What makes a Big Bore airgun effective for hunting big game? First and foremost, it’s the ability to put lead on target consistently. Next, it needs to have the power to make an ethical kill. For hunters looking for a new experience and considering airguns for big bore hunting, we’d like to introduce you to the Benjamin Bulldog .457.
Airguns are very different
The Benjamin Bulldog line comes in 3 calibers: .257, .357, and .457. The .357 has been a round for a long time and has proven itself excellent for taking predators, medium-sized game, and larger game like deer and hogs. The .257 offers predator hunters a hard-hitting slug gun with a flatter trajectory. But it’s the .457 that has us most excited, as it delivers the most power, opening up more options for hunting tougher, bigger game.
Don’t let its looks fool you
The Bulldog is a compact, powerful, and performant airgun that can put lead on target. Its aesthetics are polarizing to say the least. Some folks love it, others don’t care for it at all. One thing to consider is that when you are shooting it, you aren’t looking at it. The overall build is high-grade composite material with a metal shroud, rail, trigger, barrel, etc. The critical components are metal, and the chassis is composite.
The Bulldog’s bullpup design allows for a standard-length barrel, maintaining maximum power output, while keeping the overall length much shorter than other big-bore airguns. The bullpup form factor is a great help in the field; whether you are in a blind or stalking through brush, you will appreciate the improved handling and center of balance.
The top rail covers the entire length of the gun, allowing for a wide variety of optics. Take note that you may need a riser or very high rings to achieve a comfortable eye relief. It will all depend on your body type. We needed to use a 1” riser on our test model.
Key features and operation
The Benjamin Bulldog operates on high-pressure air with a maximum pressure of 3000 PSI. To fill your gun, connect your fill source to the fill port behind the trigger guard and fill the gun to the optimal pressure. There is a pressure gauge on the side of the receiver for you to track your pressure usage. In our tests, you’ll get about 3 good shots per fill. Then you will need to top off your tank to 3000 PSI.
All Bulldog models are multi-shot. The .257 and .357 utilize an auto-indexing magazine. The .457 uses a gravity-fed magazine that holds 3 slugs. To load the magazine, engage the safety located in front of the trigger, stack three .457 caliber slugs into the magazine, open the cocking bolt, and install the magazine. Closing the bolt loads the first slug. The cocking handle can be swapped to either side to accommodate right or left-handed shooters.
With your gun scoped, pressurized, and loaded, it’s time to take some shots. We highly recommend getting in some practice time at the range before going out into the field on a hunt. To take your first shot, acquire your target, release the safety, and gently squeeze the trigger.
Performance and Accuracy
The Bulldog can generate a decent recoil depending on what slugs you are running; heavier slugs generate more recoil than lighter slugs. Be sure to hold it tight to your shoulder to help control recoil. We’ve tested several options and found the Hunters Supply .295 hollow points did very well. They averaged about 730 FPS, delivering around 330 foot-pounds, and produced consistent accuracy at 50 yards.
It’s possible to achieve higher velocity or energy by swapping out the slugs. Lighter slugs will fly faster but produce less energy. Heavier slugs will fly more slowly, but may produce more energy depending on how they engage the rifling in the barrel. It’s all trial and error, and a good reason to spend some time on the bench.
Final thoughts
We loved testing the Benjamin Bulldog. While its aesthetics are not our cup of tea, its performance, accuracy, and shootabiltiy overcomes the looks. Operating at 3000 PSI is also a bonus, making small 4500 PSI carbon fiber bottles suitable for longer hunting outings. Speaking of high-pressure air for your airgun, if you are going to shoot PCP airguns often, especially big-bore models that use a lot of air, consider a personal compressor. The Benjamin Traveller is ideal for direct filling your airgun via 110v or 12v power sources. If you want to fill bottles, then the Benjamin Recharge is the way to go.
If you are looking to add airguns to your hunting experiences, reach out to us here at Benjamin Airguns. We have the guns, the gear, and the experience to help you make your airgun hunt a total success!
