What Makes Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip Stand Out?
The Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip ammunition is designed for hunters seeking maximum stopping power in a straight-walled cartridge. This round, manufactured by Hornady, combines accuracy, controlled expansion, and deep penetration, making it ideal for big game hunting in areas with cartridge restrictions. Its Flex Tip bullet design allows for reliable feeding in modern sporting rifles and enhances ballistic performance compared to traditional flat-nosed bullets.
My journey to this specific ammunition stemmed from a frustrating deer season where my standard .45-70 loads, while powerful, proved less accurate at longer ranges than I desired. I needed a round that could deliver consistent precision and terminal performance on whitetail and the occasional black bear in thick Pennsylvania woods. The Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster promised to be the solution, offering a flatter trajectory and greater accuracy in my AR-15 platform.
Unboxing the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the cartridges. The bright, polished brass and the distinctive red polymer tip of the Flex Tip bullets exuded a sense of precision and reliability. The rounds felt substantial, hinting at the power they packed.
Compared to other .450 Bushmaster rounds I’ve considered, like Winchester’s offerings with similar grain weights, the Hornady stood out because of its established reputation for consistent quality and accuracy, something I’ve valued over the years with other Hornady products. I also considered Federal Fusion, but ultimately the Flex Tip design of the Hornady and Hornady’s overall ballistic performance data swayed me. This made it a no brainer for me.
My initial reaction was excitement, coupled with a healthy dose of anticipation. The promise of improved accuracy and terminal performance in a cartridge designed for modern sporting rifles was incredibly appealing. I couldn’t wait to get to the range and see if the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip was at my local shooting range, where I typically zero my hunting rifles. I tested the ammunition in my AR-15 chambered in .450 Bushmaster, using a 100-yard range to gauge its accuracy and consistency. The weather was clear and mild, ideal conditions for sighting in a new load.
The ammunition performed exceptionally well. I was able to achieve sub-MOA groups after making minor adjustments to my scope. The recoil was manageable, especially compared to some heavier .45-70 loads I’ve shot in the past.
I encountered no issues during my first range session. All rounds fed smoothly and ejected cleanly, and the primers showed no signs of excessive pressure. The accuracy and manageable recoil immediately made me feel confident in the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip‘s performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a whitetail hunt, the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip has proven to be incredibly reliable. The ammunition continues to deliver consistent accuracy, with tight groupings at both 100 and 200 yards. I have experienced zero malfunctions, failures to feed, or other issues related to the ammunition.
Durability hasn’t been a concern, as ammunition doesn’t typically show wear and tear unless stored improperly. I’ve kept the cartridges in their original packaging, stored in a cool, dry place, and they remain in perfect condition.
Maintenance and care are minimal, as the ammunition is ready to use straight from the box. The brass casings remain clean and corrosion-free, even after being stored for extended periods. Compared to my previous experiences with other .450 Bushmaster loads, the Hornady Custom consistently outperforms them in terms of accuracy, recoil management, and overall reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip
Specifications
The Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip ammunition boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. The caliber is, of course, .450 Bushmaster, a popular straight-walled cartridge for hunting. The bullet weight is 250 grains, providing an excellent balance of velocity and energy.
The bullet type is the Hornady Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX), featuring a polymer tip that enhances expansion and ballistic coefficient. The muzzle velocity is rated at approximately 2200 fps from a 20-inch barrel, delivering significant energy on target. The ballistic coefficient (BC) is approximately .210, which helps maintain velocity and reduce bullet drop at longer ranges. The ammunition is loaded in high-quality brass casings, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance and overall user experience. The 250-grain bullet weight provides ample energy for effective terminal performance on medium to large game. The Flex Tip design enhances expansion and penetration, ensuring a quick and humane kill. The consistent muzzle velocity and ballistic coefficient contribute to a flatter trajectory and improved accuracy at longer distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip excels in its primary function: delivering accurate and effective terminal performance on game animals. At the range, the ammunition consistently produces sub-MOA groups. This translates to confidence in the field, knowing that I can place shots accurately, even at longer distances.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its accuracy, reliability, and terminal ballistics. However, it is worth noting that recoil can be significant, particularly in lighter rifles. While manageable, it may not be suitable for shooters sensitive to recoil.
The Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip exceeds expectations in terms of accuracy and reliability. The consistent performance and manageable recoil have made it my go-to ammunition for hunting whitetail deer and black bear in areas with cartridge restrictions.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip is straightforward and functional. The quality of materials used, including the polished brass casings and the Flex Tip bullets, contribute to its overall reliability and performance. The weight of the cartridges is typical for .450 Bushmaster ammunition, providing a solid feel in the magazine and chamber.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special handling or preparation. Simply load the cartridges into the magazine and chamber them as usual.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition itself is designed for single use and does not require maintenance. The brass casings are durable and resistant to corrosion when stored properly.
The lifespan of the ammunition depends on storage conditions. When kept in a cool, dry place, the cartridges can remain in excellent condition for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip ammunition is designed to work seamlessly with any firearm chambered in .450 Bushmaster. There are no specific accessories that come with the product.
However, shooters can customize their firearms with optics, triggers, and other accessories to further enhance their shooting experience. The ammunition is compatible with standard AR-15 magazines designed for .450 Bushmaster.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, increasing confidence in shot placement.
- Reliable feeding and extraction: Ensures smooth and trouble-free operation in AR-15 platforms and other .450 Bushmaster firearms.
- Effective terminal ballistics: The Flex Tip design promotes rapid expansion and deep penetration, resulting in quick and humane kills.
- Consistent performance: Maintains consistent velocity and accuracy across multiple range sessions and hunting trips.
- High-quality components: Uses polished brass casings and premium Hornady bullets for enhanced reliability.
Cons
- Recoil: Can be significant, especially in lighter rifles, potentially affecting shooter comfort and control.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some other .450 Bushmaster ammunition options.
Who Should Buy Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip?
The Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip is perfect for hunters seeking a high-performance ammunition option for their .450 Bushmaster firearms. It is particularly well-suited for hunters in states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions, such as those in the Midwest and parts of the East Coast. This ammunition is ideal for those targeting medium to large game, including whitetail deer, black bear, and wild hogs.
Hunters who prioritize accuracy, reliability, and effective terminal performance will appreciate the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip. Those who prefer a more budget-friendly option or are highly sensitive to recoil may want to consider alternative ammunition choices.
A must-have accessory would be a quality scope with accurate windage and elevation adjustments to capitalize on the rounds accuracy.
Conclusion on Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip
In summary, the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip is an outstanding ammunition choice for hunters seeking maximum performance in a straight-walled cartridge. Its exceptional accuracy, reliable feeding, and effective terminal ballistics make it a top contender in the .450 Bushmaster category.
The price, at $39.89, is justified by the ammunition’s superior performance and consistent quality. While it may be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the benefits in terms of accuracy and terminal performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters.
I would personally recommend the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip to any hunter looking to maximize the potential of their .450 Bushmaster firearm. Upgrade your hunting experience and achieve unparalleled accuracy and terminal performance with the Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250 grain Flex Tip ammunition. Add this to your cart today!