Description
The Hornady Dangerous Game 458 Lott 500gr Dangerous Game Expanding, 20rd Box is premium ammunition designed for the world’s most powerful big-bore rifles. It’s built for hunters pursuing dangerous game like Cape buffalo or elephant, where reliable, deep-penetrating expansion is non-negotiable. At $135.35 per box, it’s a serious investment for a serious purpose, offering controlled terminal performance when you absolutely need it to work.
Key Features
- DGX (Dangerous Game Expanding) Bullet: Features a thick, tapered jacket and a heavy lead core designed for deep, controlled expansion through thick hide and bone.
- 500-Grain Heavyweight: Massive projectile weight delivers tremendous momentum and penetration for taking down large, tough animals.
- Reliable Ignition: Built with robust primers and consistent propellants to ensure ignition under all conditions—a critical factor in a dangerous situation.
- Box of 20: Provides enough rounds for sighting-in, practice, and carrying on a hunt, though practice with cheaper fodder is wise.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .458 Lott |
| Bullet Type | Dangerous Game Expanding (DGX) |
| Bullet Weight | 500 Grains |
| Quantity | 20 Rounds per Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approx. 2,300 fps (from 24″ barrel) |
| Muzzle Energy | Approx. 5,870 ft-lbs |
Let’s talk brass tacks—or in this case, brass and bullets. The .458 Lott cartridge itself is a powerhouse, essentially a lengthened and more potent version of the .458 Winchester Magnum. This Hornady loading leverages that case capacity to push its half-pound projectile with brutal authority. The listed muzzle energy, hovering near 5,900 foot-pounds, is more than ten times that of a common .223 round. That’s the kind of power budget you need when a one-ton animal decides it’s not your day. This ammunition is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, but remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
Who This Ammo Is For
This isn’t range plinking ammo. It’s built for a specific, high-stakes user. First and foremost, it’s for the professional hunter or guided client on a dangerous game safari in Africa. It’s also for the North American hunter pursuing the largest bears in Alaska or Canada, where a charging grizzly demands an immediate and definitive stop. Finally, it’s for the serious ballistic enthusiast or collector who owns a rifle chambered in .458 Lott and wants to see what it can really do. Compatible firearms include classics like the CZ 550 Safari Magnum, the Winchester Model 70 Safari Express, and modern custom builds from makers like A-Square or Heym.
Pros & Cons: The Value Trade-Off
Pros: The terminal performance is the main event. The DGX bullet is engineered to expand reliably even after breaking heavy bone, creating a wound channel that drops game fast. The 20-round box gives you a practical supply for a hunt. Hornady’s consistency means you can trust each shot. For its intended use, there’s simply no substitute.
Cons: The price is steep—over $6.75 per round. Recoil is punishing, making extended practice sessions expensive and physically demanding. It’s a hyper-specialized round with almost no practical use outside of its niche. You also need a rifle specifically chambered for .458 Lott; it’s not a drop-in replacement for .458 Win Mag, though a Lott can fire Win Mag in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot this in a .458 Winchester Magnum rifle?
A: No, you cannot. The .458 Lott cartridge is longer than the .458 Win Mag. Firing it in a Win Mag chamber is dangerous and will cause excessive pressure. Always use ammunition that matches your firearm’s specific chambering.
Q: How does this compare to a solid bullet for dangerous game?
A: DGX bullets are designed for expanding performance, while solids are for maximum penetration without expansion. Many hunters carry both, using solids for the initial shoulder shot on thick-skinned game and expanding bullets for follow-up or lung shots. The choice depends on the specific animal and shot placement.
Q: Is this good for home defense or general use?
A: Absolutely not. The over-penetration risk is extreme, and the recoil makes rapid follow-up shots nearly impossible for most people. This is specialized hunting ammunition for the largest, most dangerous animals on the planet.
Look, if you’re in the market for .458 Lott ammo, you already know what you’re getting into. The Hornady Dangerous Game 500gr DGX represents a top-tier option where performance trumps price. It’s a tool for a specific, critical job. When your safety depends on a bullet’s performance, the $135.35 price tag becomes part of the cost of doing business. For the hunter preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime safari or facing down a threat in the backcountry, this is the bang-for-your-buck that matters most.
Check current availability and pricing on our site.
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