Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets Review

The Truth About Using the Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets

For years, I’ve relied on Hornady products for their consistent performance and innovation, so when the need arose for a reliable subsonic projectile specifically for the 450 Bushmaster platform, my attention immediately turned to their offerings. The Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets seemed to tick all the boxes for a specialized application where controlled expansion at lower velocities is paramount. The initial draw was the promise of effective terminal performance without the excessive noise and muzzle blast often associated with supersonic rounds.

My search for this specific ammunition stemmed from a desire to create a more discreet and manageable shooting experience in certain environments where sound suppression is a consideration, or simply to reduce the overall report. Many standard 450 Bushmaster loads are quite potent and loud, which can be a hindrance when aiming for a more nuanced approach to shooting, whether that’s for pest control on a property with close neighbors or for specific training scenarios. I’d heard good things about Hornady’s Sub-X line for other calibers, so the prospect of applying that technology to the hard-hitting 450 Bushmaster was compelling.

Upon receiving the box of 50 bullets, my first impression was one of solid, dependable manufacturing. The weight of each bullet felt substantial, as expected from a 395-grain projectile designed for deep penetration. The gilding metal jacket looked uniform, and the characteristic hollow point cavity with its patented Flex Tip insert was clearly visible, a hallmark of Hornady’s expanding bullet technology. It felt like a precision instrument, ready for serious work.

While I didn’t extensively test other options, I briefly considered some generic lead-cast subsonic bullets. However, the unknown quantity of their expansion characteristics and the potential for fouling in the barrel made me shy away. The Hornady Sub-X, with its proven design elements and specific application focus, quickly became the frontrunner. My initial reaction was one of quiet confidence; this felt like the right tool for the specific job I had in mind.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets to the Test

My testing environment for these bullets was primarily at a private outdoor range, a controlled setting that allowed for consistent measurement and observation. I loaded them into my trusted AR-pattern rifle chambered in 450 Bushmaster, utilizing a standard gas system. The first few shots were fired from a bench rest to establish baseline accuracy and function.

During these initial range sessions, I noted how reliably the bullets fed from the magazine and chambered. The cannelures provided a positive case crimp, which is crucial for semiautomatic feeding and extraction, and I experienced no feeding issues whatsoever. I also observed the muzzle blast and sound signature, which was noticeably reduced compared to supersonic loads, creating a more pleasant shooting experience without sacrificing the rifle’s inherent power.

Over several range days and a few extended shooting outings, the Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets demonstrated impressive consistency. The accuracy remained tight, with well-grouped shots at typical hunting and defense distances for the 450 Bushmaster. I experienced no signs of jacket separation or structural failure even when pushing them through moderate brush or at longer ranges.

Regarding durability and maintenance, these bullets are, of course, a consumable. However, their construction means they don’t leave excessive fouling in the barrel, making cleaning straightforward. Compared to some cheaper, bare lead projectiles I’ve used in other calibers, these premium bullets reduced lead buildup significantly, which is a considerable advantage for maintaining rifle performance over time. There were no surprise failure points; they performed exactly as advertised.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets

Specifications

The Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets come packed with features designed for subsonic terminal ballistics. Each bullet weighs a substantial 395 grain, providing significant kinetic energy transfer. The projectile caliber is .45 Caliber, with a diameter of 0.452 in, ensuring proper fit in 450 Bushmaster chambers.

The G1 Ballistic Coefficient is rated at 0.3, which, while not exceptionally high for long-range shooting, is perfectly adequate for the intended purpose of subsonic engagement at moderate distances. The Sectional Density is 0.276, indicating its ability to penetrate effectively. The core material is lead, and the jacket is made of gilding metal.

These specifications translate directly into performance. The heavy 395 grain weight, combined with the lead core, is optimized for deep penetration. The 0.452 in diameter ensures a good seal in the rifling, crucial for consistent velocity and accuracy, especially at subsonic speeds. The Subsonic eXpanding (Sub-X) design itself is the star, featuring long grooves in the jacket and the patented Flex Tip insert to facilitate reliable expansion even at velocities as low as 900 fps. This is crucial because many hollow-point bullets simply won’t expand effectively when they drop below the speed of sound.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job—delivering controlled expansion and deep penetration at subsonic velocities—the Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets perform exceptionally well. The expansion characteristics at subsonic speeds were noticeable and consistent across my test shots, creating a significant wound channel. The deep penetration, aided by the heavy bullet weight and sectional density, means it’s effective for medium to large game or for self-defense scenarios where over-penetration is a concern.

The standout strength of this bullet is its reliable expansion at subsonic velocities, a significant challenge for many designs. The patented Flex Tip technology truly makes a difference here. Its main weakness, if one can call it that, is its ballistic coefficient. At extreme ranges, its trajectory will be more pronounced than a higher BC bullet, but for the intended role of a 450 Bushmaster—which is typically not a long-range precision rifle—this is a minor consideration. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended application.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets is clearly geared towards function and reliability. The gilding metal jacket provides a smooth bearing surface, and the cannelures are precisely placed, offering a positive case crimp for secure handloading and reliable feeding in semi-automatic actions. The Flex Tip is a subtle but critical design element, ensuring the hollow point remains protected until impact.

While bullet design doesn’t have “ergonomics” in the traditional sense, the precision in manufacturing is evident. The uniformity of each bullet from the 50 Bullet pack suggests a high level of quality control. The flat profile of the nose, even with the Flex Tip, aids in feeding. There’s no real learning curve here; the bullets are what they are—components for ammunition. The design effectively addresses the challenge of achieving reliable expansion at low velocities, which is the core problem it solves.

Durability & Maintenance

As ammunition components, the “durability” of these bullets refers to their integrity before firing. The lead core is securely jacketed, and the overall construction feels robust. I experienced no issues with bullets deforming during the loading process or showing any signs of damage from recoil in a magazine. They are designed to withstand the rigors of firearm operation.

Maintenance, in this context, refers to the cleanliness of the firearm after firing. The gilding metal jacket on these bullets contributes to cleaner barrels compared to pure lead or poorly jacketed alternatives. This means less copper and lead fouling, leading to easier cleaning and prolonged rifle accuracy. This is a significant benefit for anyone who shoots regularly or values their time spent cleaning firearms. There are no specific maintenance tips beyond standard firearm cleaning protocols after use.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are rifle bullets, sold in 50 Bullet quantities, intended to be loaded into cartridges. Therefore, they do not come with accessories in the typical sense of a tool or electronic device. The primary “customization” is through the handloader’s ability to select their own powders, primers, and case preparation to achieve desired performance.

The key feature here is the bullet itself, designed to be loaded into .450 Bushmaster cartridges. For those interested in handloading, Hornady provides excellent load data, and these bullets are compatible with standard RCBS, Hornady, and other reloading die sets. The cannelures are specifically placed to accommodate standard case trim lengths and provide a solid crimp. There are no third-party accessories needed for the bullets themselves; their integration is within the cartridge.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets

Who Should Buy Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets?

This bullet is an excellent choice for 450 Bushmaster owners who prioritize subsonic performance with reliable expansion. It’s ideal for hunters targeting medium to large game who want a quieter shooting experience or for those using suppressors and seeking maximum effectiveness at lower velocities. Handloaders looking to craft their own subsonic ammunition for pest control, varmint management, or defensive rounds where noise reduction is a benefit will find these bullets invaluable.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals primarily interested in maximizing range and velocity for long-range target shooting or competition. If your primary goal with the 450 Bushmaster is maximum supersonic velocity and flat trajectory, there are other bullet designs better suited for that purpose. Also, if budget is the absolute primary concern and you don’t require subsonic expansion, less expensive options might suffice.

For those who do decide to purchase, I highly recommend pairing these bullets with high-quality reloading components like appropriate powders (e.g., Hodgdon Lil’Gun or similar appropriate for subsonic 450 Bushmaster loads), reliable primers, and a quality die set for consistent and safe ammunition construction.

Conclusion on Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets

The Hornady Sub-X 450 Bushmaster, 45 Caliber, 395 Grain Rifle Bullets are a testament to Hornady’s commitment to specialized bullet design. They successfully deliver on their promise of effective expansion and deep penetration at subsonic velocities, a challenging feat in the world of ammunition. The build quality is evident, offering clean shooting and reliable feeding, which are critical for any firearm owner.

Considering the price of $36.49 for a 50 Bullet count, the value proposition is strong for those who specifically need what this bullet offers. It’s not the cheapest bullet on the market, but its specialized function justifies the cost for the right application. If you own a 450 Bushmaster and want to explore the advantages of subsonic ammunition without sacrificing terminal performance, I would absolutely recommend these bullets. They provide a distinct advantage for specific shooting scenarios where a quieter, controlled impact is desired.