In 1969 I designed a cartridge, the .505 SRE, with the purpose in mind of duplicating .505 Gibbs ballistics in a cartridge useable in a standard length action. I succeeded in my purpose, but then decided that I liked .500 NE performance better, and duplicated that, too.

I had a rifle built around the cartridge, loaded it at first with my ancient Belding & Mull loading tool, then had RCBS dies, including case forming dies, made, tested it thoroughly and then took it to Africa, where I killed elephant, rhino and buffalo with it.

I never publicized the cartridge, and as a result several other cartridges with identical dimensions have appeared on the scene, but I have the satisfaction of having been there first. Like my friend John Buhmiller, who originated the cartridge which became known as the .460 Weatherby, I was happy to let others claim the credit, since I and my friends knew better. The satisfaction of bringing the project to fruition was all I ever wanted.