Dominate the Wild: Unveiling Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 500 gr XTP Flat Point Ammunition (SKU 9252)

When it comes to confronting the largest, most formidable game, or simply demanding the absolute peak of handgun performance, there is no room for compromise. The Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 500 gr XTP Flat Point ammunition, identified by SKU 9252, stands as a testament to that uncompromising pursuit of power, precision, and unwavering reliability. Engineered for serious handgun enthusiasts, big game hunters, and anyone requiring definitive stopping power, this ammunition is crafted to deliver decisive results when they matter most.

What makes this particular load so crucial for discerning users? It's the meticulous combination of Hornady's legendary Custom line quality with the potent .500 S&W Magnum cartridge and the devastating effectiveness of the XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) Flat Point bullet. This isn't just ammunition; it's a meticulously engineered solution for some of the most challenging shooting scenarios imaginable.

Why Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 500 gr XTP Flat Point Ammunition Is Your Ultimate Choice

For those who rely on a handgun for hunting, competition, or critical self-defense in remote environments, the choice of ammunition is paramount. The Hornady Custom line offers a unique blend of attributes, elevating factory-loaded cartridges to a level traditionally associated with expertly hand-loaded rounds.

1. Unrivaled Stopping Power for Demanding Situations:

The .500 S&W Magnum is renowned as one of the most powerful production handgun cartridges in the world, and the 500-grain XTP Flat Point bullet maximizes its immense potential. With a formidable muzzle energy of 2254 ft lbs and a blistering muzzle velocity of 1425 fps, this ammunition delivers profound hydrostatic shock and tissue damage, ensuring rapid energy transfer and deep penetration. This is crucial for ethically taking down large, dangerous animals, or for situations where immediate incapacitation is essential. Users often ask, "What is the most powerful and effective ammunition for dangerous game with a .500 S&W Magnum?" The Hornady Custom 500 gr XTP Flat Point is consistently a top recommendation due to its proven track record and ballistic profile.

2. The Precision of Hand-Loaded Performance, Factory-Made:

Hornady's Custom line is built on a tradition of painstaking attention to detail, mirroring the precision typically found only in carefully crafted hand-loaded ammunition. This means that every component – from the brass casing and primer to the propellant and the XTP bullet – is selected for superior handgun performance and meticulously assembled to Hornady's exacting standards. This commitment ensures that each round performs consistently, shot after shot, offering the kind of reliability and accuracy that serious shooters demand. You'll experience tight groups and predictable trajectories, enhancing your confidence whether you're aiming for a trophy animal or a target at the range.

3. Unwavering Consistency Shot After Shot:

Consistency is the bedrock of reliable performance. Hornady Custom ammunition undergoes rigorous inspection to guarantee the quality and uniformity you expect from a world-leading ammunition manufacturer. This dedication to consistency translates directly into predictable ballistic performance. When you pull the trigger, you can trust that the next round will behave just like the last, offering the same muzzle velocity, energy, and point of impact. This reliability is not just a convenience; it's a critical factor in high-stakes scenarios where every shot counts.

Diving Deep into the Hornady XTP Flat Point Bullet Technology

The heart of this ammunition's effectiveness lies in the Hornady XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) Flat Point bullet. This is not just any bullet; it's a product of extensive research, development, and testing, designed to perform optimally across a wide range of velocities and target types.

1. The Science Behind Terminal Performance:

The XTP bullet is engineered for controlled expansion and deep penetration, which are vital for effective terminal ballistics. Unlike some bullets that might fragment too quickly or fail to expand at all, the XTP's design ensures a balance between these critical aspects. The flat point design, specifically, contributes to broader wound channels and increased energy transfer upon impact, without sacrificing penetration.

2. Controlled Expansion for Maximum Impact:

The XTP's jacket is strategically serrated, allowing for controlled, uniform expansion over a wide range of velocities. This means that whether the bullet impacts at its maximum muzzle velocity or has slowed down significantly at longer distances, it is designed to expand reliably. This controlled expansion creates a larger temporary and permanent wound cavity, maximizing the disruptive force within the target while maintaining sufficient bullet integrity for deep penetration. It answers the question, "How do handgun bullets effectively stop large game?" by demonstrating superior energy dissipation and tissue damage.

3. Deep Penetration and Weight Retention:

Despite its impressive expansion, the XTP Flat Point bullet is designed to maintain a high percentage of its original weight throughout its travel through the target. This weight retention, combined with the bullet's robust construction, ensures deep, straight-line penetration through tough hide, muscle, and bone. For dangerous game hunting, achieving penetration to vital organs is paramount, and the 500-grain XTP Flat Point bullet excels in this regard.

4. Accuracy and Ballistic Stability:

The XTP bullet's precisely manufactured jacket and core contribute to exceptional concentricity and balance. This translates into superior aerodynamic stability during flight, resulting in greater accuracy downrange. The flat point, while not as aerodynamically efficient as a Spitzer point for extreme long range, is perfectly suited for typical handgun hunting distances and contributes to its terminal performance. This design ensures that the formidable power of the .500 S&W Magnum is delivered precisely where intended.

The Powerhouse: Understanding the .500 S&W Magnum Cartridge

The .500 S&W Magnum, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003, quickly established itself as the world's most powerful production handgun cartridge. It was designed to provide hunters and outdoorsmen with a portable, yet incredibly potent, option for confronting large and dangerous game.

1. Designed for Dominance:

This cartridge was conceived to deliver massive energy and stopping power from a handgun platform, surpassing virtually all other commercial handgun calibers. Its large case capacity allows for substantial powder charges and heavy projectiles, like the 500-grain XTP Flat Point, making it an ideal choice for the largest North American and African game.

2. Ideal Applications: From Bear Defense to Big Game Hunting:

The .500 S&W Magnum shines in scenarios where overwhelming power is a necessity.

• Dangerous Game Hunting: It is a top choice for hunting large, thick-skinned animals such as bear (grizzly, brown, polar), moose, elk, and even Cape buffalo or rhino (where legal and ethical). The Hornady 500 gr XTP Flat Point is specifically optimized for this role, providing the deep penetration and reliable expansion needed for humane kills.
• Bear Defense: For hikers, campers, or guides in bear country, a .500 S&W Magnum loaded with effective ammunition like the Hornady Custom 500 gr XTP offers unparalleled peace of mind and stopping power in a close-quarters encounter.
• Extreme Handgun Enthusiasts: Many enjoy the challenge and sheer power of shooting this magnificent cartridge, appreciating the engineering and ballistic performance it represents.

3. Managing the Power: Recoil and Firearm Compatibility:

Given its immense power, the .500 S&W Magnum generates significant recoil. Firearms chambered in this caliber, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 500, are specifically designed to manage this energy, often incorporating features like large frames, heavy barrels, and recoil-absorbing grips. While powerful, with proper technique and a suitable firearm, the .500 S&W Magnum can be managed effectively for its intended purpose.

Key Features of Hornady 9252 Custom Ammunition

Beyond the core components and the XTP technology, the Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 500 gr XTP Flat Point (SKU 9252) embodies several critical features that underscore its premium quality and performance.

• Premium Components: Each round is assembled using the finest brass casings, reliable primers, and carefully selected propellants, all chosen for their specific suitability to the .500 S&W Magnum and their ability to maximize the XTP bullet's potential. This holistic approach to component selection is a hallmark of the Hornady Custom line.
• Rigorous Quality Control: Every step of the manufacturing process, from component inspection to final assembly, is subjected to stringent quality control measures. This ensures that each box of 20 rounds, and each case of 10 boxes, meets Hornady's incredibly high standards for consistency, safety, and performance.
• Optimal Ballistic Performance: The stated muzzle velocity of 1425 feet per second (fps) and muzzle energy of 2254 foot-pounds (ft lbs) are not just numbers; they represent the devastating power delivered by this specific load. These figures are critical for hunters calculating trajectories and energy requirements for ethical harvests.
• Flat Point Design Advantages: The XTP Flat Point bullet design is specifically chosen for large-caliber handgun applications where deep, straight-line penetration is crucial, coupled with robust, controlled expansion for maximum energy transfer. It's a design optimized for heavy-hitting, close-to-medium range performance against substantial targets.
• Convenient Packaging: Packaged in boxes of 20 rounds, with 10 boxes per case, this bulk packaging ensures you have sufficient ammunition for extensive practice or for equipping yourself for a significant hunting expedition.

Who Needs Hornady Custom .500 S&W Mag 500 gr XTP FP Ammunition?

This specialized ammunition is not for the faint of heart, but rather for those who face unique challenges and demand the utmost in performance and reliability from their handgun.

• Serious Big Game Hunters: If your quarry includes elk, moose, bison, or the largest bears, the Hornady Custom 500 gr XTP Flat Point provides the necessary power and penetration to ensure a clean, ethical harvest. It answers the critical question, "What ammunition provides the best stopping power for large, dangerous animals with a .500 S&W Magnum?"
• Those Requiring Ultimate Self-Defense in the Wild: For individuals venturing into regions populated by dangerous wildlife, particularly large predators, this ammunition offers an unparalleled level of defensive capability from a handgun. It provides the confidence that comes with knowing you have the most effective tool for survival in a critical encounter.
• Enthusiasts Seeking Peak Handgun Performance: Shooters who appreciate the engineering and raw power of the .500 S&W Magnum will find the Hornady Custom line to be the ideal choice for maximizing their firearm's capabilities, whether for target shooting, hunting, or simply experiencing the pinnacle of handgun ballistics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Style)

Q: What is the best ammunition for hunting dangerous game with a .500 S&W Magnum?
A: For hunting dangerous game, ammunition that provides deep penetration, controlled expansion, and high weight retention is crucial. The Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 500 gr XTP Flat Point is highly recommended because its heavy 500-grain bullet and the proven XTP design ensure deep penetration through tough hides and bones, while expanding reliably to create a devastating wound channel. Its high muzzle energy and velocity are optimized for immediate incapacitation of large animals.

Q: How does Hornady XTP bullet technology work to ensure effective terminal performance?
A: The Hornady XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) bullet is designed with a precisely controlled expansion mechanism. Its jacket is strategically serrated to allow for consistent and uniform expansion over a wide range of impact velocities. This expansion creates a larger wound cavity, maximizing energy transfer to the target. At the same time, the XTP's robust construction and lead core are bonded or designed to maintain significant weight retention, ensuring deep penetration to vital organs, which is critical for effective stopping power. The flat point further enhances energy transfer and creates a wider wound channel upon initial impact.

Q: Is 500 S&W Magnum ammunition suitable for self-defense?
A: While primarily designed for hunting large game and defense against dangerous animals in the wilderness, the .500 S&W Magnum certainly offers extreme stopping power for self-defense. However, its immense power and recoil make it challenging for typical urban self-defense scenarios. For wilderness self-defense against large predators, it is one of the most effective handgun cartridges available. For general personal defense, lighter-recoiling, more controllable calibers are usually preferred.

Q: What makes Hornady Custom ammunition reliable and accurate?
A: Hornady Custom ammunition achieves its reliability and accuracy through a meticulous manufacturing process that closely mimics the precision of hand-loaded ammunition. This includes:

1. Premium Components: Only the highest quality cases, primers, propellants, and bullets are selected.
2. Strict Quality Control: Each component and every finished round undergoes rigorous inspection for consistency and adherence to tight tolerances.
3. Optimized Loads: Propellant charges are carefully matched to the specific bullet and cartridge to achieve optimal ballistic performance, ensuring consistent velocities and pressures. This attention to detail results in uniform ballistic performance, shot after shot, which is key to both reliability and accuracy.

Ensuring Your Success in the Field

When you choose Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 500 gr XTP Flat Point ammunition, you're not just buying bullets; you're investing in performance, reliability, and the confidence that comes from knowing your equipment is up to the task. Whether you're preparing for a challenging big game hunt, venturing into bear country, or simply seeking the ultimate in handgun power, this ammunition delivers.

Trust the legacy of Hornady, a name synonymous with innovation and quality in the ammunition industry. Each box carries the promise of consistency and devastating terminal performance.

Where to Purchase

For your supply of Hornady Custom 500 S&W Mag 500 gr XTP Flat Point ammunition (UPC 090255392524, SKU 9252), visit DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers a reliable source for your high-performance ammunition needs, ensuring you receive genuine Hornady products for your next adventure.

Comprehensive Specifications Table

Feature	Specification
Brand	Hornady
Model	Custom
Caliber	500 S&W Mag
Bullet Type	Hornady XTP Flat Point
Bullet Weight	500 gr
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Energy	2254 ft lbs
Muzzle Velocity	1425 fps
Game Type	Medium / Large / Dangerous
Application	Hunting / Self-Defense
SKU	9252
UPC	090255392524