Hornady 8269 Dangerous Game 500 NE 570 gr Dangerous Game Solid 20 Bx/ 6 Cs

Hornady Dangerous Game 500 NE 570 gr Solid Ammunition: The Ultimate Choice for Confronting Africa's Big Five and Beyond

For the intrepid hunter facing the world's most formidable animals, confidence in ammunition is not merely a preference; it's a necessity. The pursuit of dangerous game, whether it's Africa's legendary Big Five—Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros—or other heavily muscled, thick-skinned quarry like grizzly bears, polar bears, or large moose, demands cartridges engineered for overwhelming stopping power and unparalleled penetration. This is precisely the domain where Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition excels, offering a specialized solution for those who demand absolute reliability and terminal performance in life-or-death situations.

Are you preparing for a high-stakes safari and wondering what ammunition is truly up to the task of anchoring a charging elephant or putting down a determined Cape buffalo? How important is deep penetration and structural integrity when dealing with heavy bone and dense muscle? The Hornady Dangerous Game series, specifically the 500 Nitro Express 570-grain Dangerous Game Solid (DGS) bullet, is meticulously crafted to answer these critical questions, providing hunters with the peace of mind that comes from using a product designed for extreme challenges.

Engineered for Unmatched Stopping Power: The Hornady Philosophy

Hornady has long been a name synonymous with precision, performance, and innovation in the ammunition industry. Their Dangerous Game line is a testament to this legacy, purpose-built for the unique demands of hunting the largest and most dangerous animals on the planet. Unlike general-purpose hunting rounds, dangerous game ammunition must deliver exceptional penetration and maintain its trajectory through thick hide, heavy muscle, and dense bone structures.

The Hornady 500 Nitro Express 570-grain Dangerous Game Solid (DGS) bullet is specifically engineered to meet these rigorous requirements. Its design prioritizes straight-line penetration, ensuring that critical organs are reached even after encountering significant resistance from a large animal's anatomy. This is not about expansion; it's about driving deep, through and through, to neutralize the threat efficiently and humanely.

The One-Two Punch: DGX Bonded and DGS Solids

While this specific product focuses on the DGS Solid, it's worth understanding the broader strategy Hornady offers for dangerous game hunting. Many experienced professional hunters and outfitters recommend a "one-two punch" approach. This often involves loading your first shot with a controlled expansion bullet, like Hornady's DGX Bonded, followed by the deep-penetrating DGS Solid.

• Hornady DGX Bonded (Controlled Expansion): Designed for broadside shots or instances where some expansion is desired for maximum energy transfer within the animal's body, while still retaining high weight for significant penetration. This bullet type opens up to create a larger wound channel but maintains its integrity to continue driving deep.
• Hornady Dangerous Game Solid (DGS) (Deep Penetration): This is the core of the product being optimized here. The DGS is designed for maximum straight-line penetration without any expansion. It's the ultimate choice for follow-up shots on a charging animal, quartering shots that require breaking heavy bone, or any situation where guaranteed penetration to the vitals is paramount, regardless of what's in the way. Its flat nose profile aids in straight-line penetration, preventing deflection.

The 500 Nitro Express 570-grain DGS bullet is the quintessential choice for that crucial follow-up shot, capable of punching through the toughest hide and bone to reach vital organs, ensuring a quick and decisive end to the hunt.

Key Features and What They Mean for Your Hunt

Every component of Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition is selected and meticulously crafted to ensure peak performance when it matters most.

• Caliber: 500 Nitro Express: This legendary British cartridge is a classic "stopper" for dangerous game. Renowned for its immense power, it has been a favorite of professional hunters for over a century. The 500 NE delivers a massive amount of energy, making it suitable for the largest land animals.
• Bullet Weight: 570 Grains: A heavy-for-caliber bullet is crucial for maintaining momentum and penetration, especially through thick hides and heavy bone. At 570 grains, this DGS bullet retains significant kinetic energy throughout its trajectory, translating directly into superior terminal performance.
• Bullet Type: Dangerous Game Solid (DGS): As discussed, this non-expanding solid bullet is designed for maximum, straight-line penetration. Its robust construction ensures it won't deform or break apart upon impact, even with the heaviest bone.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2150 fps (Feet Per Second): This velocity provides a formidable balance of power and manageable recoil for a cartridge of this magnitude. It's fast enough to deliver its immense energy effectively, yet optimized for deep penetration rather than extreme speed that could lead to deflection.
• Muzzle Energy: 5850 ft lbs (Foot Pounds): This figure speaks volumes. Almost 6000 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle represents an incredible amount of kinetic force, vital for quickly incapacitating dangerous animals and ensuring an ethical harvest. This substantial energy transfer capability is a primary reason the 500 NE remains a top choice for professional hunters worldwide.
• Optimized Powders: Hornady carefully matches specific powders to each load. Why is this critical?
  • Optimum Pressure and Velocity: This ensures consistent performance, shot after shot, which is paramount when tracking dangerous game.
  • Regulation in Double Rifles: For hunters utilizing traditional double rifles, consistent regulation (where both barrels shoot to the same point of aim) is vital. Hornady's precise powder matching ensures that these expensive and specialized firearms perform as intended with their ammunition.
• Casing Material: Brass: High-quality brass casings are essential for reliable feeding, extraction, and consistent pressure containment. Hornady uses premium brass, contributing to the overall reliability and consistency of the ammunition.
• Strict Quality Controls: From primer seating to powder charge, and bullet seating depth, every round of Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition undergoes rigorous quality control checks. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each cartridge performs identically, giving the hunter absolute confidence in their equipment during high-pressure situations.

Who Needs Hornady Dangerous Game 500 NE 570 gr Solid Ammunition?

This specialized ammunition is not for the faint of heart or the casual plinker. It is explicitly designed for:

• Professional Hunters (PHs) and Safari Guides: These individuals rely on predictable, powerful ammunition daily to protect clients and manage dangerous game.
• Big Game Outfitters: Those providing equipment and support for dangerous game hunts will often recommend or supply ammunition of this caliber and quality.
• Experienced Safari Hunters: Individuals planning trips to Africa, Alaska, or other regions with large, dangerous animals, who understand the absolute necessity of reliable stopping power.
• Collectors of Legendary Firearms: Owners of 500 Nitro Express double rifles or single shots who seek authentic, high-performance ammunition to pair with their prized firearms.

Real-World Scenarios and Questions Answered

Consider these common questions and how Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition provides the answer:

• "What is the best ammunition for hunting Cape Buffalo?" The Hornady 500 NE 570 gr DGS is purpose-built for such quarry. Its superior penetration helps reach vital organs even through the notoriously thick "boss" of a buffalo.
• "How do I ensure ethical and humane dispatch of dangerous game?" By choosing ammunition like the Hornady DGS, which is designed for maximum energy transfer and deep, straight-line penetration, you increase your chances of a clean, ethical kill, minimizing suffering and risk.
• "My double rifle needs ammunition that regulates well. What should I use?" Hornady explicitly states their powders are matched to regulate in double rifles, a critical feature for hunters who invest in these precision firearms.
• "Is there ammunition that can reliably break heavy bone on an enraged animal?" The solid construction and significant weight of the 570-grain DGS are engineered to punch through bone and muscle without deforming or deviating.
• "What if I need a follow-up shot on a charging animal?" The DGS, with its focus on deep penetration, is an ideal choice for emergency situations, ensuring that every shot counts when a dangerous animal is closing the distance.

Why Choose Hornady for Your Destination Hunt?

Selecting ammunition for a destination hunt, particularly one involving dangerous game, is a decision that can impact the success and safety of your entire expedition. Hornady's reputation, built over decades, is founded on a commitment to quality, innovation, and performance.

When you choose Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition, you are not just buying bullets; you are investing in:

• Confidence: Knowing that your ammunition is designed and tested to perform flawlessly under the most extreme conditions.
• Reliability: Strict quality controls ensure every round functions as expected, from feeding to firing.
• Effectiveness: The DGS bullet's design is optimized for deep penetration, delivering the necessary terminal performance to stop dangerous game decisively.
• Heritage: You're using a product from a company with a deep understanding of ballistics and the specific needs of serious hunters.

This ammunition is specifically crafted for those moments when compromise is not an option. It's for the hunter who respects the power of nature's formidable creatures and believes in being fully prepared for the challenges they present. The meticulous development and manufacturing process behind each Hornady Dangerous Game cartridge signify a profound dedication to excellence, empowering hunters with the ultimate tool for their high-stakes endeavors.

For superior performance in the field, particularly when confronting Africa's Big Five or other large, formidable game, the Hornady 500 Nitro Express 570-grain Dangerous Game Solid ammunition stands as a definitive choice. When your adventure takes you to the wildest corners of the globe, ensure your equipment is as unwavering as your resolve. You can find this essential ammunition and other high-quality hunting supplies at DEGuns, your trusted source for premium outdoor gear.

Product Specifications Overview