Hornady 82244 Custom 450 Bushmaster Ammunition: Unrivaled Power and Precision for the Modern Hunter

For hunters and shooting enthusiasts seeking a potent and reliable ammunition choice for their .450 Bushmaster rifles, the Hornady 82244 Custom series stands as a benchmark of excellence. This specific load features a 250 grain Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet, meticulously engineered to deliver exceptional terminal performance, accuracy, and consistency. Designed for those who demand ethical, one-shot knockdown power on medium to large game, this ammunition offers a comprehensive solution for diverse hunting scenarios and recreational shooting.

Understanding the .450 Bushmaster: A Versatile Powerhouse

The .450 Bushmaster cartridge has rapidly gained prominence, particularly among hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge hunting regulations. Developed to offer significant power from AR-platform rifles, it bridges the gap between traditional rifle cartridges and shotgun slugs. It's often asked, "What is the best caliber for hunting deer in a straight-wall state?" or "Can I use my AR-15 for big game hunting?" The .450 Bushmaster, and specifically loads like the Hornady 82244, provide a resounding answer.

This robust straight-wall design boasts a large diameter and considerable case capacity, allowing for heavy bullets that transfer immense energy upon impact. Its design makes it highly effective at moderate ranges, typically out to 200-250 yards, delivering devastating knockdown power. Its popularity extends beyond regulatory compliance, as many hunters appreciate its ability to drop game quickly and humanely, minimizing tracking efforts. From deer and wild hogs to black bear, the .450 Bushmaster offers a powerful and versatile platform.

The Hornady Custom Ammunition Series: A Legacy of Excellence

The Hornady Custom line represents a commitment to precision and performance. Unlike mass-produced ammunition, Hornady Custom cartridges are crafted with an emphasis on quality components and stringent manufacturing processes. This dedication ensures that every round performs consistently, shot after shot, a critical factor for hunters relying on their ammunition in high-stakes situations.

What makes Hornady Custom ammunition stand out?

• Premium Components: Each round is assembled with high-quality brass casings, reliable primers, and carefully selected propellants, all working in harmony to deliver optimal ballistics.
• Meticulous Craftsmanship: Hornady employs advanced manufacturing techniques and rigorous quality control measures to ensure uniform bullet seating, consistent powder charges, and precise overall length. This attention to detail contributes directly to improved accuracy and dependable feeding.
• Proven Performance: The Custom line isn't just about high-end components; it's about delivering predictable and repeatable results in the field. This consistency builds confidence, allowing shooters to focus on their aim rather than worrying about ammunition reliability.

For hunters asking, "What ammunition offers the best blend of quality and reliability for my .450 Bushmaster?" the Hornady Custom series is frequently the answer, providing an all-around solution for various applications.

Unpacking the 250 gr Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) Bullet

At the heart of the Hornady 82244 Custom .450 Bushmaster load is the innovative 250 grain FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet. This is not just any expanding bullet; it incorporates Hornady's groundbreaking technology designed to overcome common ballistic challenges.

Key features of the FTX bullet include:

1. Flex Tip Technology: The patented polymer tip, which is soft and pliable, serves multiple crucial functions.
   • Improved Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The aerodynamic profile of the tip reduces drag, allowing the bullet to retain velocity and energy more effectively downrange. This translates to a flatter trajectory and less wind drift, improving accuracy at extended distances.
   • Reliable Expansion: Unlike traditional hollow points that can clog with material (like hide or clothing) and fail to expand, the Flex Tip compresses into the bullet upon impact, initiating rapid and consistent expansion even at lower velocities. This ensures devastating energy transfer and a wide wound channel.
2. InterLock Ring: This unique feature mechanically locks the core and jacket together, preventing core-jacket separation during expansion. This promotes high weight retention, which is vital for deep penetration, especially on larger, tougher game.
3. Secant Ogive Profile: The bullet's design promotes flatter trajectories and excellent accuracy. This efficient shape minimizes air resistance, contributing to the impressive muzzle velocity and energy figures.
4. Heavy Construction: The 250-grain weight is optimized for the .450 Bushmaster, providing substantial momentum for deep penetration and significant energy transfer, ensuring the bullet reaches vital organs.

The question "How does the FTX bullet perform on game?" is central to a hunter's choice. The FTX's controlled expansion and deep penetration deliver quick, humane kills by maximizing tissue damage and ensuring the vital organs are disrupted. This bullet technology is a cornerstone of why Hornady Custom ammunition is trusted by serious hunters.

Key Ballistic Performance of Hornady 82244

Performance metrics are paramount when selecting hunting ammunition. The Hornady 82244 Custom 450 Bushmaster 250 gr FTX delivers impressive figures that translate directly to superior field performance.

• Muzzle Velocity: At a blazing 2200 feet per second (fps), the 250 grain FTX bullet leaves the barrel with considerable speed. This high velocity contributes to a relatively flat trajectory for a large-diameter cartridge, making shot placement more forgiving within typical hunting ranges.
• Muzzle Energy: Generating a formidable 2686 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy at the muzzle, this load provides immense stopping power. This level of energy is more than sufficient for ethically taking down medium-sized game like whitetail deer and wild hogs, and it offers excellent capabilities for larger species such as black bear. The transfer of this kinetic energy into the target is what creates the devastating hydrostatic shock and tissue damage necessary for rapid incapacitation.

When hunters ask, "What is the stopping power of 450 Bushmaster for deer or bear?", these figures provide a clear answer. The combination of high velocity and heavy bullet weight ensures that a significant amount of energy is delivered to the target, promoting quick and humane harvests. This makes the Hornady 82244 an excellent choice for hunters who prioritize efficient, ethical kills.

Real-World Hunting Applications and Scenarios

The Hornady 82244 Custom .450 Bushmaster ammunition is truly designed for the field. Its characteristics make it ideal for a variety of hunting applications, particularly where raw power and reliable expansion are critical.

• Whitetail Deer Hunting: For many, the .450 Bushmaster has become a go-to deer cartridge, especially in areas with dense cover where shots are typically taken at closer to moderate ranges. The FTX bullet's ability to expand reliably, even through light brush, minimizes deflection and ensures energy transfer.
• Wild Hog Eradication: Wild hogs are notoriously tough animals, requiring robust ammunition for effective control. The 250 grain FTX provides the necessary penetration and destructive power to anchor even the largest boars, often achieving pass-throughs for clear blood trails.
• Black Bear Hunting: While shot placement is always key, the significant energy and controlled expansion of the 250 gr FTX make this load suitable for black bear. Hunters seeking a powerful yet manageable cartridge for bear hunting will find this Hornady load highly effective.
• Straight-Wall Cartridge States: This ammunition shines in regions with specific hunting regulations mandating straight-wall rifle cartridges. It offers performance comparable to many traditional bottleneck cartridges, allowing hunters to utilize modern, accurate rifles (like the AR-15 platform) in these areas.

Whether you're hunting from a tree stand overlooking a food plot, stalking through dense timber, or participating in a hog removal effort, the Hornady 82244 is engineered to perform consistently when it matters most. It addresses the common hunter's concern: "Will my ammunition perform reliably when I need it most?" with a resounding "Yes."

Why Choose Hornady Custom 450 Bushmaster Ammunition?

Choosing the right ammunition is as crucial as choosing the right rifle. Hornady Custom ammunition for the .450 Bushmaster is more than just a box of bullets; it's an investment in confidence, performance, and ethical hunting.

Key benefits for the discerning shooter and hunter:

• Uncompromising Accuracy: The precision manufacturing and high-quality components lead to tighter groups at the range and increased confidence in the field.
• Devastating Terminal Performance: The 250 gr FTX bullet is specifically designed for rapid, controlled expansion and deep penetration, ensuring quick and humane harvests. This is critical for ethical hunting and minimizing tracking.
• Reliability You Can Trust: From consistent feeding in various firearm platforms to dependable ignition and flawless cycling, Hornady ammunition is renowned for its reliability.
• Versatility in Application: While optimized for hunting, the consistent performance makes it suitable for target practice, allowing shooters to hone their skills with the same load they use in the field.
• Hornady's Reputation: As a leader in ammunition innovation, Hornady has built a reputation for producing some of the most technologically advanced and effective cartridges on the market. When you choose Hornady, you're choosing a brand trusted by generations of shooters and hunters.

For anyone asking, "What are the advantages of using Hornady Custom ammunition for my 450 Bushmaster?", the answer lies in its superior engineering, proven field performance, and the peace of mind that comes from using a product from a leading manufacturer. This is ammunition designed not just to shoot, but to perform.

Essential Ammunition Care and Storage

While Hornady ammunition is built to last, proper storage and handling are essential to maintain its integrity and performance over time. Always store your ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Keeping it in its original packaging helps protect it from moisture and physical damage. Before heading into the field, always inspect your ammunition for any signs of damage or corrosion. This simple practice ensures optimal performance and safety.

In summary, the Hornady 82244 Custom 450 Bushmaster 250 gr Flex Tip eXpanding ammunition represents a pinnacle of modern cartridge design, blending power, precision, and innovative bullet technology. It provides hunters with the confidence to take on medium to large game, ensuring ethical, effective, and reliable performance every time.

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Hornady 82244 Custom 450 Bushmaster Ammunition Specifications

Category	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Custom
Caliber	450 Bushmaster
Bullet Type	Flex Tip eXpanding
Bullet Weight	250 gr
Muzzle Velocity	2200 fps
Muzzle Energy	2686 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Casing Material	Brass
Application	Hunting
Game Type	Medium to Large
SKU	82244
UPC	090255822441