Quick Facts
| Manufacturer | Bertram |
| Cartridge | .500 Nitro Express 3 inch |
| Product | New, unprimed brass cartridge cases |
| Case type | Rimmed, straight |
| Primary role | Heavy dangerous-game cartridge for double and single-shot rifles |
| Compatibility status | Historic British cartridge; verify the complete 3-inch chamber designation and rifle regulation |
| Country of manufacture | Australia |
| U.S. distributor | Desert Tech Munitions |
Important: This listing is for new, unprimed brass cartridge cases only. It is not loaded ammunition and contains no primer, powder, or projectile.
Why Choose Bertram .500 Nitro Express 3 inch?
- New-production component for a rare or specialized cartridge
- Correctly headstamped for identification and load-record management
- Manufactured by Bertram in Australia
- Imported and supported in the United States by Desert Tech Munitions
Cartridge Overview
The .500 Nitro Express 3-inch is a classic British large-bore cartridge developed for powerful double rifles and certain single-shot sporting rifles. It became associated with close-range dangerous-game hunting and remains an important chambering among collectors, professional hunters, and owners of bespoke British rifles.
Rifles and Platforms
- Historic British double rifles chambered and regulated for .500 Nitro Express 3 inch
- Modern bespoke double rifles built for the exact cartridge
- Single-shot rifles specifically chambered and proofed for .500 Nitro Express 3 inch
Compatibility warning: Historic British cartridge; verify the complete 3-inch chamber designation and rifle regulation. Similar names, shared caliber, or external resemblance do not establish interchangeability.
Legacy & Context
The .500 Nitro Express occupies the space between the widely used .470 Nitro Express and the larger .577 Nitro Express. Its reputation rests on heavy-projectile performance from substantial but still portable double rifles.
Did You Know?
The case-length designation matters. A rifle marked for the 3-inch cartridge should be matched to 3-inch brass rather than selected by caliber name alone.
Product and Reference Specifications
| Manufacturer | Bertram |
| Condition | New |
| Product form | New, unprimed brass cartridge cases |
| Material | Cartridge brass |
| Case type | Rimmed, straight |
| Compatibility note | Historic British cartridge; verify the complete 3-inch chamber designation and rifle regulation |
| Country of manufacture | Australia |
| U.S. distributor | Desert Tech Munitions |
Case Preparation Before Loading
- Inspect every case before use
- Check the case mouth, body, head, and flash-hole area
- Measure and prepare the case as appropriate for the chamber and loading tools
- Use authoritative published guidance or the rifle builder's specifications for the exact cartridge
Loading note: This page does not provide loading data. Match all components and procedures to the exact firearm, chamber, and authoritative technical guidance.
Availability & Production
Bertram manufactures many rare and specialized cases in scheduled production runs. Desert Tech Munitions maintains U.S. inventory when available and supports qualified dealer and OEM buyers.
Why Buy from Desert Tech Munitions?
- Authorized U.S. Bertram distributor
- U.S. inventory and domestic fulfillment when available
- Direct working relationship with Bertram
- Knowledgeable support for rare and specialized cartridge components
- Dealer and OEM programs for qualified buyers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this loaded ammunition?
No. This listing is for new, unprimed brass cartridge cases only.
Will it fit a firearm with a similar cartridge name?
Not necessarily. Verify the complete chamber designation and the individual firearm before ordering.
Should new cases be sized or inspected before loading?
Yes. Inspect every case and perform the preparation appropriate to the chamber, dies, projectile, and loading process.
Why is this product sometimes difficult to find?
Demand is specialized, so Bertram generally manufactures it in scheduled batches rather than continuously.
Safari & Dangerous Game Collection
Select any cartridge below to view its brass, pricing, and availability.