The most powerful commercial rifle cartridge ever produced. A 1,000-grain bullet at 2,000 fps generating nearly 9,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — more than twice the .458 Winchester Magnum. Only 14 rifles were ever made. Pure collector and statement piece.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1988, United Kingdom
Parent case: None
Standardization: CIP
Bullet diameter: 0.7" (17.78 mm)
Case length: 3.5" (88.9 mm)
Overall length: 4.5" (114.3 mm)
Max pressure: 42,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle Magnum
Typical twist rate: 1:22
Muzzle velocity: 2000–2000 fps
Muzzle energy: 8900–8900 ft-lbs
Effective range: 75 yd
Common bullet weights: 1000 gr
Primary use: Hunting
Production status: Limited
Also known as: .700 NE · 700 Nitro · 17.8x89mmR
History: The .700 NE was commissioned in 1988 by American hunters Jim Bell and William Feldstein, who approached Holland & Holland requesting the most powerful sporting rifle that could be made. H&H obliged. The cartridge fires a 1,000-grain bullet — heavier than many .50 BMG projectiles — at 2,000 fps from a double rifle weighing approximately 19 pounds. Holland & Holland made the first rifles; a small…
Notable firearms: Holland & Holland .700 NE Double Rifle (14 made)
Similar cartridges: .600 Nitro Express, .505 Gibbs, .500 Nitro Express