The .700 caliber Nitro Express is considered one of the most powerful and impressive cartridges ever developed. Originally designed for big game hunting in Africa, it has earned a reputation as the ultimate cartridge for those looking for maximum penetration and tremendous stopping power. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the .700 Nitro Express caliber and analyze its characteristics in detail.

History of its development

The .700 Nitro Express caliber was developed in the 1980s by the Holland & Holland company. It is based on an enlarged case size of the .600 Nitro Express and was designed specifically for hunting Africa's most dangerous game animals, such as elephants and rhinos. It was designed from the beginning to provide extremely high penetration and stopping power.

Ballistic properties and performance

The .700 Nitro Express caliber is known for its impressive ballistic performance. With bullets weighing up to 1,000 grains (about 65 grams), it achieves velocities of about 2,000 feet per second (about 610 meters per second) and generates tremendous muzzle energy. This immense power allows for exceptional penetration and instant stopping power on big game.

The .700 Nitro Express caliber also features impressive shooting accuracy. Although it is designed for close range, experienced shooters with a suitable rifle and proper shooting technique can make accurate shots at medium distances. It is important to note that due to the high recoil, solid handling and proper training are required.

Applications

The .700 Nitro Express caliber is primarily intended for hunting African big game such as elephant, buffalo and rhino. Due to its tremendous penetrating power and stopping power, it is capable of effectively taking down these massive animals. It is used by professional hunters and experienced game wardens who work in dangerous situations.

In addition, the .700 Nitro Express caliber is also used in some cases for sport shooting. Due to its extreme performance, it can be used for long-range shooting and special shooting competitions that aim for maximum penetration.

Recoil and handling

Due to its immense power, the .700 Nitro Express caliber produces extremely strong recoil. It requires a rugged rifle specifically designed for this caliber to absorb the recoil and allow the shooter to shoot in a controlled manner. Rifles built for the .700 Nitro Express caliber often feature special recoil dampening systems and a rugged stock to reduce recoil and improve comfort while shooting.

Handling the .700 Nitro Express caliber requires experienced shooters with a solid shooting technique. Proper training, including practicing the correct stop and a stable stance, is essential to maintaining control of the rifle and firing accurate shots.

Popular rifles and manufacturers

The .700 caliber Nitro Express is offered by a number of well-known manufacturers, including Holland & Holland, Rigby, Heym and Krieghoff. These companies are known for their high-quality, custom rifles designed specifically for use with this impressive caliber.

At a glance

The .700 Nitro Express caliber is undoubtedly one of the most powerful cartridges ever developed. It is a choice for hunters looking for absolute penetration and stopping power, especially when hunting African big game. With impressive ballistic performance and instant stopping power, it offers an effective solution for hunting in dangerous situations. However, the handling and recoil of this caliber require experienced shooters and proper equipment. A symbol of strength and precision, the .700 Nitro Express caliber remains a legend in the world of big game hunting.