450/400 3” DGX performance

[AimSmall]

Would the older non bonded DGX work on game other than DG? I only ask because a LGS has a number of boxes at pre Covid prices. Maybe only good for practice and the brass?

Big, heavy, cup-n-core bullets have been effectively used for decades.

Bonded work better on heavier, thick skinned game.

 

[Puddle]

Set Rant On

Now if Hornady would just make a DGX-Anything to go along with the DGS they offer in 9.3x62mm
?????????

Set Rant Off

 

[Hunt anything]

I'm sure they'd be fine for deer, pigs, PG sized animals etc. I'd grab it if the price is right. The main issue is it's not sturdy enough for buffalo sized animals. Smaller non dangerous stuff I'm sure it would.hold together like any other non bonded bullet

I think so to, had both and used the old ones to sight in and practice and the bonded for hunting until I ran out of the old ones. They both shot to the same point of aim.

 

[pilar]

But both versions are named DGX.
How can one distinguish between the old ineffective and the new effective designs?
Hornaday could have changed the name of the new DGX bullets to DGXX, DGX2 or something.
But, they did not.
To me, this is deceptive marketing.
For this reason, I do not trust Hornady products!

I was shooting my 375 this weekend and my hunting buddy sees I have hornday dgx
and said “ shoot that junk up so I can load you up some good stuff “
I said “it’s bonded and only thing I can get in 375Ruger “
his response shocked me
“ you’re gonna trust your life or money on lost game using that garbage !! Sell that gun and get a H&H “
his dad loosing 2 buffalo on a trip must have scared him for life against anything hornedy DG ?
I would gladly buy up any of the un bonded stuff for North America, wish swift would crank out some ammunition for the ruger 375

 

[Rem700stw]

Last May I shot a Cape Buffalo with my 450-400. I too used the bonded Hornady DGX and the DGS. I was hesitant to do so but was placated to an extent after conversations with Dr. Kevin Robertson (Doctari). Long story short, recovered 2 bonded DGX one weighing 334.7 grains (83.7%) and second 322.5 grains (80.6%). I consider this to be similar to Woodleigh weight retention but short of A-Frame.

 

[BeeMaa]

For the DGX there was a lot or batch number that below which were the un-bonded. I had that information at one time, but can’t find it at the moment.

I do know that it took them some time to change the labeling so it is possible to have the bonded bullets in the old packaging.

Trust is hard earned and easily lost. IMO there are too many other premium bonded bullets like the Swift A-Frame, Federal TBBC and Norma Oryx for me to consider anything from Hornady for DG.

 

[cajunchefray]

Last May I shot a Cape Buffalo with my 450-400. I too used the bonded Hornady DGX and the DGS. I was hesitant to do so but was placated to an extent after conversations with Dr. Kevin Robertson (Doctari). Long story short, recovered 2 bonded DGX one weighing 334.7 grains (83.7%) and second 322.5 grains (80.6%). I consider this to be similar to Woodleigh weight retention but short of A-Frame.

Good real-world data. Thanks for sharing information.

 

[cajunchefray]

It is deceptive in that Hornady will not admit that their previous version bullets were not as effected as advertised.

If one purchases Hornady DGX ammo or projectiles for loading, how will they know the product's performance level?

At a minimum, Hornady could have marketed the new version as,
"Our DGX was good but we listened to Professional Hunters and made the DGX2 even better!"

Additionally, in engineering and logistics, Configuration Management is used to identify what version of a part, software, fuel, and so on an item, part, sub assembly, or end item something is. Knowing the exact version of items is especially important in procurement of spare parts for a supply system, or for retailers' procurement of stock for sales.

And then there are us hunters. Hornady DGX are the greatest! Well the current version is. The old version of the same name, not so much. But hunter A buys old DGX thinking it preforms like the new DGX everyone is buzzing about.... There could be a potential problem with a pissed off bleeding buffalo..

Mark, very interesting viewpoint, a lot to consider.
I have 0% experience shooting buffalo (still a dream), so I always defer to those that have on the ground experience.

Regarding Hornady's marketing, they did make significant mistakes. The challenge in developing a new product, and that messaging is at the feet of the Marketing folks, the Engineers did their job. I have seen this too many times.

Marketing thinks that the message is " this doesn't suck like we used to", then therefore steer away from messaging and just make a slight product name change, taking the easy way out, don't stir the pot, and collect their annual bonus.

If a bolder approach by Hornady was used, as you said more or less, "We used input from African PH's and created a better product." That is much better and legitimate messaging to consumers, serious African Hunters, that won't call bullsh*t on this.

Backed up with legitimate testing and data, and Hornady has a good message.

They took the easy way out, added "Bonded" to the box, and changed product code numbers by one digit. I have shot hundreds of rounds of each but had to pay attention to the product code I ordered.

Most Marketing executives are risk averse. Don't stir the pot and get the bonus. I do not have much respect for this business practice.

Only based on bullet testing, DGX Bonded is better than the unbonded, almost as good as Woodleigh, but Woodleigh's are still my go to.

I appreciate the wisdom and experience of so many members on this site. I learn something every day.

Your Results May Vary.

 

[cajunchefray]

These two 400 grain Hornady DGX bullers were retrieved from a buffalo bull. About 2160 fps, from bench set up.
The first shot on the buff was with a 375 and it was badly placed. The buff took off and the follow up guy put in two rounds from his 450/400 double. The buff continued on it’s way a bit further and set up an ambush and that is where it was finally put down.
View attachment 589632View attachment 589633

Hello @ Kevin Peacocke.
Please tell us more about the hunt. Distance of shots on the follow up, rifle used, how long before the buffalo dropped out of the fight, how many hunters?
Always enjoy your posts.

 

[BeeMaa]

Thank you to @BnC 04 for posting this thread some years ago about the Hornady DGX and the lot numbers to avoid. There are 7 digits in a lot number. Make sure the first three (left to right) are at or above 319XXXX.

Hornady DGX lot numbers to avoid

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Set Rant On

Now if Hornady would just make a DGX-Anything to go along with the DGS they offer in 9.3x62mm
?????????

Set Rant Off

Looks like Hornady offers loaded ammo, but not bullets for the 9.3

 

[Troubleshooter]

For this reason, I do not trust Hornady products!

I've had decidedly mixed results with Hornady products. But they are the only company (of which I am aware) who currently produces brass for .450-400 NE and several other older cartridges, so there is that. Not that I've seen any recently.

 

[Foxi]

I have already seen torn flags on the TTSX projectiles from Barnes and nobody gets upset, funny

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

.450-400 Nitro Ammo

In-stock best prices for 450-400 Nitro Ammo | Cheap 450-400 Nitro Ammunition - AmmoSeek.com

ammoseek.com

 

[Troubleshooter]

375 Ruger Fan: Thanks, I've seen the loaded ammo recently. Just trying to avoid buying expensive ammo in order to salvage the cartridge cases so that I can make some more reloads.

 

[SStomcat]

For the DGX there was a lot or batch number that below which were the un-bonded. I had that information at one time, but can’t find it at the moment.

I do know that it took them some time to change the labeling so it is possible to have the bonded bullets in the old packaging.

Trust is hard earned and easily lost. IMO there are too many other premium bonded bullets like the Swift A-Frame, Federal TBBC and Norma Oryx for me to consider anything from Hornady for DG.

and North Forks perhaps

 

[BeeMaa]

and North Forks perhaps

There are a few like the North Forks that are excellent bullets but don't have a strong presence in the US. Peregrine is another one that comes to mind that I've seen used (not in person, but videos) on DG with excellent results.

 

[sgt_zim]

For the DGX there was a lot or batch number that below which were the un-bonded. I had that information at one time, but can’t find it at the moment.

I do know that it took them some time to change the labeling so it is possible to have the bonded bullets in the old packaging.

Trust is hard earned and easily lost. IMO there are too many other premium bonded bullets like the Swift A-Frame, Federal TBBC and Norma Oryx for me to consider anything from Hornady for DG.

Problem is - apart from Hornady and North Fork, or Barnes and Hammer if you want a mono, there just aren't a great many choices in the US presently.

I was actually just looking for some Norma bullets, and nobody has any 286/325 gr in stock. And I think they only make up to 375 anyway. And it appears we're down to 3 or 4 retailers who even stock norma anymore. Midway, Grafs, Midsouth, Powder Valley, and Natchez are the biggest 5 I know of them, and none of them even lists Norma anything.

 

[SStomcat]

There are a few like the North Forks that are excellent bullets but don't have a strong presence in the US. Peregrine is another one that comes to mind that I've seen used (not in person, but videos) on DG with excellent results.

And Rhino solid shanks

 

[SStomcat]

Thank you to @BnC 04 for posting this thread some years ago about the Hornady DGX and the lot numbers to avoid. There are 7 digits in a lot number. Make sure the first three (left to right) are at or above 319XXXX.

Hornady DGX lot numbers to avoid

This is for loaded ammo, I have their bullets with Lot # 219#### but they are labeled bonded