Tom Leoni
AH fanatic
All - I'm debating the purchase of a lovely .500 NE falling block.
I'm sufficiently familiar with cartridge history and handloading to know that the same case can also be used with the older BPE or Nitro-for-Black load, typically a 440gr bullet traveling somewhere just under 2,000 fps. And because it's a single shot, I don't have to worry as much about point of impact, since the sights are adjustable. Also, I see that handloading the .500 is surprisingly less expensive than doing so for other large-bore nitro express cartridges.
Does any of you have experience (or thoughts)? I envision such rifle to be quite a versatile number--perfect for dangerous game when loaded as a .500 NE and more than satisfactory for other game at moderate distances with the Nitro-for-Black load. Can anyone reinforce this opinion or mine--or burst my bubble?
Should I pull the trigger (so to speak) on this rifle?
I'm sufficiently familiar with cartridge history and handloading to know that the same case can also be used with the older BPE or Nitro-for-Black load, typically a 440gr bullet traveling somewhere just under 2,000 fps. And because it's a single shot, I don't have to worry as much about point of impact, since the sights are adjustable. Also, I see that handloading the .500 is surprisingly less expensive than doing so for other large-bore nitro express cartridges.
Does any of you have experience (or thoughts)? I envision such rifle to be quite a versatile number--perfect for dangerous game when loaded as a .500 NE and more than satisfactory for other game at moderate distances with the Nitro-for-Black load. Can anyone reinforce this opinion or mine--or burst my bubble?
Should I pull the trigger (so to speak) on this rifle?