The 470 Nitro Express (470 NE), usually attritbuted to Joseph Lang in 1907, is one of several Nitro Express cartridges developed when existing 450-caliber cartridges were banned India and Sudan because of unrest. The 470 NE uses a 3 1/4-inch case based on the 500 Nitro Express case necked down, with a 500-grain bullet of .475-inch diameter at 2150 feet per second generating 5130 foot-pounds of energy. 470 doubles were manufactured by numerous makers; whether it was actually the most popular double rifle cartridge "in the day" is uncertain, but it is unquestionably the most popular cartridge with new double rifles today. All current makers chamber to 470, and more ammunition makers offer it than any of the other big Nitro Express cartridges. As with its former popularity, it is arguable whether it is really the "best," but it is an extremely effective cartridge for buffalo and elephant and without question the most available.
