Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
.242 Rimless Nitro Express
.242 Rimless Nitro Express is a rimless bottlenecked rifle cartridge of United Kingdom origin.
- Caliber
- 0.253″ · 6.426 mm
- Introduced
- 1923
- Case
- Rimless
- Primary use
- Hunting
- Status
- Discontinued
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1923
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Inventor
- Kynoch
- Manufacturer
- Kynoch
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Rare
- Case capacity
- 50.7 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:8
- Primer
- .217/54
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 40,000 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 300 yd
- Max range
- 1500 yd
- Recoil
- 7.2 ft·lb
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for .242 Rimless Nitro Express, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.
Open in Ballistic Compare- Parent case
- —
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
Wikipedia · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 6.43 | 0.253 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 7.14 | 0.281 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 10.29 | 0.405 | · |
| Shoulder angle | 14.3° | — | |
| Base ⌀ | 11.81 | 0.465 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 11.81 | 0.465 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.28 | 0.050 | |
| Neck length | 6.64 | 0.261 | |
| Case length | 60.45 | 2.380 | · |
| Overall length | 81.28 | 3.200 | · |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .242 Rimless Nitro Express is highlighted below.
Missing a dimension for .242 Rimless Nitro Express? Some case measurements aren't in a published SAAMI/CIP drawing yet. Have a factory or reamer print? Send it → — verified hard-to-find data earns a free Lindcott sticker.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Connected reference
History
Introduced around 1923 by Kynoch.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .242 Rimless Nitro Express use?
- .242 Rimless Nitro Express typically uses a 1:8 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .242 Rimless Nitro Express?
- .242 Rimless Nitro Express uses a 0.253″ (6.426 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .242 Rimless Nitro Express still in production?
- .242 Rimless Nitro Express is discontinued; typical availability is rare.
- What is .242 Rimless Nitro Express used for?
- .242 Rimless Nitro Express is primarily used for hunting.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
