First Impressions of Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum 440 Grain Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition HT500SW440HC/12 $3.21 Off
The Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum 440 Grain Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition HT500SW440HC/12 $3.21 Off is not for the faint of heart. This ammunition is designed for serious handgun hunters pursuing large and dangerous game. Cor Bon has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance ammunition, and this .500 S&W Magnum offering promises bone-crushing power and deep penetration.
I needed an ammunition solution for hunting feral hogs in dense brush where stopping power is paramount. My previous experiences with standard hunting rounds in smaller calibers often resulted in hogs running off, even with well-placed shots. I was seeking a round that could deliver maximum energy transfer and ensure ethical, quick kills.
The first impression upon receiving the box was the sheer size of the cartridges. These rounds are massive, dwarfing even typical magnum pistol ammunition. The brass casing gleams, and the jacketed hollow point design looks incredibly menacing. I felt a surge of confidence knowing I had a serious tool for the job.
I considered Buffalo Bore’s .500 S&W Magnum offerings and Underwood Ammo’s hard cast loads. I chose the Cor Bon ammunition due to its balance of jacketed hollow point design for expansion and the hard cast core for deep penetration, a combination I felt was ideal for hogs. This round seemed to offer a perfect blend of controlled expansion and reliable penetration.
My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of respect. This ammunition is clearly not a toy, but a professional-grade tool for a specific purpose. The weight and size of the rounds underscored their intended use, leaving me eager to test their performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum 440 Grain Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition HT500SW440HC/12 $3.21 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cor Bon ammunition at a private hunting ranch in central Texas known for its dense brush and large feral hog population. The conditions were hot and humid, typical for the area. I was using a Smith & Wesson Model 500 revolver with an 8.38-inch barrel.
The recoil was substantial, as expected from a .500 S&W Magnum. However, it was manageable with a firm grip and proper technique. The ammunition fed reliably and extracted cleanly.
During my first hunt, I encountered a large boar weighing approximately 300 pounds at about 50 yards. The Cor Bon round dropped him in his tracks with a single shot through the shoulder. There were no issues with performance during this initial use, and the terminal performance on the hog was impressive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use across three different hunting trips, the Cor Bon ammunition has proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. I’ve fired approximately 40 rounds in total. I observed no failures to feed or extract and no signs of excessive pressure.
The brass casings show no signs of deformation after firing, and the primers remain intact. The ammunition has been stored in a cool, dry environment. No signs of degradation or corrosion are evident.
Compared to other hunting ammunition I’ve used, the Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum is in a league of its own regarding stopping power. I’ve previously used .44 Magnum rounds and have found the Cor Bon to provide a noticeable increase in effectiveness on larger game. The confidence this ammunition inspires in a hunting scenario is unparalleled.
Breaking Down the Features of Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum 440 Grain Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition HT500SW440HC/12 $3.21 Off
Specifications
- Caliber: .500 S&W Magnum. This large caliber delivers immense energy and is designed for taking down large and dangerous game.
- Bullet Weight: 440 grain. This heavy bullet weight ensures deep penetration and maximum energy transfer upon impact.
- Bullet Type: Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP). The jacketed hollow point design promotes expansion while the hard cast core ensures deep penetration.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass casings are reliable, reloadable, and offer excellent corrosion resistance.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1625 ft/s. This high velocity contributes to a flat trajectory and significant impact energy.
- Muzzle Energy: 2580 ft-lbs. This extremely high muzzle energy ensures the round has enough power to quickly stop large game.
- Application: Hunting. This ammunition is specifically designed for hunting large and dangerous game.
- Number of Rounds: 12. The ammunition is packaged in boxes of 12 rounds.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are known for their reliability and consistent ignition.
- Lead Free: No. This ammunition contains lead.
These specifications matter because they directly contribute to the ammunition’s performance on large game. The high velocity and energy combined with the bullet design create a devastatingly effective hunting round. The quality of the components, from the brass casing to the primer, ensures reliable performance in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum ammunition performs exceptionally well in its intended role: taking down large game quickly and ethically. Accuracy is excellent. I am able to consistently achieve groupings of 2-3 inches at 50 yards with my S&W Model 500.
The ammunition’s strength lies in its stopping power. It consistently delivers rapid and decisive kills on feral hogs. One weakness is its extreme recoil, which can be challenging for inexperienced shooters.
This ammunition exceeds expectations for hunting large game. It is a significant step up in performance compared to smaller magnum calibers. The knockdown power and reliable expansion of this round are truly impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The brass casings are clean and well-formed. The bullets are consistently seated, and the overall build quality is excellent. The ammunition’s weight is noticeable, a testament to the power it contains.
There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition, provided you are familiar with handling high-powered revolvers. The brass casing design ensures smooth feeding and extraction. Safety precautions for handling high-powered ammunition apply.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition itself is designed for single use. The brass casings can be reloaded, extending the life of the components. The ammunition, when stored properly, should last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal. Clean and inspect the firearm after each use, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will ensure the ammunition remains in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories are included with the ammunition itself. However, this ammunition is best paired with a high-quality revolver chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 500. Aftermarket grips can improve comfort and recoil management.
This ammunition is designed to function optimally with firearms chambered in .500 S&W Magnum. There are no specific customization options for the ammunition itself, beyond reloading the brass casings with different powder or bullet combinations.
Pros and Cons of Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum 440 Grain Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition HT500SW440HC/12 $3.21 Off
Pros
- Exceptional Stopping Power: Provides rapid and ethical kills on large game.
- Reliable Performance: Consistent feeding, extraction, and ignition.
- Excellent Accuracy: Capable of tight groupings at reasonable hunting ranges.
- High-Quality Components: Brass casings, reliable primers, and well-designed bullet.
- Versatile Hunting Ammunition: Suitable for a variety of large game animals.
Cons
- Extreme Recoil: Can be challenging for inexperienced shooters.
- Relatively Expensive: Compared to other hunting ammunition.
Who Should Buy Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum 440 Grain Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition HT500SW440HC/12 $3.21 Off?
This ammunition is perfect for experienced handgun hunters pursuing large and dangerous game, such as feral hogs, bears, or elk. It is also ideal for those who prioritize stopping power and ethical kills.
This ammunition is not suitable for inexperienced shooters due to the extreme recoil. It is also not recommended for target shooting or plinking due to its high cost. Those who are sensitive to recoil should also avoid this ammunition.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality .500 S&W Magnum revolver, a comfortable and secure holster, and hearing protection. Aftermarket grips can also improve comfort and recoil management.
Conclusion on Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum 440 Grain Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition HT500SW440HC/12 $3.21 Off
The Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum 440 Grain Hard Cast Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition HT500SW440HC/12 $3.21 Off is a premium hunting round designed for those who demand maximum stopping power. While the recoil is significant, the performance on large game is undeniable.
The price is justified for serious hunters who need a reliable and effective round for ethical kills. This ammunition represents a significant investment in performance and peace of mind.
I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to experienced handgun hunters seeking the ultimate in stopping power. If you are pursuing large or dangerous game, the Cor Bon .500 S&W Magnum is a worthy investment that will provide the confidence and performance you need. Equip yourself with the best, and make every shot count!