Massive British dangerous game cartridge. Among the most powerful sporting cartridges ever made. For the most dangerous situations in thick bush.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1911, United Kingdom
Parent case: None
Standardization: Proprietary
Bullet diameter: 0.505" (12.83 mm)
Case length: 2.76" (70.1 mm)
Overall length: 3.75" (95.25 mm)
Max pressure: 42,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle Magnum
Typical twist rate: 1:16
Muzzle velocity: 2150–2300 fps
Muzzle energy: 5400–6200 ft-lbs
Effective range: 200 yd
Common bullet weights: 525, 570, 600 gr
Primary use: Hunting
Production status: Limited
Also known as: .505 Magnum Rimless · 12.7x70mm
History: Introduced in 1911 by British gunmaker George Gibbs as the ultimate stopping rifle for dangerous game. Designed for close-range encounters with elephant, rhino, and buffalo in thick bush. The huge 500-600 grain bullets at moderate velocity provide incredible penetration and shocking power. Extremely limited production and use even in its heyday. True collector's cartridge today.
Notable firearms: Gibbs bolt rifles, Custom Mauser actions, Modern Heym rifles
Similar cartridges: .500 Jeffery, .500 A-Square, .460 Weatherby