The debate between 700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG has been ongoing for years. Both cartridges are massive and powerful, designed to take down large game and penetrate heavy armor.
The 700 Nitro Express is a big game rifle cartridge that was introduced in 1988, while 50 BMG has been used by the military for over 100 years.
While both cartridges are capable of delivering incredible power, they have their differences. The 700 Nitro Express is a straight-rimmed cartridge with a rim thickness of .060 inches.
It is known for its ability to take down mammoth animals like elephants, rhinos, and hippos. On the other hand, the 50 BMG is a spitzer round that is known for its accuracy and long-range capabilities.
It has been used by the military as a sniper rifle and can penetrate heavy armor at long distances.
When it comes to choosing between the 700 Nitro Express and the 50 BMG, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what the shooter is looking for in a cartridge.
Both are incredibly powerful and capable of taking down large game, but they have their strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two cartridges and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is 700 Nitro Express?
The .700 Nitro Express was introduced in 1988 by the boutique gunmakers Holland & Holland (H&H) of London, England. It was developed by Jim Bell and William Feldstein and built by H&H. Feldstein had tried unsuccessfully to get H&H to build a .600 Nitro Express for him, but they had already ceased production.
The cartridge is typically charged with around 250 grains of powder, in addition to a two-grain igniter charge. This produces an average muzzle energy of 8,900 foot-pounds force (12,100 J) with a 1,000 gr (65 g) bullet at 2,000 ft/s (610 m/s).
Handloaders can push the cartridge to generate as much as 15,000 foot-pounds (20,000 J) of energy in a modern bolt action, by using a 1,000 gr (65 g) bullet fired at 2,600 ft/s (792 m/s). However, doing so necessitates a rifle so heavy it is almost inoperable for hunting purposes.
The .700 Nitro Express is typically used for hunting large African game, such as elephants, rhinos, and lions. It is also effective against other large animals, such as Cape buffalo, hippopotamuses, and water buffalo. However, the cartridge is so powerful that it can be dangerous to use, even for experienced hunters. The recoil is extremely high, and the bullet can easily penetrate through the target and continue on, posing a risk to bystanders.
The .700 Nitro Express is a very expensive cartridge, with each round typically costing around US$100. The rifles that fire this cartridge are also very expensive, typically costing several thousand dollars. As a result, the .700 Nitro Express is not a cartridge that is commonly used by hunters. It is more of a novelty cartridge, and is typically only used by experienced hunters who are specifically targeting large African game.
What is .50 BMG?
.50 BMG stands for 12.7×99mm NATO, which is a large-caliber, high-velocity rifle cartridge. It was originally developed for the M2 Browning machine gun, but is also used in sniper rifles, anti-materiel rifles, and heavy machine guns.
The .50 BMG is a very powerful cartridge, with a muzzle energy of up to 15,000 foot-pounds (20,000 J). This makes it effective against a wide variety of targets, including personnel, vehicles, and light fortifications.
The .50 BMG is also a very accurate cartridge, with a maximum effective range of over 2,000 meters (2,200 yards). This makes it a valuable tool for snipers and other long-range shooters.
However, the .50 BMG is also a very large and heavy cartridge. This makes it difficult to use in some firearms, and can also produce significant recoil. As a result, the .50 BMG is not a cartridge that is suitable for all shooters.
Quick 700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG Comparison Table
| Cartridge | 700 Nitro Express | .50 BMG |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet diameter | .700 inches (17.8 mm) | .510 inches (12.95 mm) |
| Bullet weight range | 900-1,000 grains (58-65 g) | 647-800 grains (41.9-51.8 g) |
| Muzzle velocity range | 1,500-2,000 fps (460-610 m/s) | 2,700-3,000 fps (823-914 m/s) |
| Muzzle energy range | 7,500-10,000 ft-lbs (10,200-13,600 J) | 13,000-15,000 ft-lbs (17,600-20,300 J) |
| Typical firearms | Double rifles, bolt-action rifles | Bolt-action rifles, anti-materiel rifles |
| Primary use | Big game hunting | Long-range target shooting, military applications |
| Recoil | Very heavy | Extremely heavy |
| Ballistic performance | Excellent stopping power, short effective range | High accuracy, extreme long-range capability |
| Availability | Less common, expensive | Widely available, moderately priced |
700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG Ballistics Comparison
When comparing the 700 Nitro Express and the 50 BMG, it is important to consider their ballistics. This section will compare the two cartridges in terms of muzzle velocity, bullet weight and design, and stopping power.
Muzzle Velocity
The muzzle velocity of a cartridge refers to the speed at which the bullet leaves the barrel of the gun.
The 50 BMG has a higher muzzle velocity than the 700 Nitro Express.
The average muzzle velocity of a 50 BMG round is around 2,800 feet per second, while the average muzzle velocity of a 700 Nitro Express round is around 2,000 feet per second.
Bullet Weight and Design
The weight and design of a bullet can greatly affect its performance.
The 700 Nitro Express typically uses a bullet that weighs around 1,000 grains, while the 50 BMG typically uses a bullet that weighs around 700 grains.
The 700 Nitro Express also typically uses a round-nosed bullet, while the 50 BMG typically uses a boat-tail spitzer bullet.
The boat-tail design of the 50 BMG bullet helps to reduce drag and increase accuracy over long distances.
Stopping Power
Stopping power refers to a cartridge’s ability to incapacitate a target.
Both the 700 Nitro Express and the 50 BMG are known for their stopping power, but the 700 Nitro Express is typically considered to be more effective at close range.
This is due to the large size and weight of the bullet, which can cause significant tissue damage upon impact.
The 50 BMG, on the other hand, is typically more effective at longer ranges due to its high velocity and accuracy.
Ammunition Availability and Cost of 700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG
The availability and cost of ammunition are important factors to consider when choosing between the 700 Nitro Express and the 50 BMG cartridges.
The 700 Nitro Express is a big game rifle cartridge that was developed in 1988 by Jim Bell and William Feldstein and produced by Holland and Holland, a British company in London.
While it is a powerful cartridge, it is not widely used, and ammunition can be difficult to find. The cartridge typically uses around 250 grains of powder, in addition to a two-grain igniter charge, which can make it expensive to shoot.
In contrast, the 50 BMG cartridge is widely used and readily available. It was developed in the early 1900s as an anti-aircraft cartridge and has since been used for long-range sniping and target shooting.
As a result, ammunition is produced by many manufacturers, and it is relatively easy to find. The cartridge typically uses around 290 grams of powder, which can also make it expensive to shoot, but the availability of the cartridge means that prices can be competitive.
Table 1 provides a comparison of the cost of ammunition for the two cartridges. The prices are based on the average cost of a box of 20 rounds of ammunition from several online retailers as of the current date.
| Cartridge | Average Cost of 20 Rounds |
|---|---|
| 700 Nitro Express | $1,500 |
| 50 BMG | $200 – $400 |
As the table shows, ammunition for the 700 Nitro Express is significantly more expensive than ammunition for the 50 BMG. This is due to the limited availability of the cartridge and the high cost of production.
Overall, while both cartridges are powerful and effective, the availability and cost of ammunition are important factors to consider when choosing between them. The 50 BMG is widely used and readily available, making it a more practical choice for most shooters.
Rifle Options for 700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG
When it comes to choosing a rifle for long-range shooting, both the 700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG offer impressive options.
Here, Weapon Specialist will explore the three sub-sections that are important to consider when choosing between these two calibers: Caliber Compatibility, Accuracy and Range, and Recoil Management.
Caliber Compatibility
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a rifle is the availability of ammunition. The .50 BMG is a more widely used caliber and has a larger selection of ammunition available.
This makes it easier to find the right round for your shooting needs. On the other hand, the .700 Nitro Express is a less common caliber, and finding ammunition can be more difficult.
Accuracy and Range
Both the .700 Nitro Express and the .50 BMG are capable of impressive accuracy at long ranges. However, the .50 BMG has a reputation for being more accurate due to its higher velocity and flatter trajectory.
The .700 Nitro Express, on the other hand, is designed for taking down large game at closer ranges, and its accuracy and range reflect this.
Recoil Management
Recoil management is an important consideration when choosing a rifle. The .50 BMG has a reputation for being a hard-kicking round, and managing its recoil can be challenging.
The .700 Nitro Express, on the other hand, has even more recoil than the .50 BMG, and is known for being one of the hardest-kicking rounds available.
This makes it a challenging round to shoot, but also adds to its reputation as a powerful and effective hunting round.
Hunting and Shooting Applications of 700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG
Big Game Hunting
The .700 Nitro Express and .50 BMG are both powerful cartridges that can take down big game.
The .700 Nitro Express is a popular choice for hunting dangerous game such as elephants, rhinoceroses, and cape buffalos due to its massive stopping power.
On the other hand, the .50 BMG is often used for long-range shooting and anti-materiel purposes.
While both cartridges are capable of taking down big game, the .700 Nitro Express is generally considered to be the more powerful cartridge.
It has a larger bullet diameter and typically delivers more energy upon impact. However, the .50 BMG’s long-range capabilities make it a popular choice for hunters who need to take down game from a distance.
Long Range Shooting
The .50 BMG is known for its long-range capabilities and is often used for anti-materiel purposes. It has a flatter trajectory than the .700 Nitro Express, making it easier to hit targets at long distances.
The .50 BMG is also capable of penetrating armor and other hard targets at long ranges.
The .700 Nitro Express, on the other hand, is not typically used for long-range shooting. It has a shorter effective range than the .50 BMG and is better suited for close-range encounters with dangerous game.
Military and Law Enforcement
The .50 BMG is a popular cartridge among military and law enforcement agencies due to its anti-materiel capabilities. It is often used to disable vehicles and other equipment from a distance.
The .50 BMG is also capable of penetrating armor and other hard targets, making it a useful cartridge for special operations forces.
The .700 Nitro Express, on the other hand, is not typically used by military or law enforcement agencies. Its massive stopping power is better suited for hunting dangerous game than for use in combat situations.
FAQs about 700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG
Q: What is the difference between the 700 Nitro Express and the .50 BMG?
The 700 Nitro Express and the .50 BMG are both very powerful rifle cartridges, but they have some key differences.
The 700 Nitro Express is a larger and heavier cartridge, with a muzzle energy of up to 15,000 foot-pounds (20,000 J).
The .50 BMG has a muzzle energy of up to 13,000 foot-pounds (17,600 J), but it is a smaller and lighter cartridge.
The 700 Nitro Express is also designed for hunting large game, while the .50 BMG is more versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, including anti-materiel, sniping, and long-range target shooting.
Q: Which cartridge is more powerful?
The 700 Nitro Express is more powerful than the .50 BMG, but the difference is not as great as you might think.
The 700 Nitro Express has a muzzle energy of up to 15,000 foot-pounds (20,000 J), while the .50 BMG has a muzzle energy of up to 13,000 foot-pounds (17,600 J). However, the .50 BMG is a more efficient cartridge, so it retains its energy better over longer distances.
Q: Which cartridge is more accurate?
The .50 BMG is more accurate than the 700 Nitro Express. This is because the .50 BMG is a smaller and lighter cartridge, which makes it easier to control.
The 700 Nitro Express is also a larger and heavier cartridge, which can make it more difficult to hold steady on target.
Q: Which cartridge is more recoil-inducing?
The 700 Nitro Express is more recoil-inducing than the .50 BMG. This is because the 700 Nitro Express is a larger and heavier cartridge, which means that it produces more muzzle energy.
The .50 BMG is also a recoil-inducing cartridge, but it is not as bad as the 700 Nitro Express.
Q: Which cartridge is more expensive?
The 700 Nitro Express is more expensive than the .50 BMG. This is because the 700 Nitro Express is a more specialized cartridge, and it is not as widely available.
The .50 BMG is also a more expensive cartridge, but it is not as expensive as the 700 Nitro Express.
Q: Which cartridge is better for hunting?
The 700 Nitro Express is better for hunting large game, such as elephants, rhinos, and lions. This is because the 700 Nitro Express has more muzzle energy, which means that it can deliver a more powerful blow to the target.
The .50 BMG is also a good cartridge for hunting large game, but it is not as effective as the 700 Nitro Express.
Q: Which cartridge is better for target shooting?
The .50 BMG is better for target shooting than the 700 Nitro Express. This is because the .50 BMG is a more accurate cartridge, and it can be used to shoot at longer distances.
The 700 Nitro Express is also a good cartridge for target shooting, but it is not as accurate as the .50 BMG.
Q: Which cartridge is more versatile?
The .50 BMG is more versatile than the 700 Nitro Express. This is because the .50 BMG can be used for a variety of applications, including anti-materiel, sniping, and long-range target shooting.
The 700 Nitro Express is also a versatile cartridge, but it is not as versatile as the .50 BMG.
Q: Which cartridge is better for me?
The best cartridge for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a cartridge for hunting large game, then the 700 Nitro Express is a good choice.
If you are looking for a cartridge for target shooting, then the .50 BMG is a good choice. If you are looking for a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of applications, then the .50 BMG is a good choice.
Conclusion
When comparing the .700 Nitro Express and the .50 BMG, it is clear that both cartridges have their unique strengths and weaknesses.
The .700 Nitro Express is a big game rifle cartridge designed for taking down mammoth animals like elephants, rhinos, and hippos. On the other hand, the .50 BMG was originally developed for military use but has since gained popularity in long-range shooting and hunting.
In terms of muzzle energy, the .700 Nitro Express can exceed the .50 BMG, with most average .700 Nitro Express rounds producing around 12000 Joules of energy, while the .50 BMG develops a muzzle energy of around 14000 to 18000 Joules in a shot.
However, the .50 BMG has a longer effective range and is more practical for long-range shooting and hunting.
When it comes to cost, the .700 Nitro Express is significantly more expensive than the .50 BMG. A cheap .700 Nitro Express rifle can cost around $10,000, while cheap ammunition can cost around $50 per cartridge.
In comparison, military and police-grade .50 BMG rifles and ammunition are more affordable.
Ultimately, the choice between the 700 Nitro Express vs 50 BMG depends on the intended use. If the shooter is looking to take down big game at close range, the .700 Nitro Express may be the better choice.
However, for long-range shooting and hunting, the .50 BMG is a more practical and cost-effective option.
Sources:
-
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.700_Nitro_Express
-
wiki2.org/en/.460_Weatherby_Magnum
Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by
Hello,
I’m interested in discussing the process of sizing the .700 Nitro case. I’ve come across discussions regarding .700 Nitro Wildcats achieving incredibly high velocities and energies. Personally, I own a .700 Nitro Bolt Action rifle that can easily topple a large steel 50-gun case. I’m curious about harnessing more of that power and translating it into velocity. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this matter.