Let’s Talk About **Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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I was searching for ammunition that I could trust for bear defense in the backcountry of Alaska. I needed a round that could reliably stop a charging grizzly bear, and the .500 S&W Magnum seemed like the obvious choice. After researching different loads and bullet designs, the Hornady eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) caught my eye due to its reputation for controlled expansion and deep penetration.
My initial impression upon unboxing the Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum was that this is a serious round. The cartridges are meticulously assembled, and the 500-grain XTP bullet looks absolutely massive. The weight alone inspires confidence, and the brass casings gleam with quality.
Compared to other .500 S&W Magnum offerings like the Buffalo Bore 440 grain, or the Underwood 350 grain loads, I chose the Hornady for its balance of bullet weight and controlled expansion. I wanted deep penetration, but also reliable expansion for maximum energy transfer. I was immediately excited to get this ammunition out to the range and see what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My first experience with the Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum was at a local shooting range equipped with a sturdy handgun rest. I primarily wanted to gauge the accuracy and felt recoil of the ammunition. The weather was clear and sunny, making for ideal shooting conditions.
The recoil was substantial, as expected with a 500-grain bullet traveling at 1425 ft/s, but surprisingly manageable with a good grip and proper technique. Even though it’s a beast, it’s controllable. After getting used to the recoil, I was able to achieve surprisingly tight groupings at 25 yards.
I didn’t experience any malfunctions or failures to feed. This ammunition was remarkably consistent right out of the box. The only real surprise was just how much energy this round delivers to the shooter.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular range trips and practice sessions, the Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put several boxes through my S&W 500, and I have not experienced a single misfire or failure to eject. The ammunition consistently cycles flawlessly.
Despite the heavy recoil, the Hornady ammunition shows no signs of causing excessive wear and tear on my firearm. The brass casings are durable, and I’ve reloaded them multiple times without any issues. Compared to other brands I’ve used in the past, the Hornady clearly stands out in terms of consistent performance and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
The Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum features a 500-grain Spitzer Flat Base bullet, offering a significant weight for deep penetration. This weight is crucial for ensuring the bullet can reach vital organs even after encountering heavy bone or thick hide.
The cartridge is chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, the legendary big-bore handgun cartridge known for its extreme power. This caliber choice signifies that the ammunition is designed for serious stopping power.
Muzzle Velocity is rated at 1425 ft/s, delivering substantial kinetic energy on impact. This high velocity, combined with the heavy bullet weight, contributes to the round’s impressive stopping power.
Muzzle Energy comes in at a staggering 2254 ft-lbs, making it one of the most powerful handgun rounds available. That’s enough energy to take down almost any animal on the North American continent.
The cartridge case is made from high-quality brass, ensuring reliable feeding, extraction, and reloadability. Hornady selects only the best brass to meet their high standards.
Centerfire primer ensures reliable ignition in all conditions. The primer is matched specifically to the powder load for consistent performance.
Sectional Density is 0.286, indicating a good balance between bullet weight and diameter for penetration. This is important for achieving deep penetration on large game.
G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.185, which, while not exceptional, is adequate for a handgun round designed for relatively short-range use. The ballistic coefficient affects how well the bullet resists air resistance and retains velocity over distance.
This ammunition is packaged in boxes of 20 rounds, a standard quantity for hunting ammunition. The packaging is sturdy and protects the rounds from damage.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum performs exceptionally well in its intended role: delivering maximum stopping power. Accuracy is excellent out to 50 yards, making it suitable for handgun hunting and bear defense. It’s a specialized tool that exceeds expectations in terms of raw power and reliability.
The primary strength of this ammunition lies in its ability to transfer a tremendous amount of energy to the target. The XTP bullet expands reliably, creating a large wound cavity, while still maintaining enough penetration to reach vital organs. One potential weakness is the extreme recoil, which can be challenging for inexperienced shooters.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition is designed for reliable feeding and extraction. The Hornady brass casings are precisely manufactured, and the bullet is seated to the correct depth. The weight of the 500-grain bullet, while contributing to its stopping power, also makes the cartridge bulky.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality brass casings are durable and can be reloaded multiple times, making the ammunition a cost-effective option for practice. Proper storage is essential to prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the ammunition itself doesn’t offer customization options, selecting the right handgun is crucial for optimal performance. A revolver chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 500, is a must. Aftermarket grips can help improve recoil absorption and control.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Exceptional stopping power: Delivers massive energy transfer for quick and humane kills on large game.
- Reliable expansion: The Hornady XTP bullet expands consistently, creating a large wound cavity.
- Deep penetration: The heavy bullet weight ensures penetration to vital organs, even after encountering bone.
- High-quality components: Hornady brass and primers ensure reliable feeding, extraction, and ignition.
- Excellent accuracy: Provides good accuracy out to reasonable handgun ranges.
Cons
- Extreme recoil: The heavy bullet and high velocity generate significant recoil, which can be challenging for some shooters.
- High cost: Premium ammunition comes at a premium price.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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This ammunition is perfect for: hunters targeting large and dangerous game such as bear, elk, and wild boar. It’s also a good choice for wilderness guides and individuals venturing into areas with a high risk of encountering dangerous animals. This round also suits anyone who prioritizes maximum stopping power in a handgun.
Who should skip this product? Novice shooters or individuals sensitive to recoil should avoid this ammunition. It’s essential to have a solid foundation in handgun shooting and proper grip technique before attempting to use the .500 S&W Magnum.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality revolver chambered in .500 S&W Magnum is essential. Aftermarket grips can help improve recoil absorption. Hearing protection is a must due to the loud report.
Conclusion on **Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom .500 S&W Magnum 500 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
9252 25% Off is a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose: delivering maximum stopping power. While the recoil is significant and the price is high, the performance and reliability are unmatched. If you need absolute assurance of terminal performance, this ammunition is worth the investment.
The price is justified for those who need the ultimate in handgun stopping power. For serious handgun hunters and those venturing into bear country, the peace of mind offered by this ammunition is invaluable. I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone who needs the most powerful handgun round available.
If you’re ready to step up to the .500 S&W Magnum and demand the best, grab a box of Hornady Custom ammunition today. It might just save your life.