The original .500 design dates back to the 1860’s during the black powder era, but it was the introduction of smokeless propellant during the mid 1880’s that first led to the Nitro-for-Blackpowder loads and afterwards to the true Nitro era with the introduction of the 500 Nitro Express, which is even today considered a popular rifle for African hunting.
Bertrams Australia headstamp
The last specimen was probably factory reloaded to Nitro, as can be seen by the spacing, the “NITRO” was added afterwards
Notice the very prominent ring crimp on the primer
As with the ELEY specimen above, the “NITRO” was added later when converted to NE loading
Norma prototype load from 470 NE case. Loads were tested in South Africa by Norma. Bullets by Ken Stewart and Woodleigh were tested. The tests included a buffalo hunt in Namibia(it’s cheaper than SA) and as a result the loads had to properly headstamped because of international travel regulations.
