700 Nitro Express Vs 50 Bmg, When it comes to big game hunting and long-range shooting, two of the most powerful cartridges in, General, 700-nitro-express-vs-50-bmg, Timnesia
When it comes to big game hunting and long-range shooting, two of the most powerful cartridges in the world are the 700 Nitro Express and the 50 BMG. While both are capable of taking down large animals and hitting targets at extreme distances, they have some distinct differences that make them suited for different purposes.
The 700 Nitro Express was developed in the early 20th century for use in British double rifles. It fires a massive .700 caliber bullet weighing up to 1,000 grains at velocities of around 2,000 feet per second. This gives it incredible stopping power and makes it well-suited for taking down the largest game in Africa, such as elephant and Cape buffalo.
However, the 700 Nitro Express is not very practical for long-range shooting. Its heavy bullet has a very low ballistic coefficient, meaning it loses velocity and accuracy quickly over distance. Additionally, the recoil is extremely punishing, often requiring the shooter to use a special recoil pad or muzzle brake to manage it.
On the other hand, the 50 BMG was developed in the early 20th century for use in anti-tank rifles. It fires a .510 caliber bullet weighing around 750 grains at velocities of up to 3,000 feet per second. This gives it tremendous range and accuracy, allowing it to hit targets at distances of over a mile.
While the 50 BMG is not as powerful as the 700 Nitro Express in terms of sheer kinetic energy, it is still capable of taking down large game at shorter distances. Its higher velocity and more aerodynamic bullet give it a flatter trajectory and better accuracy over longer ranges. Additionally, the recoil is more manageable than that of the 700 Nitro Express, making it a more practical choice for long-range shooting.
Overall, the choice between the 700 Nitro Express and the 50 BMG comes down to the intended use. If you are planning a big game hunting trip in Africa and need a cartridge that can take down the largest animals, the 700 Nitro Express is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a cartridge that can hit targets at extreme distances or need a powerful cartridge for anti-material purposes, the 50 BMG is the better choice.