I called them several months back about reported bullet failure on the DGX DGS, claimed they have never heard of them failing! They said the completely stand by them. I won't be using them that's for sure when I book my buffalo or lion hunt in 2017.
Hi Johnnyblues,
All these manufacturers (whether it's an ocean liner or a rifle bullet) of course will claim ignorance when people report product failure.
My impression of the Hornady DGX bullet in particular (and now perhaps the DGS as well ?) is that they cannot impact heavy muscle and bone with much velocity and still hold together every time.
It may be that Hornady has let a batch go to retailers that were too brittle (the jackets are mild steel, aka: malleable steel, aka: soft steel).
Or it may just be that this type of bullet cannot stand much velocity, generally speaking.
They are significantly similar in concept and construction to the original Pre-War Rigby bullet that made their .416 for repeaters and .450 NE for doubles and single shots justifiably famous on heavy game in Africa and India.
One thing that hunters of today (especially us North Americans) are in love with is velocity.
But when using old fashioned type bullets, velocity is an evil temptress.
I suspect but cannot prove that: original .416 Rigby ammunition only drove the 410 gr Rigby bullets at about 2200 fps and the the .450 NE it's 480 grainers about 2000 fps.
Can't prove it but I strongly suspect it.
I used the DGX and DGS on a buffalo and "plains game" because they regulated best in my particular double rifle, and believe me I shot several brands (including Woodleigh) in both 480 gr through 510 grain and several different powder brands/weights.
The Hornady bullets gave me excellent results but, I only fired them at 2050 fps muzzle velocity.
Both Kynoch and Eley brand always has claimed 2175 fps for the .450 No2 NE from 28" barrels but my old rifle was exactly so and it would only behave at 2050 fps.
Slightly faster or slower and it would throw shotgun patterns.
I was disappointed my old double did not shoot Woodleighs well because they are bonded core types and I would have preferred them.
However, the PH told me the DGX and DGS would be fine at the tame velocity my rifle demanded in order to regulate and it turned out well.
(I posted a photo of recovered bullets in my photos here on the AH forum).
Double rifles are like spoiled little brats.
If you offer them the right toy they will smile and eat their greens.
If you don't, they will throw a tantrum.
And the only way you can spank a naughty double rifle is to sell it.
At any rate, I presume you are shooting a repeater and if so, you are wise to seek the toughest bullet your rifle will shoot accurately.
In some of my earlier posts I have mentioned how very impressed I am with Swift A-Frame softs and I continue to be very much impressed with them.
For solids, it seems to me that the ones with a flat point are probably best and the monolithic ones are nearly indestructible however, some brands do deposit unacceptable amounts of copper fouling in the rifling - IMO.
And, some mono-metal bullets are not accurate in all rifles (as with pretty much any design/type of bullet, new or old).
All that being said, it is always good policy to ask your PH's opinion on bullets, calibers, scopes, clothing, especially shoes/boots and pretty much all things directly related to hunting and touring in Africa.
Good luck to you,
Velo Dog.
