Mastering the Hunt: Hornady Dangerous Game 404 Jeffery 400 gr DGX Bonded Ammunition

When embarking on a journey to confront the world's most formidable big game, from the dense jungles of Asia to the expansive plains of Africa, selecting the right ammunition isn't merely a preference—it's a critical component of ethical hunting, personal safety, and mission success. For discerning hunters, professional guides, and safari outfitters who demand unwavering performance against potentially dangerous adversaries, the Hornady Dangerous Game Series, specifically the 404 Jeffery 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition (UPC: 090255823813, MPN: 82381), stands as a benchmark of reliability and stopping power.

This isn't just another box of cartridges; it's a meticulously engineered solution designed to address the unique challenges presented by thick-skinned, heavy-boned animals like Cape Buffalo, Elephants, Rhinos, and large predatory cats. What makes this ammunition the go-to choice for such demanding scenarios? It's Hornady's unwavering commitment to precision, consistency, and innovative bullet technology, specifically tailored to deliver the ethical, decisive one-shot performance crucial when facing a charge or needing to anchor a massive animal quickly and humanely.

The Ultimate One-Two Punch: DGX Bonded and DGS Solid Integration

Hornady's Dangerous Game Series is built upon a strategic philosophy: providing hunters with the versatility of two distinct yet complementary bullet types – the DGX® Bonded and the DGS® Solid – designed to work in tandem. While this particular offering highlights the DGX Bonded, understanding its role within the broader series reveals its genius.

• The DGX® Bonded (Dangerous Game eXpanding) Bullet: This is your primary choice for initial shots on dangerous game. The 400-grain DGX Bonded bullet features a thick, copper-alloy jacket and a lead core that are chemically bonded. This bonding process ensures maximum weight retention—often exceeding 95%—and controlled expansion. Why is controlled expansion vital? It allows the bullet to penetrate deeply, reaching vital organs even after punching through tough hide and muscle, while simultaneously expanding to create a devastating wound channel. This balance between penetration and energy transfer is paramount for a rapid, humane kill, especially when targeting the vitals of resilient animals. Its flat nose design further aids in delivering a powerful punch and creating a substantial wound cavity.
• The DGS® Solid (Dangerous Game Solid) Bullet: While not the focus of this specific product (which contains DGX Bonded), it's important to understand the concept for which the Dangerous Game series is renowned. The DGS Solid, often paired with DGX Bonded rounds in a hunter's double rifle or magazine, is designed for extreme, straight-line penetration, often used for follow-up shots or to break heavy bone. The synergy of having both options available ensures that a hunter is prepared for any eventuality, from a broadside shot requiring expansion to a raking shot or an emergency stop requiring maximum penetration. This Hornady 404 Jeffery 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition is the first part of this formidable pairing, setting the stage for unmatched reliability.

Unpacking the 404 Jeffery Caliber and 400-Grain Advantage

The .404 Jeffery is a legendary African big game cartridge, revered by professional hunters and safari enthusiasts for over a century. Developed in 1905, it gained a sterling reputation for its ability to humanely dispatch large, dangerous game without the punishing recoil associated with some larger, magnum calibers. It strikes a magnificent balance between power, control, and effectiveness.

• Historical Significance and Proven Performance: The .404 Jeffery has been successfully used on every animal in the "Big Five" (Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Lion, Leopard) and countless other formidable species across continents. Its long history of success is a testament to its inherent design efficiency and terminal ballistics.
• Optimal Bullet Weight: The 400-grain bullet weight for the .404 Jeffery is considered an optimal choice. It allows for a substantial sectional density, promoting deep penetration, while still maintaining excellent velocity (2300 fps Muzzle Velocity) and energy (4698 ft lbs Muzzle Energy) for decisive performance. This specific combination is engineered to transfer maximum kinetic energy upon impact, ensuring sufficient "knock-down" power for even the most determined adversaries.
• Recoil Management: While no dangerous game cartridge is "mild," the .404 Jeffery offers a more manageable recoil impulse compared to some larger calibers, allowing for faster, more accurate follow-up shots—a critical factor when faced with a charging animal or managing multiple targets.

Precision Engineering for Unwavering Reliability

Every component of Hornady Dangerous Game 404 Jeffery 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition is meticulously selected and rigorously tested to meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

• Carefully Matched Powders: The powders used are precisely matched to the bullet weight and caliber to ensure optimum pressure curves and consistent velocities. This meticulous attention to detail is vital for achieving tight groups and reliable performance shot after shot.
• Regulation in Double Rifles: For hunters who rely on classic double rifles, ammunition regulation is paramount. Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition is specifically produced with strict quality controls to ensure it regulates reliably in double rifles, meaning both barrels shoot to the same point of aim at a given distance. This consistency is not just a convenience; it's a safety feature that ensures rapid, accurate follow-up shots without needing to adjust aim for the second barrel. This is a significant advantage for professional hunters and safari clients who depend on quick, precise two-shot capabilities.
• Premium Brass Casings: The ammunition utilizes high-quality brass casings, known for their durability, consistent dimensions, and reloadability. This ensures reliable feeding, extraction, and ignition in a wide range of rifles, from modern bolt-actions to traditional double guns.
• Strict Quality Control: Hornady's reputation is built on stringent quality control measures at every stage of the manufacturing process. From raw material inspection to final product testing, each round of 404 Jeffery 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition is produced to exacting standards, guaranteeing optimal performance on your destination hunt, regardless of environmental conditions.

Real-World Applications: When Every Shot Counts

So, who is this ammunition for, and what real-world problems does it solve?

• African Big Game Hunters: This is the quintessential ammunition for those pursuing Africa's Big Five. Whether it's anchoring a massive Cape Buffalo in dense bush, stopping a charging elephant, or ensuring a humane take-down of a lion, the Hornady 404 Jeffery DGX Bonded provides the necessary power and penetration.
• Professional Hunters (PHs) and Guides: PHs rely on absolute dependability, not just for their clients' success, but for their own safety and the safety of their team. The consistent regulation and terminal performance of this ammunition make it a trusted choice for those who routinely operate in dangerous game country.
• Serious International Hunters: Beyond Africa, this ammunition is perfectly suited for other large, dangerous species such as Alaskan brown bears, polar bears (where legal), or even large, aggressive wild boar species.
• Ethical Hunting: The primary goal of any responsible hunter is a quick, humane kill. The controlled expansion and deep penetration of the DGX Bonded bullet minimize tracking and reduce the potential for wounded animals, upholding the highest standards of ethical hunting.
• Navigating Challenging Terrain: Hunting dangerous game often occurs in thick brush, dense forests, or rugged mountains. The reliable performance and stopping power of the 404 Jeffery 400 gr DGX Bonded bullet ensure that even if the shot is not perfectly placed due to unforeseen movements or obstacles, the bullet will perform as designed to maximize the chance of a successful outcome.

Common questions this ammunition answers:

• "What is the best ammunition for hunting Cape Buffalo?"
• "How do I choose reliable ammunition for an African safari?"
• "Which 404 Jeffery rounds are recommended for dangerous game?"
• "What kind of bullet provides controlled expansion and deep penetration for large animals?"
• "Why is ammunition regulation important for double rifles?"
• "How can I ensure ethical and humane kills on big game?"

Beyond the Hunt: Peace of Mind and Preparation

Investing in premium ammunition like the Hornady Dangerous Game 404 Jeffery 400 gr DGX Bonded is more than just purchasing bullets; it's investing in peace of mind. Knowing that your ammunition is engineered for consistency, reliability, and superior terminal performance frees you to focus on the hunt itself, your shot placement, and the majestic experience of being in the wild.

Before any significant hunt, particularly one involving dangerous game, thorough preparation is key. This includes familiarizing yourself with your rifle, practicing with your chosen ammunition, and understanding its ballistics. The consistent muzzle velocity of 2300 fps and impressive muzzle energy of 4698 ft lbs mean predictable performance downrange, allowing hunters to confidently estimate shot placement and make critical adjustments in the field. This level of ballistic consistency is a hallmark of Hornady's commitment to precision and is invaluable when stalking or confronting game that can pose a significant threat. The 20 rounds per box and 6 boxes per case packaging provides sufficient quantity for practice, sight-in, and the hunt itself, ensuring you have enough quality ammunition for your entire expedition.

In summary, for hunters who face the ultimate challenge of dangerous game, the Hornady Dangerous Game 404 Jeffery 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition offers a scientifically engineered advantage. It's designed to deliver the decisive, ethical stopping power required, ensuring that your once-in-a-lifetime hunt is not only successful but also safe and responsible.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Dangerous Game
Caliber	404 Jeffery
Bullet Type	DGX Bonded
Bullet Weight	400 gr
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	6
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Velocity	2300 fps
Muzzle Energy	4698 ft lbs
Application	Hunting
Game Type	Big Game
UPC	090255823813
MPN	82381