Hornady's Backcountry Defense 240gr DGH is the hardest-hitting factory .44 Magnum load in this lineup. At 1,620 fps and 1,398 ft-lbs, it generates more energy than most .44 Magnum loads by a wide margin. The Dangerous Game Hollow point is designed for bear country, where a revolver may be the last line of defense against a charging grizzly or black bear. The DGH bullet is built to penetrate thick hide, heavy muscle, and dense bone while still expanding enough to create a disabling wound channel.

This load is built for backcountry hikers, hunters, and anglers who carry a .44 Magnum as their bear defense sidearm. The 1,398 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle puts it in a different class than standard hunting loads. The DGH bullet sits between a traditional hollow point and a hard-cast solid in terms of penetration behavior. It opens up to increase tissue damage but is tough enough to punch through the shoulder structure of a large bear.

The recoil from this load is substantial. Shooters should practice with it before relying on it in the field, as the sharp kick from 1,620 fps with a 240gr bullet will surprise anyone accustomed to standard .44 Magnum velocities. Hornady designed this specifically for the worst-case scenario where maximum penetration and energy matter more than comfort. It is not a range load or a general-purpose round. It is bear insurance.