Hornady's offering in .450-400 Nitro Express is tailored for the serious dangerous game hunter. Loaded with a 400-grain DGX Bonded bullet, this ammunition strikes a balance between the heavy-for-caliber bullets favored for elephant hunting and lighter, faster options. The DGX Bonded construction ensures the bullet holds together under the extreme pressures of impact with tough hide, muscle, and bone. At the muzzle, this load generates 3736 ft-lbs of energy, providing the stopping power needed for the largest game animals. While primarily designed for dangerous game, this versatile load is also suitable for other large, heavy-boned animals where deep penetration is required.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
| Caliber | .450-400 Nitro Express |
| Bullet Weight | 400 grain |
| Bullet Type | DGX Bonded |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2050 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 3732 ft lbs |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Application | Hunting, Dangerous Game |
Key Features:
The Hornady 82432 Dangerous Game DGX Bonded 400 Grain .450-400 Nitro Express offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense and hunting applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Bullet Weight | 400 grain Heavy bullet weight for maximum stopping power on large and dangerous game |
| Bullet Type | DGX Bonded Specially designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2050 fps High velocity for flat trajectory and increased energy transfer |
| Muzzle Energy | 3732 ft lbs Tremendous knockdown power for large and dangerous game |
| Case Material | Brass Durable brass cases for reliable feeding and extraction |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Big Game Hunting: Ideal for hunting large and dangerous game such as elephant, cape buffalo, and rhinoceros in Africa or other big game worldwide.
- Dangerous Game Defense: Provides the necessary stopping power for professional hunters and guides in dangerous game territory.
- Safari Hunting: Perfect for safari hunts where encountering large, potentially dangerous animals is expected.
- Collector's Item: Appeals to firearms enthusiasts and collectors interested in classic, powerful cartridges.
- Long-Range Shooting: Suitable for long-range shooting applications where power and accuracy at extended distances are required.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ Exceptional Stopping Power: 400 grain bullet weight provides tremendous energy transfer.
- ✔ High Velocity: 2050 fps muzzle velocity ensures flat trajectory and deep penetration.
- ✔ DGX Bonded Technology: Bonded core construction promotes weight retention and controlled expansion.
- ✔ Versatile for Large Game: Ideal for hunting dangerous African game and large North American species.
- ✔ Premium Components: Brass cases and match-grade bullets ensure consistent performance and accuracy.
Cons
- ✘ Significant Recoil: The heavy bullet and high velocity result in substantial felt recoil.
- ✘ Limited Availability: Specialized caliber may not be widely stocked by all retailers.
- ✘ Cost: Premium dangerous game ammunition typically comes at a higher price point due to its specialized design and manufacturing processes.
- ✘ Firearm Compatibility: Requires a rifle chambered specifically for .450-400 Nitro Express, limiting options.
About Hornady:
Hornady, founded in 1949 by Joyce Hornady, is a renowned American manufacturer of ammunition and reloading tools. Headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska, Hornady has established itself as a leader in the ammunition industry, particularly known for its innovative bullet designs. The company's commitment to quality and performance is evident in products like their Dangerous Game series, which includes the .450-400 Nitro Express ammunition. Hornady's manufacturing facilities in the United States employ state-of-the-art technology to produce high-quality ammunition for various applications, including hunting, self-defense, and competitive shooting. The company is known for its proprietary technologies such as the DGX (Dangerous Game eXpanding) Bonded bullet, designed specifically for large and dangerous game hunting. Hornady's dedication to research and development has resulted in numerous patented designs and has earned them a reputation for producing some of the most accurate and reliable ammunition in the industry.
