Recommended dangerous game bullets and cartridges?

[Nhoro]

Here is a picture of a 480 grain .458 Hornady DGX Bonded that completely failed on a cape buffalo.
View attachment 628848

That bullet is not bonded, there is zero lead adhering to the copper jacket. Either it is an unbonded soft ie cup and core or it is failed QC at Hornady. I suspect it is a simple cup and core bullet, probably designed for 45-70 or maybe the old unbonded DGX.

 

[Rule 303]

I bought some of the original Hornady DGS and DGX for my 416Rigby. I only used the DGX on a pig and it worked. However the rest were all pulled or fired at paper. The reason was they did not shoot in my rifle. Large group and at different point of impact. My CZ 550 puts Woodleigh 41o grain Soft Points and 400 grain Hydros to the same point and if I do my job group small than 1" at 100mts.

The only reason I mention this, along with the negatives others have found, is that they appear to be a non consistent performer, so would advise against using them in case you get a batch that don't do the job. If you buy a batch and test it and they work then fill your boots.

Do I have a set against Hornady, NO. I have some Hornady dies, I use Hornady bullets in my 270, 223, several 358Cals and these are very accurate and work well.

 

[TTundra]

That bullet is not bonded, there is zero lead adhering to the copper jacket. Either it is an unbonded soft ie cup and core or it is failed QC at Hornady. I suspect it is a simple cup and core bullet, probably designed for 45-70 or maybe the old unbonded DGX.

My thoughts as well. It has the exact remnant look of every non bonded bullet fragments I've pulled.

@ActionBob was this yours that you bought as new Bonded?

 

[ActionBob]

My thoughts as well. It has the exact remnant look of every non bonded bullet fragments I've pulled.

@ActionBob was this yours that you bought as new Bonded?

Yes, I bought 5 boxes January 2nd, 2022 from Midway USA. Only loaded 17 of them out of that box. Also loaded 7 solids. Shot 2 DGX Bonded and 2 DGS just before leaving home and took the rest on that hunt.

Certainly looks like either a quality control issue at Hornady. Or they outright sold the old DGX as new DGX Bonded. Steve Hornady is on TV stating that the only reason they brought out a bonded DGX bullet was because some of their customers wanted it. But then adds that there is no reason for it as there is nothing wrong with the standard DGX.... With that type of leadership attitude, I could see why employees would not worry too much about getting them mixed up.

 

[TTundra]

Yes, I bought 5 boxes January 2nd, 2022 from Midway USA. Only loaded 17 of them out of that box. Also loaded 7 solids. Shot 2 DGX Bonded and 2 DGS just before leaving home and took the rest on that hunt.

Certainly looks like either a quality control issue at Hornady. Or they outright sold the old DGX as new DGX Bonded. Steve Hornady is on TV stating that the only reason they brought out a bonded DGX bullet was because some of their customers wanted it. But then adds that there is no reason for it as there is nothing wrong with the standard DGX.... With that type of leadership attitude, I could see why employees would not worry too much about getting them mixed up. View attachment 628959View attachment 628960

Certainly unsettling! I would bet that entire box and lot may have been the old bonded.

 

[ActionBob]

Certainly unsettling! I would bet that entire box and lot may have been the old bonded.

Hard to say as I only have the one recovered bullet at this point. Several possibilities, non of which leads to confidence using these bullets.

I really wanted to stick with the 480 grain that my 1913 William Evans hammer double was originally related with. So I need to find another bullet or just switch to 500 grain A-frames. Sire wishing I had loaded A-Frames for that hunt but my load info preferred 480 grain bullets. I have also got some load data for I believe 465 grain bullets....

It's a fun rifle but challenging to use. Always a little ticklish lowering the hammers

 

[TTundra]

Certainly unsettling! I would bet that entire box and lot may have been the old bonded.

Auto correct...should have read old "non-bonded"

It's a fun rifle but challenging to use. Always a little ticklish lowering the hammers

I'm betting you make sure your thumbs are extra dry when you do...

 

[Mully]

Does anyone know the process of how the cores are bonded to the jackets in any of the premium bonded bullets?

 

[mark-hunter]

Does anyone know the process of how the cores are bonded to the jackets in any of the premium bonded bullets?

Never stumbled upon a text explaining it, or video on YT about it. (and I read a lot)
My educated guess, this is industrial secret, patented by each factory. (and not all the factories make them)

Bonded bullets are generally described as "controlled expansion bullets" and this is the closest thing I got about their manufacture process.

 

[FlyGuy]

Barnes TSX
Rhino Solid Shank
North Fork
Peregrine
CEB
Woodleigh
Dzombo
Partition
Accubond

There are many to choose from, but living in Croatia, I would look at the North Fork bullets first.

 

[Sideshow]

Hard to say as I only have the one recovered bullet at this point. Several possibilities, non of which leads to confidence using these bullets.

I really wanted to stick with the 480 grain that my 1913 William Evans hammer double was originally related with. So I need to find another bullet or just switch to 500 grain A-frames. Sire wishing I had loaded A-Frames for that hunt but my load info preferred 480 grain bullets. I have also got some load data for I believe 465 grain bullets....

It's a fun rifle but challenging to use. Always a little ticklish lowering the hammers

@ActionBob could I trouble you for a pick of what surely is a fine rifle?
Also do you have any of the history of who it was made for.

 

[358 Norma]

470 Nitro 500 grain Hornady DGX recovered from a Cape Buffalo!

 

[Nhoro]

Does anyone know the process of how the cores are bonded to the jackets in any of the premium bonded bullets?

From what I have read, they either electroplated the lead core with copper or in the case of DG bullets, they coat they solder the lead into the jacket ie coat the lead with flux and melt the core in the jacket, soldering the two together.

So maybe they missed the flux on one bullet ?

 

[Mike Van Horn]

Comparison, shot into water jugs. 270 Barnes. 300 A Frame. 350 Northfork
The 350 Northfork takes the 375 H&H to another level of power

 

[375Ruger416]

Comparison, shot into water jugs. 270 Barnes. 300 A Frame. 350 Northfork
The 350 Northfork takes the 375 H&H to another level of power

I’ve read that in Kevin Robertson’s books and podcasts he’s been on. As I recall, he thinks it closes the performance gap with the 416’s somewhat. Not a surprise really, as the increased sectional density and momentum would be a big advantage at usual buffalo and elephant hunting distances.

Too bad I don’t hand load.

 

[Daisy]

My shameless plug for CEB safari raptor

 

[Jonathan Kashouty]

Barnes 300 Grain TSX & .375 H&H Magnum.

 

[Nevada Mike]

Philip, would you use an Accubond on a Dagga boy?

The Swift A Frame is superior.

 

[375er]

What about a .223 with 70 SMK bullets??

 

[358 Norma]

The Swift A Frame is superior.

View attachment 629521

Sometimes

recovered from a Sable in June, .416 400 grain Swift A-frame