2 BPE was developed as a black powder round some time before 1879 by necking down the .577 Black Powder Express to .507-inches (12.9 mm)[2] for use in single or double rifles, as well as a variety of Martini-based lever rifles.

2 BPE was a popular cartridge in India for hunting all thin-skinned game up to tigers.

[1] It did not face competition from comparable .450 rounds there in the decades following 1907 due to the ban on British military calibres.

2 BPE was never popular in Africa, not being powerful enough for thick-skinned game such as elephants.

[1] Moderately popular in its day, the round has long since ceased to be offered commercially.