I bought some 400 grain barnes busters and loaded then up in my desert eagle .50AE. I used little gun 24 grains of powder. I went a little conservative due to the size of the bullet compressing the powder. I tested it out of my 10 inch desert eagle. I shot it at a 1/4 inch thick steel plate and to my suprise the bullet flattened out. I was suprised cause I thought the bullet construction would be more tough. It did crack the steel and almost made it through. My SW .500 goes through that very steel plate with hard cast bullets. Maybe I need a little more powder behind it. I looked at the cases and saw no signs of pressure issues so maybe a little more powder is needed. Or I can load up some 420 grain punch bullets if they are not to long.

For hunting I don't think your results on steel plate is that important. The fact that the bullets don't shatter is important.If you need massive penetration some form of mono or punch bullet will get you that, as will some of the lead LBT LFN designs.

Im sure the bullet will perform just fine on just about any game. I was just surprised that it was not harder. I did not expect it flatten out. I guess I will load some punch bullets and see what happens.

Have you noticed any bullet movement using the 400 grain bullets? The heaviest bullet I have used is 350 grains in the 50AE due to concerns that the bullet will jump.

No bullet movement at all and no feeding problems. I was scared to use this bullet at first cause I could not find any load data or anyone who has tried a bullet that heavy. At 24 grains of lil gun the round was much milder than I expected so it might need a bit more powder behind it. I will try the 420 grain punch bullet next if it is not to long for the case. I have had great results with the punch bullets in my SW .500.