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.600 OK-3( you really don't want to know what velocities this can hit). Kinda like comparing a .38special to a .357 magnum. Since I use the terrible "Belt" for headspacing they are shootable in the same gun!-Rob

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Andr�

I should have clarified in my post that it was restricted to what was available in the normal sporting rifle actions such as CZs, Weatherbys, M70s etc.

Mike

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If you were asked, as I was today, what are the most powerful rifles and calibres, then what would be your basis.

1) Would you include wildcats. If you were to exclude wildcats then where would your cut off point be. For example, would you rate the Lazzeroni calibres as being factor calibres and also the Dakota calibres. My basis for something being a factory calibre and rifle was that there was a wide distrubution system that extended beyond America. So for me that would exclude calibres such as the Dakotas and Lazzeronis.

2) Would you use kinetic energy as the measuring stick?

3) In the case of calibres such as the 505 Gibbs would you rate such calibres on factory listed ballistics or would you rate calibrers such as the 505 on the full ballistics that could be achieved with hand loads.

As a by the way I gave two basic answers to the question. I rated the 460 Weatherby as the most powerful calibre in easily obtained rifles and ammunition. My second answer was the calibres such as the 585 Nyati and 600 OK that basically took the normally available bolt action rifle to the maximum power that could be achieved.

Lastly and in the context of the question would you rate the 378 by with 6000 ft pounds of KE as being more or less powerful than the 416 Remington and 416 Rigby and where would you place the 458 with its 5000 ft pounds.

Mike

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I really like this question! even without the caveat that is restricted to rounds for conventional guns.

1. I think you'd have to include wildcats. But what about LARGER stuff.
2. Unless your discussing projectiles with "Other than KE Properties" I'd say yes.
3 Factory loads only (or designer recomended loads for wildcats). Any boob can load to 70,000 psi or more. Some may even survive the experience.
4. see the photo. you do need to set limits. or someone will bring up Rail guns and "Atomic Betty"
*Left to right: 40mm L70 Bofors, 30mm (A-10), 20mm (F-15), .50 Cal, 30-06
(what can I say, I'm a member of the cartidge of the month club
Next month it'll be a 105mm (as Homer would say) woohoo!