Which is the most powerful rifle?

Answer:
The most powerful in terms of muzzle energy is probably the .950 JDJ. The rifle weighs 80-120 lbs and even with ports and an 18 lb muzzle break with 4 mercury recoil reducers the gun still has 200+ ft lbs of recoil.

.950 JDJ 3,600 grain 2,200 fps 38,000 ft lbs of energy.


The most powerful shoulder fired cartridge is the 700 Nitro Express with a 20 lb rifle and still 160-200+ ft lbs of recoil.


700 Nitro Express 1,000 grain 2,000-2,600 fps 8,900-15,500 ft lbs of muzzle energy.


The most powerful sporting rifle/cartridge also goes to the 700 Nitro Express.



If you count black powder elephant rifles as sporting cartridges then its the 2 bore with its 1.32 in. muzzle diameter and its low muzzle velocity keeps it virtually painless and yet kicks slightly more than the 700 Nitro express.

S&H 2 bore 3,600 grain 1,500 fps 17,000 ft lbs
First answer by Dr.Q. Last edit by Gd6g7dd821dmj. Contributor trust: 4 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].