Express (weaponry)

With the widespread adoption of small bore, high velocity rifle cartridges, the meaning of express has shifted in modern usage, and refers to high velocity, large bore rifles and ammunition, typically used for hunting large or dangerous game at close range.

This meant that a given bore size must fire a given weight of projectile, which put significant limits on the external and terminal ballistics of the gun.

These bullets were made of soft lead, and even in solid form they expanded readily and provided great killing power.

William Greener, for example, splits British sporting rifles at the turn of the 20th century into four classes:[2] Since then, express has gradually changed to denote a large bore diameter combined with high velocity.

The large, usually white bead is easily seen in low light and the shallow "V" notch provides an unobstructed view of the surrounding area.

This is partially due to their black powder roots, but the low pressure cases are also more reliable under extreme conditions, such as found in African hunting.

The side-by-side double rifle was among the earliest and most popular, but by the early 20th century the bolt action began to replace it.

If the hunter were using a bolt-action rifle, he would have to work the bolt, taking additional time and possibly affecting accuracy.

1 Tropical, are more compact than bolt-action rifles, but while they usually weigh less, the reduced weight tends to increase the felt recoil.

Drawings from 1870 of a hollow point express rifle bullet before firing (1, 2) and after recovery from the game animal (3, 4, 5). The hollow point made the express bullet lighter, faster, and disabled thin-skinned animals more quickly than a solid bullet, at the expense of penetration power and bullet sturdiness. [ 1 ]