Let’s Talk About **Hornady Custom .480 Ruger 325 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom .480 Ruger 325 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
9138 13% Off is a powerhouse round designed for serious handgun hunters and those demanding maximum stopping power. Made by Hornady, this ammunition features a 325-grain Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullet, brass casing, and is engineered for controlled expansion and deep penetration. With a muzzle velocity of 1350 ft/s and a muzzle energy of 1315 ft-lbs, this round promises exceptional terminal performance on medium and large game.
For years, I’ve been chasing the perfect load for my Ruger Alaskan. I needed something that could reliably take down deer and potentially offer bear defense in the backcountry. I was looking for a round that offered a balance of manageable recoil, reliable feeding, and devastating terminal ballistics.
My first impression was simply the quality of the packaging. Each round of the Hornady Custom .480 Ruger ammunition appeared pristine, the brass gleaming, and the JHP cavity perfectly formed. The weight of the cartridge also gave a sense of serious power.
I had previously used Buffalo Bore’s 325-grain hard cast load and Underwood’s 325-grain JHP. I chose the Hornady due to its reputation for consistent quality, the eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) bullet design, and the favorable reviews regarding accuracy. I was very excited to see what this ammo could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Custom .480 Ruger 325 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My first experience with the Hornady Custom .480 Ruger ammunition was at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and sunny, with a slight breeze. I tested the ammunition in my Ruger Alaskan, shooting at paper targets at distances of 25, 50, and 75 yards.
The recoil was significant, as expected from a .480 Ruger, but manageable. The ammunition fed flawlessly, and the accuracy was immediately noticeable. I had no issues at all.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Hornady ammunition, I can attest to its reliability. I’ve fired approximately 200 rounds of this ammunition through my Ruger Alaskan without a single malfunction. There were no signs of excessive wear or tear on the firearm or any issues with the ammunition itself.
The brass casings are reloadable, which is a major plus for me as a handloader. Cleaning the pistol after using this ammunition is no different than with any other high-power handgun round. It outperforms other .480 Ruger loads I’ve used in terms of accuracy and consistent expansion.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Custom .480 Ruger 325 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
- Caliber: .480 Ruger. This large-bore caliber delivers significant energy on target.
- Bullet Weight: 325 grain. A heavy bullet weight provides excellent penetration for medium and large game.
- Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP). The JHP design promotes rapid expansion and energy transfer.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable and provide reliable feeding and extraction.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1350 ft/s. The high muzzle velocity contributes to a flat trajectory and increased energy.
- Muzzle Energy: 1315 ft-lbs. This high energy level ensures significant stopping power.
- Application: Medium Game, Large Game. Ideal for hunting deer, hogs, and other similarly sized animals; can also be used as a bear defense round.
- Number of Rounds: 20. Standard box size for handgun ammunition.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers offer reliable ignition.
- Sectional Density: 0.206. The sectional density contributes to the bullet’s penetration capability.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.15. While not exceptional, it is adequate for the distances at which this round will likely be used.
These specifications matter because they translate into a round that delivers consistent performance and devastating terminal effects. The heavy bullet weight and high energy output provide the necessary power for ethical harvests on medium and large game. The JHP design ensures rapid expansion, maximizing tissue damage.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom .480 Ruger ammunition performs exceptionally well. The accuracy is outstanding for a large-bore handgun round, allowing for precise shot placement. The ammunition is reliable and feeds smoothly in my Ruger Alaskan.
The primary strength of this ammunition is its terminal performance. The controlled expansion of the XTP bullet results in deep penetration and significant energy transfer. I find the recoil to be manageable given the power of the round.
Design & Ergonomics
The brass casings are well-made and contribute to smooth feeding. The XTP bullet is a proven design that provides consistent expansion and penetration. The weight of the round is substantial, reflecting the power it delivers.
There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It’s straightforward to load and shoot.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are durable and can be reloaded multiple times. The ammunition itself is not susceptible to damage under normal storage conditions. Cleaning the firearm after using this ammunition is standard and does not require any special procedures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Custom .480 Ruger ammunition itself doesn’t require any accessories. However, a high-quality holster is essential for carrying a large-framed revolver chambered in .480 Ruger. Red dot sights and other optics can further enhance accuracy.
This ammunition is compatible with any firearm chambered in .480 Ruger.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Custom .480 Ruger 325 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Exceptional Terminal Performance: The XTP bullet is designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration, ensuring maximum stopping power.
- Excellent Accuracy: This ammunition delivers consistent and accurate shot placement.
- Reloadable Brass Casings: Reloading extends the value of the ammunition and allows for custom load development.
- Reliable Feeding: Feeds consistently without malfunctions.
- Proven Design: The XTP bullet is a well-established and trusted design.
Cons
- Recoil: The .480 Ruger is a powerful cartridge, resulting in significant recoil.
- Price: This ammunition is relatively expensive compared to other handgun rounds.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Custom .480 Ruger 325 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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This ammunition is perfect for handgun hunters targeting medium and large game. It is also suitable for individuals seeking a powerful defensive round for protection against large predators like bears or hogs. Experienced shooters who are comfortable with heavy recoil and are willing to invest in high-quality ammunition will benefit most.
Those who are recoil-sensitive or new to large-bore handguns should avoid this product. Individuals looking for inexpensive practice ammunition should also consider other options.
A quality holster is a must-have accessory. Reloading equipment is recommended for those who wish to extend the value of this ammunition.
Conclusion on **Hornady Custom .480 Ruger 325 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom .480 Ruger 325 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
9138 13% Off is a top-tier choice for anyone needing serious stopping power. While the recoil is substantial and the price is relatively high, the exceptional terminal performance and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified by the quality of the components, the consistent performance, and the devastating terminal effects. I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to experienced handgun hunters and those seeking a reliable defense against large predators. If you need a powerful and accurate round for your .480 Ruger, look no further. Go ahead and give Hornady’s offering a try; you won’t regret it.