Hornady 82614 Dangerous Game .458 Lott 500 gr DGX Bonded Ammunition

For the discerning hunter who faces the most formidable game on Earth, the choice of ammunition is not merely a preference; it is a critical component of success, safety, and ethical hunting. When confronting beasts that can weigh thousands of pounds and possess an innate ability to charge with terrifying speed and power, absolute stopping power and unwavering reliability are paramount. This is precisely the domain where Hornady 82614 Dangerous Game .458 Lott 500 gr DGX Bonded ammunition excels, providing an unparalleled combination of brute force and sophisticated bullet engineering.

The Unyielding Power of .458 Lott: Why Choose This Caliber for Dangerous Game?

The .458 Lott cartridge stands as a titan among big game calibers, specifically designed to deliver devastating energy and deep penetration required for the world's largest and most dangerous animals. Hunters often ask, "What is the best caliber for African dangerous game, like Cape Buffalo or Elephant?" While many options exist, the .458 Lott is consistently ranked by professional hunters and safari guides as a top-tier choice. It significantly improves upon the venerable .458 Winchester Magnum, offering higher velocities and increased muzzle energy, translating directly into superior stopping power.

For those contemplating a challenging safari or a hunt for colossal North American bears, the .458 Lott provides the kinetic energy necessary to halt a charge or ensure a quick, humane dispatch of thick-skinned, heavy-boned adversaries. Its substantial bullet weight and velocity ensure that when a critical shot is placed, the outcome is decisive, minimizing the risk to the hunter and maximizing the ethical integrity of the hunt. This ammunition is engineered to perform when stakes are highest, offering peace of mind to the hunter making a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Hornady Dangerous Game Series: Engineered for Uncompromising Performance

Hornady's reputation for precision and innovation is globally recognized, and their Dangerous Game series exemplifies this commitment. The 82614 variant, chambered in .458 Lott with a 500-grain DGX Bonded bullet, is a testament to meticulous engineering. This series is not merely about raw power; it’s about controlled power, reliability, and consistency under extreme conditions.

What sets Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition apart for professional hunters and serious enthusiasts?

1. Optimized Powder Charges: Each load within the Dangerous Game series is carefully matched with specific powders. This isn't a generic application; it's a precise calibration to ensure optimum pressure and velocity for the stated bullet weight and caliber. This meticulous attention to detail is crucial for consistent performance, especially when considering the significant recoil and energy transfer involved with cartridges like the .458 Lott.
2. Regulation in Double Rifles: A unique and highly valued feature for hunters utilizing traditional double rifles, Hornady's Dangerous Game ammunition is specifically designed to regulate properly. This means both barrels of a double rifle will consistently shoot to the same point of aim at specified distances, a critical factor for rapid follow-up shots on dangerous game where precision and immediate second chances are vital. This level of consistency instills confidence in the most demanding hunting scenarios.
3. Stringent Quality Controls: From the selection of brass casing materials to the precise seating of the bullet and the uniform application of powder, every round undergoes strict quality controls. This commitment to manufacturing excellence ensures optimal performance shot after shot, eliminating variables that could compromise a critical moment in the field. Hunters rely on this consistency for safety and success.

The DGX Bonded Bullet: The Ultimate One-Two Punch

The heart of this formidable ammunition is the 500-grain DGX (Dangerous Game eXpanding) Bonded bullet. This bullet design is the culmination of Hornady's extensive research and development in terminal ballistics for large, heavy-boned animals.

How does the DGX Bonded bullet ensure maximum effectiveness on dangerous game?

• Controlled Expansion: Unlike traditional soft-point bullets that might over-expand or fragment, the DGX Bonded bullet is engineered for controlled expansion. Upon impact, the bullet mushrooms reliably, creating a wide wound channel that rapidly transfers kinetic energy to the target. This controlled expansion is crucial for dropping large animals quickly and humanely, minimizing suffering and preventing prolonged tracking.
• Deep Penetration: The "Bonded" aspect of the DGX bullet is key. Its lead core is chemically bonded to the copper jacket, forming a single, inseparable unit. This bonding prevents core-jacket separation, even when encountering tough hide, dense muscle, or heavy bone. The result is exceptional weight retention – often 95% or more – allowing the bullet to drive deep through vital organs and bone structures, reaching the central nervous system or critical circulatory systems. This deep, straight-line penetration is non-negotiable for dangerous game hunting.
• Reliable Performance on the Toughest Animals: Imagine facing a charging Cape Buffalo or an angry Elephant. Your ammunition must perform flawlessly. The DGX Bonded bullet delivers this reliability. Its flat-nosed profile aids in consistent feeding in various rifle actions and initiates expansion predictably upon impact, even on glancing blows or through thick hide. This design ensures that the immense energy of the .458 Lott is delivered precisely where it's needed most, translating directly into stopping power that can avert dangerous situations.

While this specific SKU focuses on the DGX Bonded for its controlled expansion and energy transfer, Hornady's broader Dangerous Game series also includes the DGS (Dangerous Game Solid) bullet. The original text mentions the "ultimate one-two punch with the controlled expansion of the DGX Bonded bullet. Follow up with the deep penetration of DGS through thick hide, dense muscle, and hard bone." This highlights the comprehensive nature of the Hornady Dangerous Game line, offering hunters the option of a solid, non-expanding bullet (DGS) for extreme, straight-line penetration, often used as a backup shot or for specific scenarios where maximum penetration through the thickest parts of an animal is the primary goal. For the 82614 specifically, the DGX Bonded is your primary expanding round for initial and follow-up shots that require energy transfer and deep wound channels.

Real-World Applications and Hunter Scenarios

Who is this ammunition for, and what problems does it solve?

This ammunition is purpose-built for experienced hunters, professional hunters, and safari enthusiasts undertaking expeditions for the world's most formidable game.

• African Big Five Safaris: This is the quintessential application. Whether it's the notorious Cape Buffalo, the immense Elephant, the formidable White Rhinoceros, the elusive Leopard, or the king of beasts, the Lion, this ammunition provides the authoritative performance required. For instance, a hunter on a Cape Buffalo hunt needs to know that a well-placed shot will anchor the animal, preventing a dangerous charge into thick cover. The 500-grain DGX Bonded in .458 Lott delivers the necessary punch.
• North American Dangerous Game: Beyond Africa, this ammunition is an outstanding choice for hunting large bears, such as Grizzly or Polar Bears, and even Bison, particularly in scenarios where a fast, definitive stop is critical, or self-defense against aggressive animals is a possibility.
• Professional Guides and Outfitters: Many professional hunters and guides carry a powerful rifle chambered in .458 Lott as a "backup gun" for clients. The absolute reliability and stopping power of Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition make it a trusted choice for protecting clients and ensuring the safety of the hunting party.
• Ethical Hunting: For any serious hunter, the goal is a quick, humane kill. The unparalleled energy transfer and penetration capabilities of the DGX Bonded bullet in .458 Lott contribute significantly to ethical hunting practices by ensuring that vital organs are decisively impacted, leading to a rapid and merciful end for the animal.

What common questions does this ammunition answer for hunters?

• "How can I ensure ethical and humane kills on large dangerous game?"
• "What ammunition offers the best stopping power for a charging animal?"
• "Is there ammunition specifically designed to perform reliably through thick hide and bone?"
• "Which cartridge and bullet combination is trusted by professional hunters worldwide?"

Hornady 82614 Dangerous Game .458 Lott 500 gr DGX Bonded directly addresses these concerns, providing definitive answers through its proven design and performance.

Maximizing Your Hunt: Beyond the Ammunition

While Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition provides an incredible foundation for success, achieving optimal results on your destination hunt also involves several key considerations:

• Rifle Selection and Familiarity: Using a robust rifle capable of handling the .458 Lott's recoil, coupled with extensive practice to manage that recoil and ensure precise shot placement, is paramount. Knowing your rifle and ammunition intimately builds confidence, which is invaluable in high-pressure hunting situations.
• Shot Placement: Even the most powerful ammunition requires accurate shot placement to be effective. Hunters must be proficient in placing shots precisely in the vital areas of dangerous game, often under immense pressure.
• Guided Expertise: For international safaris, engaging with experienced professional hunters and guides is essential. Their knowledge of local game, terrain, and tracking, combined with the reliability of Hornady ammunition, forms a comprehensive safety and success strategy.

Ultimately, choosing Hornady 82614 Dangerous Game .458 Lott 500 gr DGX Bonded ammunition is an investment in unwavering performance and peace of mind. It’s a decision to equip yourself with the very best when confronting the ultimate challenge the wild has to offer. This premium ammunition, available through reputable suppliers like DEGuns.com, ensures that when your moment of truth arrives, your gear is as ready and capable as you are.

The exceptional muzzle energy of 5872 ft lbs and a muzzle velocity of 2300 fps confirm the sheer power delivered by each 500-grain DGX Bonded bullet. These are not merely statistics; they are performance metrics that translate directly into the ability to halt large, aggressive animals with authoritative impact. For the hunter who demands the absolute best, Hornady's commitment to quality, terminal performance, and safety is unparalleled, making this ammunition the clear choice for your next dangerous game pursuit.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Detail	Performance
Brand	Hornady	Uncompromising Quality
Model	Dangerous Game	Trusted Performance
Caliber	458 Lott	Superior Stopping Power
Bullet Type	DGX Bonded	Controlled Expansion, Deep Penetration
Bullet Weight	500 gr	Heavy for Maximum Energy Transfer
Rounds Per Box	20	Standard Pack
Boxes Per Case	6	Bulk Packaging Available
Casing Material	Brass	Reliable Feeding & Extraction
Muzzle Energy	5872 ft lbs	Devastating Kinetic Impact
Muzzle Velocity	2300 fps	High-Speed Delivery
Game Type	Big Game	Ideal for Africa's Big Five, Large Bears
Application	Hunting	Safari, Professional Hunting, Self-Defense
SKU	82614	Product Identifier
UPC	090255826142	Universal Product Code