Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Ammunition Review

How the **Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition

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The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is a powerhouse round designed for serious stopping power. Manufactured by Hornady, this ammunition features a 300-grain XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) bullet, known for its controlled expansion and deep penetration. The .454 Casull cartridge itself is legendary, born from a need for a handgun round capable of taking down large game at handgun ranges, and this offering promises to deliver that legacy with Hornady’s reputation for quality.

For years, I’ve been searching for a reliable, hard-hitting cartridge for my Super Redhawk, primarily for bear defense while hiking in grizzly country. I needed something that would offer a significant increase in stopping power compared to standard .44 Magnum loads. I’d heard tales of the .454 Casull, its legendary recoil, and its devastating terminal ballistics, and I needed to see it for myself.

Unboxing the Hornady ammunition revealed meticulously crafted brass cartridges, each topped with a gleaming XTP bullet. The weight felt substantial, a promise of the energy contained within. The overall impression was one of quality and precision, exactly what I expect from Hornady.

I considered other options like Buffalo Bore’s heavy .44 Magnum loads and some boutique .45 Colt +P rounds. Ultimately, the documented performance of the Hornady XTP bullet in the .454 Casull, combined with Hornady’s consistent quality control, swayed my decision. The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition was the clear winner.

My first impression was a healthy dose of both excitement and trepidation. I was eager to see what this beast of a cartridge could do, but also fully aware of the potential for bone-jarring recoil. I knew the Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition was not to be trifled with.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition

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First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a private shooting range nestled in the Montana mountains. The environment was perfect for assessing the Hornady ammunition’s performance: a controlled setting with clear ballistic gel targets at various distances. The conditions were dry and cool, ideal for consistent results.

The recoil was, as expected, significant, but surprisingly manageable in my Super Redhawk with its heavy frame. The muzzle blast was impressive, a definite attention-getter. Accuracy at 25 yards was excellent, with groupings consistently within 3 inches. There were zero malfunctions or failures to feed.

After the first few rounds, I noticed a slight crimp jump in a couple of the cartridges remaining in the cylinder. This is not uncommon with heavy recoiling rounds in revolvers, and is something to be aware of when shooting the Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition in a revolver.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular range sessions, the Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition has proven to be remarkably consistent. The brass cases show no signs of excessive pressure, and the primers remain intact and well-formed. Cleaning the revolver after firing the Hornady ammunition is straightforward, with no unusual residue or fouling.

I’ve put approximately 200 rounds of the Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition through my Super Redhawk and a Freedom Arms Model 83, and it performs like a champ. While the recoil is stout, it’s predictable and manageable with a proper grip and stance. Compared to other .454 Casull loads I’ve tested, the Hornady offering strikes a good balance between power and shootability.

Compared to my previous bear defense load, a heavy .44 Magnum cast bullet, the Hornady ammunition inspires far more confidence. The XTP bullet’s expansion and penetration are clearly superior, offering a greater margin of safety in a worst-case scenario. The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition has earned a permanent place in my backcountry kit.

Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition

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Specifications

• Caliber: .454 Casull
• Bullet Weight: 300 grain. This is an optimal weight for balancing velocity and penetration in the .454 Casull.
• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) – Hornady XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance). This bullet design is crucial for controlled expansion and deep penetration.
• Number of Rounds: 20
• Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass is a reliable and reloadable material for consistent performance.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1650 ft/s. This high velocity contributes to the round’s impressive energy and flat trajectory.
• Muzzle Energy: 1813 ft-lbs. This immense energy transfer is essential for quickly stopping large game.
• Application: All Purpose. The manufacturer suggests this is for all-purpose use, but it is really designed for hunting and large animal defense.
• Package Type: Box
• Primer Style: Centerfire
• Sectional Density: 0.21. This indicates the bullet’s ability to penetrate deeply relative to its diameter.
• G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.18. This is not a particularly aerodynamic projectile, this ammunition is meant for short range use.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition excels in its primary role: delivering devastating stopping power. The XTP bullet consistently expands upon impact, creating a large wound cavity and ensuring rapid energy transfer. Accuracy is excellent, allowing for precise shot placement even under stress.

The primary strength lies in the bullet’s reliable expansion and deep penetration, making it effective against thick-skinned animals. The only potential weakness is the stout recoil, which may be challenging for inexperienced shooters. The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition lives up to its reputation as a hard-hitting, accurate, and reliable cartridge.

Design & Ergonomics

The ammunition itself is designed for optimal function within the .454 Casull chamber. The brass casing is clean and precisely formed, ensuring smooth feeding and extraction. The XTP bullet has a well-defined hollow point cavity designed to initiate expansion upon impact.

There is no “ergonomics” to a cartridge, but the recoil impulse is stout, so it is important to have a proper grip on the firearm to manage the energy. The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition has significant kick.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass casing is durable and reloadable, extending the lifespan of the ammunition. When stored properly in a cool, dry environment, the Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition should maintain its performance for many years. Periodic inspection for corrosion is recommended.

The brass can be reloaded if the cases are in good condition. Other than that, there is not much maintenance to do.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ammunition itself doesn’t require any accessories. The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is compatible with any firearm chambered in .454 Casull that is designed to handle jacketed ammunition.

Pros and Cons of **Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition

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Who Should Buy **Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition

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This ammunition is perfect for hunters pursuing large game like deer, hogs, and black bear at handgun ranges. It is ideal for anyone needing a reliable defense against large predators, such as bears or mountain lions, in the backcountry. Experienced shooters who are comfortable with heavy recoil and understand the capabilities of the .454 Casull will benefit most from the Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition.

Those new to handguns or sensitive to recoil should avoid this ammunition. This is NOT a target round. It’s a specialized cartridge for specific applications.

A high-quality holster designed for large revolvers and a comfortable grip are must-have accessories. Hearing protection is absolutely essential due to the loud report.

Conclusion on **Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition

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The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is a top-tier choice for those who demand maximum stopping power in a handgun cartridge. While the recoil is significant, the terminal performance and accuracy are undeniable. The price reflects the quality and performance you receive.

The Hornady Custom .454 Casull 300 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is expensive, but that is because it is worth it. I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a reliable and effective cartridge for hunting or bear defense. If you need serious stopping power, this is it. Load up and head out with confidence!