Big game hunting has long been a pursuit that combines skill, precision, and the appropriate equipment. You start with which rifle is the best? You look at sources like HuntingMark. Then your questions move on to specific equipment, like should you use red dot sight for AR.
The choice of rifle cartridge is among the most critical components of a successful hunt. Certain cartridges stand out for those targeting the largest and most formidable game animals for their power, accuracy, and ability to deliver a clean, humane kill.
Here, we explore the nine largest big game rifle cartridges, looking into their history, characteristics, and what makes each one uniquely suited for big game hunting.
1. .700 Nitro Express
History and Development
The .700 Nitro Express is a British-developed cartridge that first appeared in the early 1980s. Jim Bell and William Feldstein designed it with the goal of creating the most powerful sporting cartridge available. John Rigby & Company, a renowned British firearms manufacturer, helped bring this behemoth to market.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .700 inches
- Case Length: 3.5 inches
- Overall Length: 4.2 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,000 feet per second (fps) with a 1,000-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Over 8,900 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .700 Nitro Express is one of the most potent cartridges ever created, suitable for the largest and most dangerous game, including African elephants and Cape buffalo. Its immense stopping power ensures that even the most formidable animals can be brought down with a single well-placed shot.
2. .600 Nitro Express
History and Development
The .600 Nitro Express was introduced in 1903 by the British firm W.J. Jeffery & Co. Due to its effectiveness against large and dangerous game, it quickly became a favorite among big game hunters, particularly in Africa and India.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .620 inches
- Case Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 3.75 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,050 fps with a 900-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 8,300 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .600 Nitro Express is renowned for its devastating impact and reliability in the field. It is ideal for hunting the largest land animals, giving hunters the confidence that they can deliver a fatal shot even under challenging conditions.
3. .585 Nyati
History and Development
The .585 Nyati was developed in the 1980s by an American gun writer and hunter, Ross Seyfried. “Nyati” means “Cape buffalo” in Swahili, reflecting the cartridge’s intended use against large and dangerous game.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .585 inches
- Case Length: 2.8 inches
- Overall Length: 3.5 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,500 fps with a 750-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Over 10,000 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .585 Nyati is known for its extreme power and penetration, making it suitable for hunting the toughest animals, including rhinos and large bears. Its high energy and deep penetration ensure it can reach vital organs even through thick skin and muscle.
4. .577 Tyrannosaur
History and Development
The .577 Tyrannosaur, also known as the .577 T-Rex, was introduced by A-Square in 1993. It was designed specifically for stopping power in dangerous game situations, providing a reliable solution for professional hunters and guides.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .585 inches
- Case Length: 3.3 inches
- Overall Length: 3.9 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,460 fps with a 750-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 10,180 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .577 Tyrannosaur is built for the most extreme hunting scenarios. Its immense recoil and power require an experienced shooter, but its performance against the largest game is unmatched. This cartridge is ideal for the most dangerous hunts where immediate stopping power is crucial.
5. .500 Nitro Express
History and Development
The .500 Nitro Express was developed by several British firearms manufacturers in the late 19th century. It was originally a black powder cartridge but later transitioned to smokeless powder, gaining popularity among big game hunters.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .510 inches
- Case Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 3.75 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,150 fps with a 570-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 5,800 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .500 Nitro Express is a classic choice for hunting dangerous game. Its balance of power, recoil, and accuracy make it a versatile option for hunters targeting a variety of large animals, from African buffalo to lions.
6. .505 Gibbs
History and Development
The .505 Gibbs was developed by George Gibbs of Bristol, England, in 1911. It was designed to be a powerful cartridge for use in bolt-action rifles, suitable for hunting the largest game animals in Africa.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .505 inches
- Case Length: 3.15 inches
- Overall Length: 3.85 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,300 fps with a 525-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 6,200 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .505 Gibbs is highly regarded for its reliability and stopping power. Its design allows for smooth feeding in bolt-action rifles, making it a preferred choice for hunters who need both power and precision.
7. .458 Lott
History and Development
Jack Lott developed the .458 Lott in the 1970s as an improvement over the .458 Winchester Magnum. Lott sought a more powerful cartridge that could reliably take down the largest and most dangerous game animals.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .458 inches
- Case Length: 2.8 inches
- Overall Length: 3.6 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,300 fps with a 500-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 5,900 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .458 Lott is known for its versatility and effectiveness in various hunting scenarios. It is particularly favored for African safari hunts, where its power and reliability make it suitable for taking down species such as elephants, buffalo, and hippos.
8. .416 Rigby
History and Development
The .416 Rigby was introduced in 1911 by John Rigby & Company. It was designed for use in magazine-fed rifles and quickly gained a reputation for its power and accuracy.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .416 inches
- Case Length: 2.9 inches
- Overall Length: 3.75 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,400 fps with a 400-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 5,000 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .416 Rigby is a classic African hunting cartridge praised for its ability to deliver powerful and accurate shots. Its manageable recoil and high energy make it a favorite among professional hunters for taking down large and dangerous game.
9. .375 H&H Magnum
History and Development
The .375 Holland & Holland (H&H) Magnum was introduced in 1912 by the British company Holland & Holland. It has become one of the most versatile and widely used big game cartridges in the world.
Characteristics
- Bullet Diameter: .375 inches
- Case Length: 2.85 inches
- Overall Length: 3.6 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,700 fps with a 300-grain bullet
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 4,900 foot-pounds
Suitability for Big Game Hunting
The .375 H&H Magnum is renowned for its versatility and effectiveness on a wide range of game animals. It is powerful enough for dangerous game like buffalo and lion, yet versatile enough for use on smaller plains game. Its moderate recoil and excellent ballistic performance have made it a staple among big game hunters worldwide.
Enhancing Your Big Game Hunting Experience with Red Dot Sights for AR-15
While traditional big game hunting often involves powerful, large-caliber cartridges, modern hunting practices have also embraced the benefits of advanced optics and sighting systems. One such innovation is the use of red dot sights for AR-15 rifles, which are highly popular in tactical shooting but also offer significant advantages for hunting.
For hunters who prefer using an AR-15 platform, incorporating a red dot sight can greatly enhance their shooting performance, making it easier to take down medium-sized game with precision. By integrating modern technology like red dot sights, hunters can improve their accuracy and confidence, leading to more successful and ethical hunts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cartridge for big game hunting is crucial for ensuring a successful and ethical hunt. The cartridges listed above represent some of the most powerful and reliable options available, each with its own strengths and historical significance.
From the legendary .700 Nitro Express to the versatile .375 H&H Magnum, these cartridges have proven themselves in the field, offering hunters the confidence they need to take on the largest and most formidable game animals.
Whether you are an experienced hunter or new to the sport, understanding the capabilities and characteristics of these cartridges can help you make an informed decision and enhance your hunting experience.