.500 Jeffery - Ballistics

Ballistics

When the 500 Jeffery was first introduced it was loaded to a velocity of 2,350 feet per second (720 m/s) topped off with a 535 grain bullet generating 6,560 ft·lbf (8,890 J) of muzzle energy, which makes it a pretty good hunting caliber generally where thick skinned dangerous game occurs. Since then reloading capabilities have advanced being able to launch heavier bullets at higher velocities. Now with modern reloads the 500 Jeffery can launch a 600 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity ranging at about 2,450 to 2,500 ft/s (750 to 760 m/s). max. generating 7,995 ft·lbf (10,840 J) to 8,100 ft·lbf (11,000 J) With newer reloads it made the 500 Jeffery the most powerful production cartridge in the world until the introduction of the .460 Weatherby Magnum. With reloads the 460 weatherby can reach levels of power of about 8,300 ft·lbf (11,300 J) of muzzle energy. Also the .600 Nitro Express exceeds the 500 Jeffery in muzzle energy with 120 grains of cordite. No doubt the 500 Jeffery is still a respected caliber all across the world.

History is silent as to the "design concept" behind this caliber. However, it seems safe to assume that it was intended to be just about the most powerful caliber that could be handled by a full size man who had experience shooting heavy rifles. Indeed, the less powerful 505 Gibbs and 500 Nitro Express were considered to be heavier than most men could handle. In light of this, modern, high pressure handloads that drive the muzzle energy to over 7,000, even 8,000-foot (2,400 m) pounds would seem to push this caliber over the top and render it unusable. A 535 grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2300 to 2,400 ft/s (730 m/s) should be more than adequate for any shooting situation.