Overview of Hornady .452 45 Cal 395 Gr Sub-X Bullets

Hornady's .452 caliber 395 grain Sub-X bullets are designed specifically for subsonic performance, making them an excellent choice for reloaders and hunters looking to maximize their effectiveness at lower velocities. These bullets are part of Hornady's Subsonic eXpanding (Sub-X) line, which focuses on delivering reliable expansion and deep penetration even when traveling below the speed of sound.

Design Features

The Sub-X bullet features a lead core encased in a gilded metal jacket, which provides durability and ensures consistent performance. One of the standout features of this bullet is its patented Flex Tip technology. This design allows the bullet to expand effectively at impact velocities as low as 900 feet per second (fps), making it particularly suitable for use with suppressors or in situations where noise reduction is crucial1.

Additionally, the bullet includes a cannelure that facilitates positive crimping, ensuring reliable feeding and function in semi-automatic firearms. The overall design emphasizes stability and accuracy, with a ballistic coefficient of 0.300 and a sectional density of 0.2762.

Performance Characteristics

The .452 caliber Sub-X bullet weighs 395 grains, which is considered heavy for its caliber. This weight contributes to its ability to maintain energy and momentum even at subsonic speeds. When fired from appropriate firearms, these bullets can achieve effective terminal ballistics while minimizing recoil—an essential factor for many shooters who prefer a softer shooting experience3.

In terms of application, these bullets are well-suited for hunting medium game such as deer and wild hogs. Their design allows them to penetrate deeply while expanding reliably upon impact, creating significant wound channels that enhance their effectiveness in taking down game4.

Pricing and Availability

As of now, the MSRP for Hornady's .452 caliber 395 grain Sub-X bullets is approximately $55 for a box containing 50 rounds5. This pricing positions them competitively within the market for high-quality hunting ammunition.

For those interested in reloading or enhancing their hunting experience with subsonic ammunition, these bullets represent a solid investment due to their innovative design and proven performance characteristics.

In summary, Hornady's .452 caliber 395 grain Sub-X bullets offer an excellent combination of reliability, expansion capability at low velocities, and suitability for medium game hunting.


Authoritative Sources

  1. Hornady’s Sub-X® (Subsonic — eXpanding) bullets deliver big results without a big bang! [American Rifleman]
  2. The .452-caliber Sub-X bullet weighs 395 grains and features a 0.300 G1 ballistic coefficient and a 0.276 sectional density. [Hornady]
  3. Designed to provide deep penetration below the speed of sound... [Ultimate Reloader]
  4. These bullets are particularly well-suited for suppressed hunting rifles... [Modern Muzzleloader]
  5. MSRP is $55 for 50-count boxes. [American Rifleman]

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