Hornady Dangerous Game Ammunition: The Ultimate Choice for Africa's Giants and Beyond

For the discerning hunter who demands uncompromising performance when facing the world's most formidable creatures, the Hornady 416 Rigby 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition stands as a benchmark of excellence. This isn't merely a round; it's a meticulously engineered solution designed to ensure ethical harvests, maximum stopping power, and unparalleled reliability in the most extreme hunting conditions. If you're planning a safari for the African Big Five, pursuing large bears in the arctic, or confronting any game that demands absolute precision and authority, understanding the capabilities of this specialized ammunition is paramount.

Why Choose Hornady 416 Rigby Dangerous Game Ammunition?

When facing dangerous game, there's no room for compromise. Hunters often ask: "What's the best ammunition for Cape Buffalo?" or "How do I ensure deep penetration on an elephant?" The answer lies in specialized ammunition like the Hornady Dangerous Game series. This ammunition is specifically formulated for cartridges renowned for their immense power, such as the legendary .416 Rigby, a caliber synonymous with African big game hunting for over a century.

This particular load, featuring the 400-grain DGX Bonded bullet, is engineered to deliver a devastating one-two punch. It begins with controlled expansion, crucial for maximizing energy transfer on impact, followed by the deep, straight-line penetration of a solid bullet, ensuring vital organ disruption even through thick hide and dense bone. This unique combination addresses the critical need for both immediate knockdown power and the ability to reach deep into heavy-bodied animals, reducing tracking time and enhancing hunter safety.

Addressing the Demands of Dangerous Game Hunting

The challenge of dangerous game hunting is unique. Animals like the African Cape Buffalo, with their notoriously tough hides and dense bone structures, or the colossal African Elephant, require ammunition capable of delivering overwhelming force and controlled behavior upon impact. Standard hunting rounds, while effective on lighter game, simply do not possess the necessary construction or kinetic energy to consistently and ethically dispatch these magnificent, yet potentially lethal, creatures.

This Hornady offering is tailored for those who face these challenges head-on. It's the go-to choice for professional hunters, safari clients, and serious big game enthusiasts who understand that shot placement, while critical, must be backed by ammunition designed to perform under immense pressure.

Unpacking the Power: Caliber and Ballistics of the .416 Rigby

The .416 Rigby caliber itself is a testament to timeless big game effectiveness. Introduced in 1911, it quickly gained a reputation as an exceptionally reliable and hard-hitting cartridge for African hunting. It strikes a balance, offering immense power while maintaining a level of manageable recoil for a cartridge of its class, particularly in well-balanced rifles.

The Hornady 416 Rigby 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition capitalizes on this inherent power. Let's break down its impressive ballistic figures:

• Muzzle Velocity: 2415 feet per second (fps)

  This high velocity translates to a relatively flat trajectory for a large-bore cartridge, aiding in shot placement at varying distances. More importantly, it ensures the bullet impacts with tremendous kinetic energy.

• Muzzle Energy: 5180 foot-pounds (ft lbs)

  This figure is a direct measure of the bullet's raw power at the muzzle. Over 5000 ft lbs of energy indicates immense stopping power, critical for animals that can soak up lesser impacts and still pose a threat. This energy is key to disrupting critical biological systems upon impact, facilitating a quick and humane dispatch.

These numbers aren't just statistics; they represent the devastating force and ethical performance you can expect downrange. For any hunter asking, "How much energy do I need for a Cape Buffalo?", Hornady provides a clear, authoritative answer with this meticulously crafted load.

Advanced Bullet Technology: DGX Bonded & DGS Solids

At the heart of Hornady's Dangerous Game series lies their cutting-edge bullet technology. The 400 gr DGX Bonded bullet is a cornerstone of this performance.

DGX Bonded: Controlled Expansion for Maximum Impact

The DGX (Dangerous Game eXpanding) Bonded bullet is designed for controlled, reliable expansion. This is achieved through a proprietary bonding process that permanently fuses the lead core to the copper jacket. Why is bonding so important for dangerous game?

• High Weight Retention: Unlike traditional cup-and-core bullets that can shed their jackets, bonded bullets maintain most of their original weight upon impact. This ensures that the majority of the bullet's mass continues to drive forward, carrying kinetic energy deep into the animal.
• Controlled Expansion: The DGX Bonded bullet is engineered to expand to a significant diameter without fragmenting. This creates a larger wound channel, maximizing tissue damage and energy transfer, leading to rapid incapacitation. It’s the ideal choice for the initial, critical shot on large animals where internal damage and hydrostatic shock are vital for a quick kill.
• Reliable Performance: From close-quarters charges to longer shots across plains, the DGX Bonded bullet performs consistently, ensuring you know exactly how your ammunition will react in a high-stakes situation.

The DGS Solid: Unyielding Penetration

While the DGX Bonded is designed for controlled expansion, the Hornady Dangerous Game series also implicitly refers to the DGS (Dangerous Game Solid) bullet concept as a follow-up. Though this specific product is DGX Bonded, the description's mention of "Follow up with the deep penetration of DGS through thick hide, dense muscle, and hard bone" highlights Hornady's holistic approach to dangerous game. A true dangerous game hunter will often carry a mix of expanding and solid rounds, ready to switch depending on the target or the situation (e.g., a solid for a brain shot on an elephant or to break down heavy bone on a charging buffalo).

While the 82661 SKU is specifically the DGX Bonded, the philosophy underscores the need for ultimate penetration. Hornady's commitment to high-density, uniform alloy cores and thick copper jackets in their solid designs ensures a straight, deep penetration path, critical for reaching vital organs from any angle, especially in follow-up shots on a wounded or charging animal. The ability of these bullets to punch through heavy bone without deflection is a key safety feature for hunters.

Precision Manufacturing for Unwavering Reliability

Every component of Hornady Dangerous Game ammunition is subjected to rigorous quality controls, ensuring optimal performance when it matters most. This level of precision is not merely a luxury; it's a necessity in the field where a single shot can determine the success and safety of a hunt.

• Carefully Matched Powders: Hornady meticulously matches specific powders to each load. This isn't just about achieving advertised velocity; it's about consistency. Consistent powder charges translate to consistent velocities, which in turn means predictable bullet placement and reliable regulation, especially important for double rifles.
• Regulated for Double Rifles: The phrase "regulate in double rifles" is a critical signal of quality for the serious dangerous game hunter. Double rifles, prized for their fast follow-up shots, require ammunition that ensures both barrels shoot to the same point of aim at a given distance. Achieving this "regulation" is a hallmark of premium ammunition, demonstrating Hornady's commitment to the specific needs of safari hunters using these specialized firearms. This precision ensures that when you fire your second shot, it lands exactly where you intend, without deviation from the first.
• High-Quality Brass Casings: The use of durable brass casings ensures reliable feeding, extraction, and consistent chamber pressures. This attention to detail extends to every component, guaranteeing the integrity of the round from the moment it’s loaded until it impacts the target.

Quality You Can Trust on Your Destination Hunt

From the African plains to the Alaskan wilderness, hunters put their trust in their equipment. Hornady understands this profound trust. Their commitment to manufacturing standards means that when you chamber a round of Hornady 416 Rigby Dangerous Game ammunition, you do so with the utmost confidence that it will perform exactly as designed. This trust is built on decades of innovation, meticulous testing, and a deep understanding of what big game hunting truly demands.

Real-World Applications and Hunter Benefits

Who can benefit most from Hornady 416 Rigby Dangerous Game ammunition?

• African Safari Hunters: This ammunition is purpose-built for the challenging pursuit of the African Big Five (Elephant, Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo, Lion, Leopard). Its power and penetration capabilities are perfectly matched to these thick-skinned, heavy-boned animals.
• North American Dangerous Game Hunters: While often associated with Africa, the .416 Rigby and this specific ammunition are also exceptional choices for North American dangerous game such as Grizzly bears, Polar bears, and large Alaskan moose where absolute stopping power is critical for safety and ethical harvest.
• Professional Hunters and Guides: Professionals who regularly accompany clients on dangerous game hunts rely on ammunition that is consistently reliable and devastatingly effective. This Hornady load provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing their clients, and they themselves, are using the best tools available.
• Anyone Prioritizing Safety and Ethics: Beyond specific game types, any hunter who values ethical harvesting and wishes to ensure the fastest, most humane dispatch of a large animal will appreciate the capabilities of this ammunition. It significantly reduces the risk of a wounded animal, minimizing tracking and potential danger.

By choosing Hornady 416 Rigby Dangerous Game ammunition, hunters are investing in:

• Unparalleled Stopping Power: The kinetic energy and bullet design ensure rapid incapacitation, even on the largest and toughest game.
• Deep, Predictable Penetration: Confidence that the bullet will reach vital organs regardless of hide thickness or bone structure.
• Ethical Harvesting: Contributing to a quick, humane kill, minimizing animal suffering.
• Enhanced Hunter Safety: Reducing the risk associated with wounded or charging animals through definitive performance.
• Reliability in Extreme Conditions: Ammunition that performs consistently under the rigorous demands of a true destination hunt.

This ammunition removes variables, allowing the hunter to focus on the shot, confident that the projectile will do its part. It answers the fundamental question: "How do I ensure a one-shot stop on a dangerous animal?" by providing the engineering and performance to make it a reality.

Your Partner in the Field: Hornady and DEGuns

When you’re preparing for the hunt of a lifetime, every detail matters. That includes where you source your critical gear. Hornady has built its reputation on decades of innovation and unwavering commitment to quality, becoming a leading name in the ammunition industry. Their Dangerous Game series embodies this legacy, offering solutions specifically designed for the most demanding hunting scenarios worldwide.

To ensure you receive genuine Hornady products and expert support, trust reputable suppliers like DEGuns. As a premier retailer of firearms and ammunition, DEGuns offers an extensive selection of Hornady products, including the specialized Dangerous Game line. Their commitment to customer service and product knowledge makes them an ideal partner for outfitting your next big game adventure.

For reliable access to this essential ammunition, you can find the Hornady 416 Rigby 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition, identified by UPC 090255826616, and other Hornady products available at DEGuns and deguns.com. Ensure your next dangerous game hunt is backed by the performance and reliability of Hornady ammunition, readily accessible through trusted retailers.

Product Specifications: Hornady 416 Rigby Dangerous Game Ammunition

The following table provides a concise overview of the key specifications for the Hornady 82661 Dangerous Game 416 Rigby 400 gr DGX Bonded ammunition. This information is crucial for hunters to confirm they are selecting the precise load for their rifle and intended purpose.

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Dangerous Game
Caliber	416 Rigby
Bullet Type	DGX Bonded
Bullet Weight	400 gr
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Velocity	2415 fps
Muzzle Energy	5180 ft lbs
Game Type	Big Game
Application	Hunting
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	6
SKU	82661
UPC	090255826616