Unlock Unrivaled Handgun Performance: Hornady Custom 480 Ruger Ammunition

For the serious handgun hunter, the dedicated competitor, or the individual seeking formidable stopping power for personal defense, the choice of ammunition is paramount. When every shot counts, the demand for reliability, consistency, and superior terminal performance becomes non-negotiable. This is precisely where Hornady Custom Handgun Ammunition, specifically the 480 Ruger 325 gr Hornady XTP Mag, distinguishes itself. It's engineered to deliver the precision and power expected from hand-loaded rounds, but with the unwavering quality control of factory production.

Why Choose Hornady Custom for Your 480 Ruger?

The Hornady Custom line is built upon a legacy of meticulous craftsmanship and ballistic innovation. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, Custom ammunition undergoes rigorous inspection and is assembled with components specifically chosen for their synergy within handgun cartridges. This dedication ensures not just consistent muzzle velocity and energy, but also optimal bullet performance upon impact.

Are you searching for ammunition that offers predictable expansion and deep penetration for hunting medium to large game? Do you require a round that instills confidence in critical situations? The Hornady Custom 480 Ruger 325 gr XTP Mag answers these questions by providing a meticulously crafted solution for high-performance handgun applications.

The Potent 480 Ruger Cartridge: A Deep Dive

The .480 Ruger, introduced in 2003, was designed to provide a more manageable big-bore revolver experience than some of its higher-pressure counterparts, while still delivering significant power. It strikes an impressive balance between raw stopping power and recoil, making it a favorite among handgun hunters. This cartridge offers a substantial increase in projectile weight and diameter compared to many popular hunting rounds, translating to greater kinetic energy transfer and a larger wound channel.

When considering ammunition for a .480 Ruger, the goal is often to maximize its inherent power for specific applications. The Hornady Custom 325 gr XTP Mag load is tailored precisely for this, ensuring that the cartridge’s potential for rapid energy dissipation and deep tissue disruption is fully realized. Hunters frequently ask, "What’s the most effective bullet for the .480 Ruger on game like wild boar or deer?" The answer often points to heavy, controlled-expansion bullets like the XTP Mag, designed to penetrate tough hides and bones while retaining sufficient mass for devastating terminal effects.

Unpacking the Hornady XTP Mag Bullet: Engineering for Impact

The heart of this exceptional ammunition is the Hornady XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) Mag bullet. While the standard XTP is renowned for its reliable expansion across a wide velocity range, the "Mag" designation signifies an enhanced version specifically engineered for higher velocities and more challenging terminal ballistics, often found in powerful magnum handgun cartridges.

The design of the XTP Mag bullet is a testament to Hornady's commitment to performance:

• Precise Scoring and Uniform Core: The jacket of the XTP Mag features precise serrations, or "cuts," which weaken the jacket in a controlled manner. This ensures consistent, predictable expansion even at varied impact velocities. The lead core is uniformly cast and swaged, preventing voids or inconsistencies that could affect flight or terminal performance.
• Thick, Robust Jacket: Unlike some lighter-constructed bullets, the XTP Mag boasts a thicker copper jacket. This robust construction is crucial for maintaining bullet integrity and promoting deep penetration, especially when encountering dense muscle, bone, or tough hide. It resists fragmentation, ensuring that the majority of the bullet's weight is retained, which is vital for energy transfer.
• Optimal Hollow Point Cavity: The specific dimensions and depth of the hollow point cavity are meticulously engineered to initiate expansion rapidly upon impact without sacrificing penetration. This balance is key for achieving effective game harvesting or neutralizing a threat.
• InterLock® Ring (Implied by XTP design philosophy): While not explicitly stated for every XTP, the general XTP design often incorporates an InterLock® ring feature which mechanically locks the core to the jacket. This further aids in weight retention and controlled expansion, preventing core-jacket separation even during violent impacts.

How does this translate to real-world performance? Imagine hunting a formidable wild boar with your .480 Ruger. The Hornady 325 gr XTP Mag is designed to punch through the thick shield and deliver a deep, expanding wound channel, maximizing the likelihood of a clean, ethical harvest. For self-defense scenarios where extreme power is a consideration, its ability to penetrate common barriers while still expanding effectively can be a critical advantage.

The "Custom" Difference: Precision from Factory to Firing Line

The "Custom" in Hornady Custom is not just a marketing term; it represents a philosophy of manufacturing that mirrors the attention to detail of a skilled handloader. Every step in the production process is scrutinized:

• Specially Chosen Components: Hornady doesn't just use any brass, primers, or propellants. For the Custom line, these components are specifically selected and matched to optimize performance for each unique cartridge and bullet combination. For the 480 Ruger, this means selecting brass that can withstand the cartridge's pressures while ensuring consistent feeding and extraction, and propellants that deliver precise muzzle velocities with minimal variation.
• Meticulous Inspection: From the moment raw materials arrive to the final packaging, each round undergoes multiple stages of inspection. This ensures uniformity in powder charges, bullet seating depth, crimp, and overall cartridge dimensions. This unparalleled consistency is what gives shooters the confidence that every round will perform identically.
• Ballistic Consistency: The benefit of this rigorous process is exceptional ballistic consistency. When comparing groups fired with Hornady Custom ammunition, shooters often observe tighter spreads and more predictable points of impact compared to standard factory loads. This consistency is invaluable whether you're making a precision shot in the field or aiming for a tight group on the range.

This level of quality assurance is precisely what discerning shooters demand. It addresses common concerns such as "Is factory ammunition reliable enough for hunting?" or "Can I trust mass-produced ammo for critical self-defense situations?" Hornady Custom answers with an emphatic yes, providing a premium product without the time commitment and specialized equipment required for handloading.

Applications and Real-World Scenarios

The Hornady Custom 480 Ruger 325 gr XTP Mag is a highly versatile and powerful round, primarily optimized for specific high-performance handgun applications:

• Handgun Hunting: This is arguably the primary application where this ammunition truly shines. The .480 Ruger with the 325-grain XTP Mag is an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game such as:
  • Deer (Whitetail, Mule Deer): Provides ample energy and bullet performance for quick, humane kills.
  • Wild Boar/Hogs: The XTP Mag's penetration and expansion are well-suited for the tough hides and bone structures of hogs.
  • Black Bear: With proper shot placement, this load is capable of taking black bears, especially in situations requiring a powerful handgun.
  • Other Medium Game: Suitable for various other game animals where significant stopping power and penetration are required.
• Personal Defense/Back-up in the Field: While a powerful round, its application in personal defense typically leans towards defense against dangerous animals in the wilderness, or as a powerful sidearm for individuals operating in remote areas. Its formidable energy can be a deterrent and a decisive solution in such extreme circumstances.
• Target Shooting/Practice: While not its primary purpose due to cost and recoil, occasional target practice with this load can help shooters maintain proficiency with their hunting or defensive setup, ensuring they are comfortable and accurate with the actual rounds they would use in the field.

When users ask, "What are the best uses for a .480 Ruger handgun?" or "Which ammunition is recommended for hunting with a powerful revolver?", the Hornady Custom 480 Ruger 325 gr XTP Mag consistently appears as a top recommendation for its balanced performance and reliable terminal ballistics.

Understanding the Specifications: What Do the Numbers Mean?

The technical specifications of ammunition provide crucial insights into its performance. For the Hornady 480 Ruger 325 gr XTP Mag:

• Muzzle Velocity: 1350 fps (feet per second)
  • This indicates the speed at which the bullet leaves the barrel. A velocity of 1350 fps for a 325-grain projectile is substantial, contributing directly to the round's kinetic energy and flat trajectory over typical handgun hunting ranges. It's a key factor in how quickly the bullet reaches its target and how much energy it carries.
• Muzzle Energy: 1315 ft lbs (foot-pounds)
  • Muzzle energy is a measure of the bullet's destructive potential at the muzzle. 1315 ft lbs signifies immense power, far exceeding many popular handgun calibers. This high energy is crucial for achieving deep penetration and delivering a devastating shock to the target, essential for clean game harvests or effective self-defense.
• Bullet Weight: 325 gr (grains)
  • A grain is a unit of mass. 325 grains is a heavy bullet for a handgun cartridge. Heavier bullets typically carry more momentum, lead to deeper penetration, and are less affected by crosswinds, making them ideal for hunting larger game where controlled expansion and deep wounds are vital.
• Bullet Type: Hornady XTP Mag
  • As discussed, this is a premium, controlled-expansion hollow point bullet designed for high-performance and deep penetration, especially at magnum velocities.
• Casing Material: Brass
  • Brass casings are the industry standard for centerfire ammunition due to their excellent ductility, strength, and ability to expand and seal the chamber upon firing, then contract for easy extraction. Brass also allows for reloading, though this factory Custom load is designed to perform optimally out of the box.
• Rounds Per Box: 20
  • A common quantity for handgun hunting ammunition, providing enough rounds for a hunt and some zeroing.
• Boxes Per Case: 10
  • Indicates bulk packaging for retailers or serious enthusiasts, totaling 200 rounds per case.

These specifications collectively paint a picture of a powerfully engineered, high-performance cartridge designed for demanding applications where reliable terminal ballistics are non-negotiable.

Ensuring Safety and Proper Handling

As with all ammunition, proper storage and handling of Hornady Custom 480 Ruger 325 gr XTP Mag are paramount for safety and maintaining performance. Always store ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Keep it out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals. Always consult your firearm's manual for proper ammunition type, and follow all local and federal laws regarding ammunition purchase and use.

The Hornady Custom 480 Ruger 325 gr XTP Mag ammunition is not merely a collection of components; it is a meticulously crafted system designed to provide hunters and responsible firearm owners with unwavering reliability and superior terminal performance. Its foundation in the potent .480 Ruger cartridge, combined with the advanced engineering of the XTP Mag bullet and Hornady's "Custom" commitment to quality, makes it a premier choice for those who demand the absolute best from their handgun ammunition.

Whether you are preparing for a challenging hunting expedition, seeking to enhance your capabilities for personal defense, or simply refining your skills at the range, this Hornady Custom load offers the precision, power, and consistency you need to achieve your objectives with confidence.

Hornady Custom 480 Ruger 325 gr XTP Mag Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Custom
Caliber	480 Ruger
Bullet Type	Hornady XTP Mag
Bullet Weight	325 gr
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Energy	1315 ft lbs
Muzzle Velocity	1350 fps
Game Type	Medium
Application	Hunting
SKU	9138
UPC	090255391381