The 700 Nitro Express rifle is a behemoth of a gun, designed for taking down the largest and most ferocious game on the planet. While it’s not for the faint of heart, this rifle has gained a cult following among big game hunters and firearms enthusiasts. Here are five fascinating facts about the 700 Nitro Express rifle:
Origin Story: The Need for a Big Gun
The 700 Nitro Express was born out of necessity. In the late 19th century, British colonizers and hunters in Africa and Asia needed a rifle that could take down massive game like elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. The existing rifles of the time were not up to the task, and a new, more powerful cartridge was required. The 700 Nitro Express was designed to fill this void, with a massive case and a heavy bullet that could deliver unprecedented stopping power.
The Largest of Them All: 700 Nitro Express Specs
The 700 Nitro Express is a gargantuan cartridge, measuring 3.25 inches (82.5 mm) in length and 0.794 inches (20.1 mm) in diameter. It has a massive case capacity of 156 grains (10.1 grams), which allows it to propel a 900-grain (58.3-gram) bullet to velocities of up to 2,000 feet per second (610 meters per second). To put that in perspective, the 700 Nitro Express has a case capacity roughly three times that of the.50 BMG cartridge.
Taming the Beast: Rifle Design and Construction
Building a rifle that can handle the 700 Nitro Express cartridge requires some serious engineering. The rifle needs to be extremely sturdy, with a strong action and a heavy barrel to contain the massive pressures generated by the cartridge. Most 700 Nitro Express rifles feature a single-shot or double rifle design, with a break-action or falling block action. The rifle also needs to be heavily weighted to reduce recoil, which can be quite punishing even for experienced shooters.
Stopping Power: The 700 Nitro Express in Action
So, what kind of stopping power can you expect from the 700 Nitro Express? In a word, devastating. The 900-grain bullet can deliver a kinetic energy of over 7,000 foot-pounds (9,500 joules), which is more than enough to drop a charging elephant or rhino in its tracks. The bullet’s massive size and weight also ensure deep penetration, making it ideal for hunting large game at close to medium ranges.
Legends of the 700 Nitro Express
The 700 Nitro Express has gained a legendary status among big game hunters and firearms enthusiasts. One of the most famous users of the 700 Nitro Express was the British hunter and explorer, John “Pondoro” Taylor. Taylor, also known as “the greatest hunter of all time,” used a 700 Nitro Express rifle to hunt countless big game animals, including elephants, lions, and buffalo. His exploits with the rifle have become the stuff of legend, and the 700 Nitro Express remains a favorite among hunters who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
🔫 Note: While the 700 Nitro Express is an incredible rifle, it's not for everyone. The recoil is punishing, and the rifle requires a significant amount of practice and experience to handle safely and effectively.
In conclusion, the 700 Nitro Express rifle is an incredible piece of firearms history, designed to take down the largest and most ferocious game on the planet. While it’s not for the faint of heart, this rifle has gained a cult following among big game hunters and firearms enthusiasts. With its massive case capacity, heavy bullet, and devastating stopping power, the 700 Nitro Express remains a legendary rifle that continues to inspire awe and respect.
What is the history of the 700 Nitro Express rifle?
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The 700 Nitro Express rifle was born out of necessity in the late 19th century, when British colonizers and hunters in Africa and Asia needed a rifle that could take down massive game like elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
What are the specs of the 700 Nitro Express cartridge?
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The 700 Nitro Express cartridge measures 3.25 inches (82.5 mm) in length and 0.794 inches (20.1 mm) in diameter, with a case capacity of 156 grains (10.1 grams) and a bullet weight of 900 grains (58.3 grams).
What kind of rifle is needed to handle the 700 Nitro Express cartridge?
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A rifle that can handle the 700 Nitro Express cartridge needs to be extremely sturdy, with a strong action and a heavy barrel to contain the massive pressures generated by the cartridge. Most 700 Nitro Express rifles feature a single-shot or double rifle design.
What is the stopping power of the 700 Nitro Express rifle?
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The 700 Nitro Express rifle can deliver a kinetic energy of over 7,000 foot-pounds (9,500 joules), which is more than enough to drop a charging elephant or rhino in its tracks.
Who is a famous user of the 700 Nitro Express rifle?
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One of the most famous users of the 700 Nitro Express rifle was the British hunter and explorer, John “Pondoro” Taylor. Taylor used a 700 Nitro Express rifle to hunt countless big game animals, including elephants, lions, and buffalo.
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