Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX Ammunition Overview

Are you a serious handgun hunter, an outdoor enthusiast seeking unparalleled protection in the wilderness, or a dedicated shooter demanding the utmost performance from your 500 S&W Magnum? If so, the Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 grain Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) ammunition, SKU 9249, is engineered precisely for your needs. This isn't just another box of cartridges; it's a meticulously crafted solution designed to deliver devastating terminal performance, shot after shot, setting the standard for powerful handgun ammunition.

Unleashing the Power of the 500 S&W Magnum with Hornady Precision

The 500 S&W Magnum is renowned as one of the most powerful production handgun cartridges ever created. It’s a caliber chosen by those who require extreme stopping power for the largest and most dangerous game, or for absolute confidence in self-defense against formidable threats in remote environments. However, possessing such immense power demands equally precise and reliable ammunition. This is where Hornady's commitment to excellence, embodied in their Custom line, becomes paramount.

Hornady Custom ammunition is built upon a legacy of hand-loaded performance, bringing match-grade consistency and devastating effectiveness to factory-loaded cartridges. Each round is rigorously inspected to ensure the quality and consistency that serious shooters have come to expect from the Hornady name. From specifically chosen cases to perfectly matched primers and propellants, every component is selected and assembled to achieve superior handgun performance. When facing a charging grizzly or tracking a trophy bull elk, you need ammunition that performs predictably and powerfully every single time.

Key Advantages of Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX Ammunition:

• Unrivaled Stopping Power: Engineered for the ultimate one-shot performance on dangerous game and large animals.
• Consistent Terminal Performance: The Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet ensures reliable expansion across a wide range of velocities.
• Superior Accuracy: Precision manufacturing and quality components contribute to tighter groups.
• Reliability: Each round undergoes stringent quality control for dependable feeding and firing.
• Optimized for Handguns: Specifically designed to maximize the potential of your 500 S&W Magnum revolver.

The Science Behind the Stopping Power: Hornady Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) Bullet

At the heart of this formidable cartridge lies the revolutionary Hornady Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet. Unlike traditional hollow points that can clog with clothing or fur, or solid bullets that may over-penetrate without adequate energy transfer, the FTX design offers the best of both worlds. The patented polymer tip, which extends into the bullet's cavity, serves multiple critical functions:

1. Initiates Expansion: Upon impact, the flexible tip compresses into the hollow cavity, initiating rapid and consistent expansion, even at lower velocities or through tough hide and bone. This ensures maximum energy transfer and devastating wound channels.
2. Improves Ballistic Coefficient: The aerodynamic tip enhances the bullet's flight characteristics, reducing drag and maintaining velocity over distance. While typical handgun engagements are at closer ranges, superior ballistics still contribute to better accuracy and energy retention.
3. Prevents Clogging: The polymer tip prevents material from filling the hollow point, which could otherwise hinder or prevent expansion, especially when shooting through heavy clothing, brush, or dense fur.

The 300-grain weight of the FTX bullet in this 500 S&W Magnum load strikes an optimal balance between manageable recoil for a cartridge of this power and sufficient bullet mass for deep penetration. When combined with the controlled expansion of the FTX, this translates directly to more effective, ethical, and humane kills on game animals, and decisive stopping power when personal safety is on the line.

Real-World Applications: Where Does Hornady 9249 Shine?

This specific ammunition is designed for those moments when compromise isn't an option. Its remarkable power and precision make it the preferred choice for several demanding scenarios:

1. Big Game Hunting with a Handgun:

For the adventurous hunter who seeks the ultimate challenge of taking down large game with a handgun, the Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX is an unparalleled asset. It’s perfectly suited for species such as:

• North American Big Game: Elk, moose, bear (black and grizzly), wild boar, and even buffalo. The high muzzle energy of 2868 ft lbs ensures ample knock-down power.
• African Plains Game: For those pursuing larger plains game species where a handgun is permitted and appropriate.

The 2075 feet per second (fps) muzzle velocity delivers the energy required for deep penetration and reliable expansion, even when encountering heavy bone or dense muscle tissue. This ensures a clean, ethical kill, which is paramount for responsible hunting. Imagine the confidence of pursuing a large bear in thick cover, knowing your ammunition is designed to deliver decisive terminal performance if a shot presents itself.

2. Backcountry and Dangerous Game Protection:

Venturing into bear country or remote wilderness areas necessitates reliable protection. The 500 S&W Magnum loaded with Hornady FTX bullets offers a powerful deterrent and last line of defense against dangerous animals.

• Bear Defense: Whether hiking, fishing, or camping in grizzly or brown bear territory, this ammunition provides critical stopping power against the largest land predators. Its ability to penetrate thick hide and bone is crucial in such encounters.
• Other Large Predators: Effective against other large, aggressive animals that may pose a threat in the backcountry.

The consistency and reliability of Hornady Custom ammunition mean that when milliseconds count, you can trust your rounds to perform exactly as intended.

3. Handgun Silhouette Shooting and Extreme Target Practice:

While primarily a hunting and defense round, the inherent accuracy of Hornady Custom ammunition also makes it suitable for extreme long-range handgun target shooting, particularly for enthusiasts of metallic silhouette competitions with large-caliber revolvers. The consistent bullet weight and aerodynamic profile contribute to predictable trajectories.

Understanding the Specifications: What Do the Numbers Mean?

The technical specifications of ammunition are crucial for understanding its performance and suitability for specific tasks. Let's delve into what makes the Hornady 9249 Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX so effective:

• Caliber: 500 S&W Mag: This is a powerful, large-bore revolver cartridge known for its immense energy and capacity to handle large game.
• Bullet Weight: 300 grain: This is a lighter-to-midrange bullet weight for the 500 S&W, often chosen for higher velocity and flatter trajectory while still delivering substantial energy. It's a versatile weight for various hunting applications.
• Bullet Type: Hornady Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX): As discussed, this patented design ensures reliable expansion and high energy transfer.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2075 fps: This is the speed at which the bullet leaves the barrel. A high muzzle velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and greater energy delivery downrange. For context, many rifle cartridges achieve similar velocities, highlighting the incredible power of this handgun round.
• Muzzle Energy: 2868 ft lbs: This metric represents the kinetic energy of the bullet as it exits the muzzle. It is a direct indicator of the bullet's potential to transfer energy to a target, causing damage and achieving rapid incapacitation. 2868 ft lbs is a tremendous amount of energy for a handgun, surpassing many rifle calibers at close range.
• Rounds Per Box: 20: Standard packaging for premium handgun ammunition.
• Boxes Per Case: 10: Allows for bulk purchasing and consistent inventory for serious users.
• Casing Material: Brass: High-quality, reloadable brass casings ensure consistent chambering and reliable extraction, and contribute to the overall quality and consistency of the ammunition.
• Game Type: Medium (and Large): While categorized as 'Medium' for versatility, the power of this round with the FTX bullet undeniably makes it suitable for the largest North American and many African plains game animals.
• Application: Hunting (and Defense): Primarily designed for hunting, its defensive capabilities against dangerous game are also a major consideration.

Hornady's Commitment to Quality and Consistency

Hornady has built its sterling reputation on a foundation of innovation, precision, and unwavering quality control. The "Custom" line of ammunition is a testament to this commitment. Unlike some mass-produced ammunition, Hornady Custom undergoes meticulous scrutiny at every stage of the manufacturing process.

This starts with component selection:

• Propellants: Specifically chosen powders are matched to each load to ensure consistent velocities, optimal pressure, and clean burning, minimizing residue in your firearm.
• Primers: Only the highest quality primers are used to guarantee reliable ignition, even in challenging conditions. Consistent ignition is crucial for consistent velocities and accuracy.
• Brass Cases: Premium Hornady brass cases are manufactured to exacting tolerances, ensuring uniform wall thickness, consistent neck tension, and superior strength for multiple reloads (for those who handload their spent brass). This precision contributes directly to the ammunition's accuracy and reliability.

The manufacturing process itself employs state-of-the-art machinery and rigorous testing protocols. Every batch is tested for pressure, velocity, and accuracy to ensure it meets Hornady's stringent standards. This obsessive attention to detail means that when you load Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX, you can be confident in its performance, whether it's the first round or the last. This consistency is vital for hunters who need to make a critical shot and for those who rely on their firearm for personal protection.

Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your 500 S&W Magnum

For owners of the formidable 500 S&W Magnum, selecting the right ammunition is paramount. While the raw power of the cartridge is impressive, harnessing that power effectively requires bullets designed for specific purposes. The Hornady 300 gr FTX bullet is an excellent example of purpose-driven design. It balances a lighter bullet weight for higher velocity with the reliable expansion characteristics of the FTX tip, making it incredibly versatile for both hunting and self-defense against large, dangerous animals.

When you're evaluating ammunition for your big-bore revolver, consider these factors that the Hornady Custom line addresses:

• Terminal Ballistics: How does the bullet perform upon impact? The FTX ensures predictable, controlled expansion.
• Accuracy: Can the ammunition consistently group tightly at relevant distances? Hornady Custom's precision components contribute to superior accuracy.
• Reliability: Will every round feed, fire, and extract without issue? Hornady’s quality control minimizes the risk of malfunctions.
• Manufacturer Reputation: Is the ammunition made by a company with a proven track record of quality and innovation? Hornady is a leader in ammunition technology.

The Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX is a prime example of ammunition that ticks all these boxes, providing peace of mind and superior performance for the most demanding applications.

Where to Purchase Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX Ammunition

For hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and serious shooters looking for Hornady 9249 Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX ammunition, this high-performance product is readily available from reputable firearms and ammunition retailers. You can find this specific Hornady offering, along with a wide array of other premium ammunition and shooting accessories, at DEGuns.com. Ensure you are purchasing from a trusted source to guarantee authenticity and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions about 500 S&W Magnum Ammunition

Users often have specific questions when considering powerful ammunition like the Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag. Here are some common inquiries answered:

Q: What is the primary use for 500 S&W Magnum ammunition?

A: The 500 S&W Magnum is predominantly used for hunting very large and dangerous game (like bear, moose, wild boar, or even African plains game) with a handgun, as well as for personal protection in areas where large predators are a concern. It's also popular among enthusiasts for extreme target shooting or collecting due to its immense power.

Q: How does the Hornady FTX bullet compare to traditional hollow points for hunting?

A: The Hornady FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional hollow points, particularly in hunting scenarios. Its polymer tip initiates expansion reliably upon impact, even through tough hide, bone, or dense clothing/fur, preventing the hollow cavity from clogging. This ensures consistent, rapid, and controlled expansion for maximum energy transfer and effective wound channels, which can be more reliable than some traditional hollow points that may fail to expand under certain conditions.

Q: Is the 300 grain bullet weight suitable for all 500 S&W Magnum applications?

A: The 300 grain bullet weight is a highly versatile and effective choice for the 500 S&W Magnum. It offers a balance of high velocity and significant energy, making it excellent for various hunting applications from medium to large game, and it performs exceptionally for dangerous game defense. While heavier bullet weights (e.g., 400-500+ grains) exist for maximum penetration on extremely thick-skinned animals, the 300 gr FTX offers superb overall performance with potentially less perceived recoil than heavier loads and a flatter trajectory.

Q: What does "Muzzle Energy: 2868 ft lbs" mean in practical terms?

A: Muzzle energy, measured in foot-pounds (ft lbs), is a critical indicator of a bullet's destructive potential. 2868 ft lbs is an incredibly high energy figure for a handgun cartridge, surpassing many rifle calibers at close range. In practical terms, it means the Hornady 300 gr FTX bullet delivers a massive amount of kinetic energy upon impact, capable of generating significant hydrostatic shock, causing extensive tissue damage, and ensuring rapid incapacitation of large game or dangerous animals. It translates directly to superior "stopping power."

Q: Why choose Hornady Custom ammunition over other brands?

A: Hornady Custom ammunition is distinguished by its commitment to precision, consistency, and the use of premium components. Each round is assembled with carefully selected cases, propellants, and primers, and undergoes rigorous quality control. This dedication results in ammunition that provides superior accuracy, reliable feeding, consistent muzzle velocities, and predictable terminal performance. For critical applications like hunting and self-defense, Hornady's reputation for unwavering quality provides unmatched confidence.

Q: How many rounds are in a box of Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag?

A: Each box of Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX ammunition (UPC 090255392494) contains 20 rounds, with 10 boxes typically making up a full case.

Product Specifications: Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 300 gr FTX (SKU 9249)

Attribute	Detail	Value
Brand	Manufacturer	Hornady
Product Line	Ammunition Series	Custom
Caliber	Cartridge Type	500 S&W Mag
Bullet Type	Projectile Design	Hornady Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX)
Bullet Weight	Projectile Mass	300 gr
Muzzle Velocity	Initial Speed	2075 fps
Muzzle Energy	Initial Kinetic Force	2868 ft lbs
Application	Primary Use Case	Hunting (also dangerous game defense)
Game Type	Suitable for	Medium & Large Game
Casing Material	Case Composition	Brass
Rounds Per Box	Quantity in Packaging	20
Boxes Per Case	Case Quantity	10
SKU	Stock Keeping Unit	9249
UPC	Universal Product Code	090255392494