ✘ Expensive ammunition
  • ✘ Limited availability of firearms chambered for this cartridge
  • ✘ Significant recoil, especially for inexperienced shooters
  • ✘ Overkill for most hunting situations outside of dangerous game
  • ✘ Heavy rifles required to manage recoil effectively

.500-416 Nitro Express: A Powerful Big Game Cartridge

The .500-416 Nitro Express is a powerful big game rifle cartridge designed for hunting large and dangerous game. It was created by necking down the .500 Nitro Express case to accept .416 caliber bullets, combining the power of the .500 NE with the ballistic efficiency of .416 projectiles. This cartridge offers excellent penetration and stopping power, making it suitable for hunting the largest land animals, including elephants, rhinos, and cape buffalo.

Development and Characteristics

The .500-416 Nitro Express was developed by A. Square LLC in the early 2000s. It was designed to provide the power of the .500 Nitro Express while improving long-range performance and reducing recoil. The cartridge typically uses bullets weighing between 400 and 450 grains, propelled at velocities around 2,300-2,400 feet per second.

This cartridge offers a balance between the massive frontal area of .500 caliber bullets and the sectional density of .416 caliber projectiles. This combination results in deep penetration and substantial tissue damage, essential for ethical hunting of large, thick-skinned animals.

Performance and Applications

The .500-416 Nitro Express delivers exceptional stopping power at close ranges, making it ideal for dangerous game hunting scenarios. It maintains energy well at longer distances, allowing for shots beyond 100 yards when necessary. The cartridge is primarily used in double rifles and bolt-action rifles designed for heavy recoil.

While primarily intended for African big game hunting, the .500-416 NE has also found use among professional hunters and guides in areas with large bears, such as Alaska. Its power and reliability make it a trusted choice for those who may encounter dangerous animals at close range.

Timeline of .500-416 Nitro Express Development:

Year Event
2020 Continued use in African big game hunting and by professional guides worldwide
2010 Increased adoption by professional hunters and safari guides
2005 Commercial ammunition becomes widely available from major manufacturers
2002 First commercial rifles chambered in .500-416 Nitro Express introduced
2001 .500-416 Nitro Express cartridge developed by A. Square LLC

.500-416 Nitro Express Performance

Key performance characteristics of the .500-416 Nitro Express cartridge:

Characteristic Performance
Bullet Weight 400-450 grains
Solid and soft point bullets available
Muzzle Velocity 2,300-2,400 fps
Varies with bullet weight and load
Muzzle Energy 5,500-6,000 ft-lbs
Substantial energy for large game
Effective Range Up to 200 yards
Primarily used for close-range encounters
Recoil Very heavy
Requires experienced shooter and properly fitted rifle

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .500-416 Nitro Express loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.500-416 Nitro Express: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .500-416 Nitro Express ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Dangerous Game Hunting 0-100 Optimal for close-range encounters with dangerous game
Big Game Hunting 0-200 Effective for large, non-dangerous game at moderate ranges
Long-Range Shooting 0-300 Capable of accuracy at extended ranges with proper loads

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .500-416 Nitro Express is primarily designed for dangerous game hunting at close to moderate ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .500-416 Nitro Express

The .500-416 Nitro Express is a specialized cartridge designed primarily for dangerous game hunting:

Dangerous Game Hunting
  • Ideal for hunting large, dangerous African game such as elephant, cape buffalo, and rhinoceros
  • Provides the necessary stopping power for close-range encounters
  • Typically used in double rifles for quick follow-up shots
Big Game Hunting
  • Suitable for hunting large, non-dangerous game at moderate ranges
  • Offers excellent penetration and energy transfer
  • Can be used for species such as elk, moose, and large bears
African Safari Hunting
  • Popular choice for professional hunters and safari clients
  • Meets legal requirements for dangerous game hunting in many African countries
  • Versatile for various African game species
Collector's Item
  • Prized by firearm collectors due to its specialized nature
  • Often found in high-end, custom-made double rifles
  • Represents a niche in big-bore rifle cartridges

Caliber Comparisons: .500-416 Nitro Express

The .500-416 Nitro Express is a powerful big game hunting cartridge. To understand its capabilities, let's compare it to similar large-bore rifle cartridges:

.500-416 Nitro Express vs. .416 Rigby ▼

.500-416 Nitro Express vs. .458 Winchester Magnum ▼

.500-416 Nitro Express vs. .470 Nitro Express ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .500-416 Nitro Express with other large-bore rifle cartridges. (Based on a 12 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .500-416 Nitro Express with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .500-416 Nitro Express with other large-bore rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .500-416 Nitro Express with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density of .500-416 Nitro Express

The .500-416 Nitro Express is a powerful big game hunting cartridge. This table shows the sectional density of common bullet weights used in this caliber.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.500-416 Nitro Express 400 0.305
.500-416 Nitro Express 410 0.313
.500-416 Nitro Express 450 0.343

Note: The .500-416 Nitro Express is designed for hunting large and dangerous game. Its high sectional density contributes to deep penetration, which is crucial for ethical hunting of large animals. The cartridge's performance is also influenced by factors such as velocity and bullet construction.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .500-416 Nitro Express?

A: The .500-416 Nitro Express is a large bore rifle cartridge designed for hunting dangerous game. It was created by necking down the .500 Nitro Express case to accept a .416 caliber bullet.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for the .500-416 Nitro Express?

A: The .500-416 Nitro Express typically uses bullets weighing 400 to 410 grains.

Q: What is the muzzle velocity of the .500-416 Nitro Express?

A: The .500-416 Nitro Express has a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,350 to 2,400 feet per second with standard loadings.

Q: What animals is the .500-416 Nitro Express suitable for hunting?

A: The .500-416 Nitro Express is designed for hunting large and dangerous game, including elephant, cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and large bears.

Q: How does the .500-416 Nitro Express compare to the .416 Rigby?

A: The .500-416 Nitro Express offers slightly higher velocities and energy than the .416 Rigby, while maintaining similar recoil. It also has a larger case capacity, allowing for potentially heavier bullet weights.

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