Which 450 NE ammo for buffalo...factory loaded Hornady DGX (non-bonded) or handload w/ Woodleigh Weldcore RN SN?

[yhc]

I am heading to RSA next month for my first buffalo hunt along with a couple of plains game. I will be taking my VC DR in 450 NE for buffalo and 375 H&H for plains game. The 375 H&H will serve as a backup rifle just in case. My PH recommends of using expandable bullets only for buffalo, no solids. He also anticipates that maximum shooting distance for buffalo will be within 50 yards.

A couple years ago, I purchased a few boxes of Hornady DGX from a LGS thinking they are bonded. It turns out they are not (I learned that IF they were, the label would have said "480 gr DGX Bonded"). I also have handloaded ammo with Woodleigh Weldcore RN SN. They both regulate quite well at 50 yards.

I have read some members advocating using factory ammo only for DG hunts. On the other hand, I have read mixed reports regarding non-bonded DGX performances. Given the factory loaded Hornady DGX ammo I have are not bonded, which one would you recommend...factory loaded Hornady DGX (non-bonded) or handload w/ Woodleigh Weldcore RN SN?

 

[Rare Breed]

I have DGX Bonded for my reloading. Curious why you would not use their bonded version

 

[norfolk shooter]

When hunting DG ALWAYS go bonded

 

[yhc]

I have DGX Bonded for my reloading. Curious why you would not use their bonded version

I live in Alaska so getting factory loaded ammunition shipped to my home is a bit difficult. For an example, I saw that Midway has factory loaded ammunition in stock, but they will not ship to Alaska.

I could order the bonded DGX bullets and reload them. However, IF either of these options I have are adequate, then I would rather use one of these rather than ordering new bullets and try to regulate before heading out in a few weeks.

When hunting DG ALWAYS go bonded

Are the Woodleigh Weldcore not up to the task either? If neither of these are good options, then ordering bonded DGX bullets to reload and regulate would be the route I will take.

 

[RR 314]

Go with the weldcore or quickly buy some DGX factory ammo. Could probably have it in a couple days and chances are it will regulate close to the non-bonded.

 

[RR 314]

Go with the weldcore or quickly buy some DGX factory ammo. Could probably have it in a couple days and chances are it will regulate close to the non-bonded.

Just saw your post about AK. I'm sure someone has some they will ship to AK timely.

 

[norfolk shooter]

The weldcore are bonded mate. Bloody good bullet too

 

[yhc]

The weldcore are bonded mate. Bloody good bullet too

That’s what I thought.

I wasn’t sure whether you were implying they were not up to the task. Just wanted to make sure.

 

[Rare Breed]

I live in Alaska so getting factory loaded ammunition shipped to my home is a bit difficult. For an example, I saw that Midway has factory loaded ammunition in stock, but they will not ship to Alaska.

I could order the bonded DGX bullets and reload them. However, IF either of these options I have are adequate, then I would rather use one of these rather than ordering new bullets and try to regulate before heading out in a few weeks.


Are the Woodleigh Weldcore not up to the task either? If neither of these are good options, then ordering bonded DGX bullets to reload and regulate would be the route I will take.

They absolutely are up to the task and do not let anyone tell you differently. The DGX unbonded however MAY not be so why take a chance…use the Woodleigh with confidence

 

[zephyr]

My 450NE has accompanied me 3 times to Africa All 3 times I loaded CEB 480 Solids and 450 Raptors

 

[ActionBob]

Between those choices you should use the Woodliegh.

I hand loaded some 480 grain DGX Bonded for my 450 NE no. 2 3.5" last year and was EXTREMELY disappointed. It blew up on impact as though it was not bonded. Hornady reputation right there.

 

[Mountaineer]

I load 400 grain Woodleigh PP in my 458 win mag. It’s accounted for 3 buff so far. Did a great job.

 

[JvW]

I've shot 11 buffalo with the Woodleigh 480-grain Weldcore from the .450 NE. It's an excellent choice, and this is typically what you get back:

 

[Monski]

I Would never trust the non-bonded DGX for buffalo due to reputation. I recovered a DGX (practise round) from a soft ground backstop that seperated the core and jacket and churned back to the surface, maybe from later shots. I've had 2 bullet failures on game from heavy for caliber woodleigh protected point weldcores. There won't be a third.

I guess my answer to the original post is an emphatic NEITHER! Hopefully you can make a better plan. If not, don't hit shoulder bone.

 

[deewayne2003]

I haven’t hunted Cape buffalo, but I have shot 5 water Buffalo, 2 scrub bulls, 2 feral horses and 2 pigs in Australia with Woodleigh Weldcores in .404J

Flawless performance on everything and only 2 were recovered under the skin on the opposite side….and these are the lighter 350gr ones and yes THEY HIT BONE.

When I get the chance to return to Zim for buff I will be using 500gr woodleigh weldcores, I actually brought them to Zim as but there was no buff left on quota….. but the hydros were flawless on the Tuskless!

Woodleigh would be my hands down choice for your .450ne on buffalo; they have a well proven track record.

As for the factory only ammo….

I trust my ammo infinitely more than factory ammo, I’ve never had my hand loads fail to fire; but I’ve had several factory rounds fail or hang fire and I’m talking about premium ammo.

You just need to have your head in the game and load your ammo to the highest quality you possibly can.

 

[AimSmall]

If you have the speeds you need from those Woodleighs, quit fretting, go hunting.

The DGX bonded shoot exactly the same poi as the non-bonded for me. Use the non-bonded for practice only.

Have a great trip!

 

[Monski]

Many here have killed Cape Buffalo successfully with Woodleigh Weldcores and whatever you do I wish you good luck. I looked up a thread here titled "505 Gibbs load suggestion" and Doctari505, famous Zim PH Kevin Robertson, wrote how 600 grain weldcore pp gave him problems with buffalo in his 505 Gibbs. He speculated later on that thread that he may have had a bad batch. I don't know how to post the thread to show that. Sorry for my lack of technological know-how.

The first bullet failure that I had was a 350 grain out of a 375 h&h. I hit an Eland on the shoulder and after a follow-up and recovery, the bullet had fragmented with 2 parts of it exiting close to the entrance wound. It was a long shot so too much velocity wasn't a factor. Some of the round did damage to 1 lung, which did wound him enough to at least permit a successfull follow-up.

The 2nd failure was with a 600 grain PP from a 505 Gibbs on a buffalo. The buff was in a herd so I switched out a 525 grain Barnes TSX to the Wooodleigh because I was afraid of the TSX exiting. Film footage showed impact just under half way up his leg on a broad side shot. He was wounded and lost.

 

[MacJenkins]

I’d shoot the Woody over the Hornady for sure!

 

[375Fox]

Many here have killed Cape Buffalo successfully with Woodleigh Weldcores and whatever you do I wish you good luck. I looked up a thread here titled "505 Gibbs load suggestion" and Doctari505, famous Zim PH Kevin Robertson, wrote how 600 grain weldcore pp gave him problems with buffalo in his 505 Gibbs. He speculated later on that thread that he may have had a bad batch. I don't know how to post the thread to show that. Sorry for my lack of technological know-how.

The first bullet failure that I had was a 350 grain out of a 375 h&h. I hit an Eland on the shoulder and after a follow-up and recovery, the bullet had fragmented with 2 parts of it exiting close to the entrance wound. It was a long shot so too much velocity wasn't a factor. Some of the round did damage to 1 lung, which did wound him enough to at least permit a successfull follow-up.

The 2nd failure was with a 600 grain PP from a 505 Gibbs on a buffalo. The buff was in a herd so I switched out a 525 grain Barnes TSX to the Wooodleigh because I was afraid of the TSX exiting. Film footage showed impact just under half way up his leg on a broad side shot. He was wounded and lost.

I agree with you and have seen something similar but given the two options non-bonded DGX or woodleigh weldcore it’s no contest to go with the bonded woodleigh. A bonded DGX or woodleigh weldcore are likely equal. Neither is perfect but both have accounted for a lot of buffalo.

Here was my failure from 300 gr woodleigh protected point 375 H&H on a roan. Both shots pushed it through a lot of bone high on shoulder but still wouldn’t compare to buffalo shoulder. I should note both bullets did exit, just didn’t give expected performance.

 

[yhc]

Thank you all so much for your input. I will be taking my handload ammo w/ Woodleigh bullets. They have been killing lots of paper targets...flawlessly I might add.