The 500 Nitro Express was developed in the 1890s from existing blackpowder cartridges. There were both 3-inch and 3 1/4-inch versions; the longer case is still encountered in older rifles, but the 500-3" was the most common; today the 500-3" is chambered by most modern double rifle manufacturers, and ammunition is available from multiple sources. Unlike the several similar Nitro Express cartridges between 450 and 476, the 500 Nitro Express represents a notable step up in power, propelling a 570-grain bullet at 2150 fps, yielding 5850 ft-lbs of energy...but at a very modest increase in recoil. The 500-3" Nitro Express is probably the second-most popular of the big-bore Nitro Express cartridges after the 470.
