What is .470 nitro?

The .470 Nitro Express is a large-bore, dangerous game rifle cartridge.

• History and Purpose: It was developed in 1907 by Joseph Lang of London, primarily for use in British-made double rifles intended for hunting dangerous game animals like elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo. It was designed as a more reliable and potent alternative to earlier black powder cartridges and early cordite-based nitro express cartridges.

• Ballistics: The typical .470 Nitro Express load fires a 500-grain (32 g) bullet at a muzzle velocity of around 2,150 feet per second (660 m/s), generating a muzzle energy of approximately 5,140 foot-pounds (6,970 J). This delivers significant stopping power needed for quick kills on very large and dangerous animals.

• Rifles: The cartridge is almost exclusively chambered in double rifles, known for their reliability and ability to deliver a fast second shot. These rifles are typically very expensive, custom-made firearms.

• Recoil: Recoil is substantial, requiring considerable experience and proper technique to manage effectively. Due to recoil, most rifles of this caliber weigh over 10 lbs.

• Continuing Popularity: The .470 Nitro Express remains a popular choice among professional hunters and sportsmen pursuing dangerous game in Africa and Asia. It is considered a highly effective and reliable cartridge when used within its intended range (typically under 100 yards).