The world's most popular African double rifle cartridge. Chambered in more big-bore double rifles than any other cartridge, by any measure.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1907, United Kingdom
Parent case: None
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.474" (12.04 mm)
Case length: 3.25" (82.55 mm)
Overall length: 3.98" (101.09 mm)
Max pressure: 37,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle Magnum
Typical twist rate: 1:21
Muzzle velocity: 2100–2200 fps
Muzzle energy: 4896–5373 ft-lbs
Effective range: 100 yd
Common bullet weights: 500 gr
Primary use: Dangerous Game
Production status: Active
Also known as: .470 NE · .470 N.E.
History: Introduced in 1907 following a British government ban on .450 cartridges in Sudan and India (political, not ballistic reasons). The .470 was designed to replace the .450 NE with identical ballistics in a different bore diameter. Makers including Holland & Holland, Purdey, Westley Richards, and Joseph Lang all chambered for it. It became the undisputed king of African safari cartridges.
Notable firearms: H&H Royal Double, Purdey Double, Westley Richards Double, Krieghoff Classic Double
Similar cartridges: .450 Nitro Express, .500 Nitro Express, .416 Rigby