The largest practical hunting cartridge. A 900-grain bullet approaching 2,000 fps — used when stopping power is the only consideration and the animal can kill you.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1903, United Kingdom
Parent case: None
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.62" (15.75 mm)
Case length: 3" (76.2 mm)
Overall length: 3.81" (96.77 mm)
Max pressure: 36,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle Magnum
Typical twist rate: 1:26
Muzzle velocity: 1850–2050 fps
Muzzle energy: 6852–8398 ft-lbs
Effective range: 75 yd
Common bullet weights: 900 gr
Primary use: Dangerous Game
Production status: Active
Also known as: .600 NE · .600 N.E.
History: W.J. Jeffery introduced it in 1903 as the ultimate dangerous game cartridge. Recoil is approximately equivalent to firing twelve 12-gauge shotgun shells simultaneously. Professional hunters used it for rogue elephant control — animals that had become threats to villages. Production is extremely limited; a .600 NE double rifle typically costs $100,000-$300,000.
Notable firearms: Jeffery Double, H&H Double, Heym Express Double
Similar cartridges: .577 Nitro Express, .700 Nitro Express