470 NE non solid for elephant?

[Masai]

Will the bonded 470NE penetrate enough to hunt elephant?

Hi, so I got a Merkel 470NE (side by side) and looking into using it for my next elephant hunt. Checking ammo online I see the Hornady 500gr Bonded DGX (https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/470-nitro-express-500-gr-dgs#!/) I see they offer solid and bonded. Given that I will shoot some other animals (impala, buffalo, baboon, etc) I wonder if to bring only bonded (instead of also solid) is reccomended for elephant, given that most likely Ill be taking a side brain shoot on the elephant.
Here a pic of my rifle :

 

[Rare Breed]

Do not whatsoever shoot an elephant with DGX. you can use DGS with the s standing for solid

 

[Brandon.Gleason]

I woudn't use a soft of any construction on an elephant. Nor do I think you'd find a PH who would recommend/allow it. Although you're planning on a side brain, your shot opportunity (or necessity) may dictate a frontal brain, potentially under duress.

 

[Rare Breed]

I would never under any circumstances shoot an elephant with anything but a solid. Having taken mine two weeks ago no way would I use anything but a solid. For me I prefer CEB

 

[deewayne2003]

I'm headed to Zimbabwe in July for tuskless elephant with my .470ne and was told to bring 10 solids and 10 softs..... the softs are incase I want to used my .470 for game other than elephant.

As others have stated - I would not recommend softs for elephant, nor do I believe that any PH would allow you to use them.

FYI - Midwayusa has bonded DGX & DGS .470 in stock currently.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1001965694?pid=972726

 

[AimSmall]

As Habib said recently "sure, you can shoot the elephant with a bonded bullet, AFTER you know he is dead!"

His skull is pretty thick. I'd use good solids.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

Could probably close the thread now. Only use solids on elephant is one of the few hunting topics about which you will find no different opinion.

 

[Red Leg]

Will the bonded 470NE penetrate enough to hunt elephant?

Hi, so I got a Merkel 470NE (side by side) and looking into using it for my next elephant hunt. Checking ammo online I see the Hornady 500gr Bonded DGX (https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/470-nitro-express-500-gr-dgs#!/) I see they offer solid and bonded. Given that I will shoot some other animals (impala, buffalo, baboon, etc) I wonder if to bring only bonded (instead of also solid) is reccomended for elephant, given that most likely Ill be taking a side brain shoot on the elephant.
Here a pic of my rifle :
View attachment 604850

In a word - NO

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

Only solids on elephant no negotiation

 

[LP67]

Like everybody says. I wont use Hornady of any kind , period , there is waaaaay better ammo available

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Expansion is your enemy for elephant hunting. No exceptions.

 

[Masai]

Like everybody says. I wont use Hornady of any kind , period , there is waaaaay better ammo available

can you name some or share some links that I can buy online please?

 

[Bert the Turtle]

.474 500gr Safari Solid-Nitro Express - 20ct

20ct This is a .474" diameter 500 grain Safari Solid™ hunting bullet designed for the Nitro Express double rifles. Design incorporates 3 + 1 band configuration for reduced barrel strain. It has the 67% Meplat BBW#13™ nose profile which has proven to give the deepest penetration of any bullet...

cuttingedgebullets.com

 

[Bert the Turtle]

There are others, such as north fork and some of the African-made bullets that are also highly regarded but cutting edge appears to have bullets in stock. In 2024, the reality is that availability is going to drive a lot of decisions. The good news is cutting edge is regarded as either in the top tier or the single best solid.

 

[fgr2318]

As other stated Solids for Elephant

We have Hornady 470 NE DGS for $195 box plus shipping if you need some.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

As other stated Solids for Elephant

We have Hornady 470 NE DGS for $195 box plus shipping if you need some.

A “Solid” choice if I must say so myself (no pun intended).

 

[Happy Myles]

Your PH will insist on solids. You want to keep him happy as well as safe

 

[TTundra]

Will the bonded 470NE penetrate enough to hunt elephant?

Hi, so I got a Merkel 470NE (side by side) and looking into using it for my next elephant hunt. Checking ammo online I see the Hornady 500gr Bonded DGX (https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/470-nitro-express-500-gr-dgs#!/) I see they offer solid and bonded. Given that I will shoot some other animals (impala, buffalo, baboon, etc) I wonder if to bring only bonded (instead of also solid) is reccomended for elephant, given that most likely Ill be taking a side brain shoot on the elephant.
Here a pic of my rifle :
View attachment 604850

Do keep in mind your regulation needs as not all factory ammo will work. If you load, even better. Or, you can have the rifle re-regulated to a load if your choice.

But to beat the dead horse "deader"...no softs for the Ele.

 

[LP67]

can you name some or share some links that I can buy online please?

 

[LP67]

They not cheap ... for good reason