Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster: Engineered for Quiet Power and Precision

For shooters who prioritize discretion, reduced recoil, and dependable terminal performance in their big-bore rifle, the Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster 395 gr Sub-X ammunition stands out as a premier choice. This isn't just another hunting round; it's a meticulously crafted solution designed to excel in scenarios where minimizing sound signature and managing felt recoil are paramount, all while delivering the accuracy and effectiveness hunters demand.

Many enthusiasts and hunters frequently ask: "What is the best ammunition for suppressed rifles that still delivers ethical hunting performance?" or "How can I make my shooting sessions more comfortable and quiet?" The answer often points directly to specialized subsonic ammunition, and Hornady, a name synonymous with innovation and quality in the ammunition industry, has engineered this 450 Bushmaster offering to meet those very needs.

The Silent Advantage: Unpacking Subsonic Performance

The core appeal of subsonic ammunition lies in its ability to remain below the speed of sound, typically around 1,125 feet per second (fps) at standard atmospheric conditions. When a bullet breaks the sound barrier, it creates a miniature sonic boom – a "crack" that adds significantly to the overall noise signature of a shot. By keeping the bullet's velocity below this threshold, the Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster eliminates that sonic crack, resulting in a dramatically quieter shooting experience.

This inherent quietness is further amplified when paired with a suppressor. While a suppressor effectively reduces the muzzle blast, it cannot eliminate the sonic boom of a supersonic bullet. Therefore, for truly quiet operation, such as stealthy hunting approaches or discreet range practice, subsonic ammunition like this Hornady offering is indispensable. The unique powders utilized in this ammunition are specifically formulated for subsonic use, contributing to a low flash signature, which is an added benefit for both night hunting and maintaining situational awareness. Imagine the distinct advantage of a minimal report and virtually no muzzle flash when pursuing game or training in low-light conditions.

Mastering Recoil: Comfort for Every Shooter

One common concern, especially with potent calibers like the .450 Bushmaster, is the recoil generated. Heavy recoil can be a barrier for new shooters, lead to flinching, and generally diminish the enjoyment of a shooting session. The Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster inherently offers less recoil compared to its supersonic counterparts in the same caliber. This is a direct benefit of the reduced propellant charge necessary to keep the bullet's velocity below the sound barrier.

This reduced recoil makes the ammunition an ideal training round for those new to big-bore rifles, allowing them to focus on fundamental shooting skills without the distraction of a harsh kick. Experienced shooters will also appreciate the enhanced comfort, which can lead to longer, more productive practice sessions and improved follow-up shot capability in hunting scenarios. It transforms the powerful .450 Bushmaster into a more manageable and enjoyable platform for a wider range of users.

The Sub-X Bullet: Innovation in Terminal Performance

At the heart of the Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster is the purpose-built 395-grain Sub-X (SX) bullet. Traditional bullet designs often struggle to expand reliably at the lower velocities characteristic of subsonic rounds. Hornady, known for its cutting-edge bullet technology, addresses this challenge with several key design features:

• Flex Tip Technology: Similar to Hornady's FTX bullets, the Sub-X incorporates a soft, compressible polymer Flex Tip. This innovative tip initiates expansion even at the modest impact velocities of subsonic rounds. Upon impact, the tip compresses into the bullet's core, forcing the gilding metal jacket to expand outward, ensuring devastating energy transfer.
• Long Grooves in Gilding Metal Jacket: The bullet's gilding metal jacket features long, deep grooves. These grooves are strategically placed to facilitate controlled expansion, allowing the bullet to mushroom consistently without fragmenting prematurely. This design ensures that the bullet retains a significant portion of its weight, maximizing penetration and creating a large wound channel.
• Flat Profile: The bullet's flat profile is optimized for stability and reliable feeding in various firearm platforms chambered for the .450 Bushmaster. Despite its subsonic speed, the design helps maintain accuracy and consistency.

The combination of these features means that hunters can have complete confidence in the terminal performance of this ammunition. When hunting medium game, such as deer or hogs, reliable bullet expansion is critical for achieving quick, humane kills. The Sub-X bullet's ability to expand at low velocities with no loss in accuracy provides this assurance, making it an ethical and effective choice for the field.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

The Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster 395 gr Sub-X ammunition is more than just a niche product; it offers tangible advantages across various shooting disciplines:

• Ethical Hunting: For hunters pursuing medium game like whitetail deer, black bears, or wild hogs, this ammunition offers a potent, quiet, and ethical solution. The reduced noise signature is less likely to spook other game in the vicinity, potentially offering opportunities for multiple harvests. It also makes hunting from blinds or close quarters more comfortable.
• Suppressed Shooting Enjoyment: Owners of suppressed .450 Bushmaster rifles will find this ammunition unlocks the full potential of their firearm and suppressor combination. The "movie-quiet" experience is not just a novelty; it significantly reduces hearing fatigue, making long days at the range more enjoyable and safer.
• New Shooter Training: Introducing new shooters to powerful calibers can be daunting due to recoil. This subsonic load provides a softer introduction, allowing them to build confidence and develop proper shooting mechanics without anticipating a harsh kick.
• Backyard/Rural Range Shooting (where legal): In areas where noise complaints can be an issue, or simply for personal comfort, the reduced sound of subsonic ammunition can make shooting more feasible and less disruptive.
• Home Defense Considerations: While primarily designed for hunting, the reduced muzzle flash and report could be a consideration for specific home defense scenarios, though one should always prioritize training with their chosen defensive ammunition.

The Ballistic Story: Understanding the Numbers

While many shooters focus on the "quiet" aspect, the underlying ballistic performance of the Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster is equally important.

• Muzzle Velocity: 1050 fps: This carefully chosen velocity ensures the bullet remains reliably subsonic under most conditions, including various atmospheric pressures and temperatures, preventing the "sonic crack." This consistency is key for predictable sound suppression.
• Muzzle Energy: 967 ft lbs: Despite being subsonic, the heavy 395-grain Sub-X bullet carries substantial kinetic energy. 967 ft lbs is more than sufficient for effective and ethical kills on medium-sized game within typical subsonic engagement ranges. This energy translates directly into stopping power and penetration.

Understanding these specifications helps shooters appreciate how Hornady has balanced sound reduction with effective terminal performance, ensuring that "quiet" does not come at the expense of lethality.

The Hornady Legacy: Trust in Every Round

Hornady has built its reputation on a foundation of innovation, precision, and a relentless commitment to quality. When you choose Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster ammunition, you are investing in decades of ballistic research and manufacturing excellence. Every round is produced with meticulous attention to detail, from the selection of premium components to the stringent quality control processes. This dedication ensures unparalleled consistency, shot after shot, box after box. Shooters worldwide trust Hornady for critical applications, whether in competition, self-defense, or hunting, knowing that their ammunition will perform exactly as expected.

For those seeking to optimize their .450 Bushmaster for suppressed use, reduced recoil, and effective hunting, the Hornady Subsonic 395 gr Sub-X is not merely an option; it is a meticulously engineered solution that delivers on every promise. It’s the ammunition that answers the call for quiet, comfortable, and devastatingly effective performance.

Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster Specifications

Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications for the Hornady Subsonic 450 Bushmaster 395 gr Sub-X ammunition:

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Subsonic
Caliber	450 Bushmaster
Bullet Type	Sub-X (SX)
Bullet Weight	395 gr
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Velocity	1050 fps
Muzzle Energy	967 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Game Type	Medium
Application	Hunting, Training
MPN	82247
UPC	090255822472