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The recent addition of custom ammo types in Hunt: Showdown has introduced a new layer of diversity in playstyles among Hunters. Teach your enemies the true meaning of “keep the change” by blasting them pennies. Wield the breath of a dragon by igniting a cone-shaped inferno at point-blank range. If you’re feeling extra cheeky, grab your Mosin and snipe the living daylights out of your opponents with bullets traveling up to 1,800 miles per hour. Hunter loadout stagnation is now in the past thanks to these innovative enhancements in weapon ammo.
While custom ammo does add variety, its functionality only excels in specific situations. Consequently, these special ammunition ammo types come with particular drawbacks. In most cases, this is a slight reduction in damage, range, or penetration power. This doesn’t mean an ammo type is innately more reliable than any other, but some choices do offer more utility and carry less severe disadvantages.
This list showcases the best weapon/ammo combinations that will apply to distinct playstyles in Hunt: Showdown. It’s important to note that the loadouts shown here may not suit your particular combat approach. For this reason, experimentation is the best strategy to finding which weapon/ammo duo is best for you.
10. Poison Bolt x Hand Crossbow
The poison bolt spawns a toxic poison cloud upon impact that lasts 90 seconds. These fumes linger in the air dealing 5 damage per second. This cloud can also be used as a temporary blockade to keep Hunters from entering a doorway or enclosed area. On the other hand, this strategy becomes less effective if the target has the Mithridatist trait or has an Antidote Shot.
Pros:
- Cloud effect offers excellent crowd control
Cons:
- Countered by the Mithridatist trait or Antidote shot
9. Dragons Breath x Specter 1882
This risky but rewarding combo can instantly engulf an enemy in flames at close range. It will burn out a 25 health chunk at around 8 meters. Although it can’t guarantee an instakill, it can effectively create pressure, especially with the multiple rounds the Specter carries. Keep in mind there is a reduction in damage and range. However, bear in mind that this gearset lacks wall penetration.
Pros:
- Casts a vast spread of flames that is capable of setting numerous targets on fire
- Hunters caught in the inferno will be set ablaze, regardless of range,
- Great for creating pressure
Cons:
- Decreased damage and range
- Lack of penetration
8. Explosive Bolt x Crossbow
This loadout is excellent for sieging structures and finishing off wounded enemies with AoE(area-of-effect) damage. The explosive bolt can instantly kill Hunters on a direct hit while also breaking down doors and detonating barrels. However, the projectile’s velocity and range take a heavy blow. Additionally, it comes at the cost of a low ammo capacity (1/4). Hunters who are equipped with the Bulwark trait can counter this combination.
Pros:
- Area-of-Effect explosive splash
- High damage on Hunters
- Great for flushing out players
Cons:
- No wall penetration
- Reduced range and velocity
- Countered by the Bulwark trait
7. Flechette x Any Handcannons or Compact Shotgun
The Quartermaster trait is recommended for this combination. The goal is to inflict bleeding as early as possible and then switch to your primary weapon to finish off the target. The strategy is to start a fight using the Flechette ammo. Upon getting hit, the enemy will have to quickly decide whether they should bandage themselves or continue in combat while bleeding, leaving them at a significant disadvantage. The weapon’s base damage is lowered for a much tighter spread and extended range, but the bleeding rounds are excellent for applying pressure. If your Hunter doesn’t have the Quartermaster Trait, consider using a Caldwell Rival 78.
Pros:
- Very tight spread
- Capable of inflicting bleeding
- Significantly extended range
Cons:
- Decreased base damage
- Incapable to one-shot Hunters
- No penetration
6. Explosive x Nitro Express Rifle
Similar to the Explosive Bolt, the Explosive Bullets are one of the best choices for besieging strongholds. Smashing through doors in one hit or instantly breaking apart Concertina wire, this combination provides a lot of utility for breaching any structure. However, a low ammo capacity means you must prepare a reliable sidearm in advance. The Springfield and Martini are weaker but cheaper alternatives that carry more ammo than the Nitro.
Pros:
- Best ammo type for sieging
- Extremely high damage on Hunters
- Explosive AOE splash can heavily injure or possibly kill Hunters
Cons:
- Decreased damage and muzzle velocity
- Lacks penetration
- Very limited ammo capacity
- Can also be countered with Bulwark trait
5. Spitzer x Mosin
The Mosin and Spitzer make a dream team for sniper lovers in Hunt: Showdown. There is a slight trade in damage and recoil, but the payoff for increased muzzle velocity and penetration power is unquestionably advantageous. With an insane muzzle speed buff of 800m/s, any scope variant of the Mosin will make this loadout an absolute sniping beast.
Pros:
- Increased muzzle velocity of 205m/s
- Hit targets at a huge distance
- Increased penetration power
Cons:
- Decreased damage
- Slightly more recoil
- Noticeably bigger muzzle flashes when firing
4. Shot Bolt x Crossbow
The Crossbow and Shot Bolt essentially create a Mini Nitro Express Rifle. This loadout combination allows for one-shot kills at any range upon a direct hit. Those acquainted with the Hand Crossbow’s projectile drop will quickly adapt to the Shot Bolt’s reduced velocity. However, shots to a Hunter’s limbs don’t guarantee an instakill. The Crossbow Shot Bolt combo is the best all-around option thanks to its balanced range, damage, and practicality.
Pros:
- Heavy damage on Hunters
- AOE buckshot splash that can potentially damaging nearby targets.
- One-shot kills on the upper torso, regardless of range.
Cons:
- Low ammo capacity (1/5)
- Limited wall penetration
3. High Velocity x Any Winfield Variants
While there’s a slight loss in handling, this duo offers higher muzzle velocity, allowing you to compete against other high-velocity weapons such as the Mosin or Lebel. It’s a fantastic bargain, especially at lower Bloodline levels.
Pros:
- Increases the muzzle velocity by 200m/s
- Levels the playing field against Hunters armed with a Mosin or Lebel
Cons:
- Slightly higher recoil
- Brighter muzzle flash when shooting
2. Full Metal Jacket x Winfield M1876 Centennial
While the Vetterli would work just as well with FMJ ammo, the Winfield Centennial combined with the Levering trait turns this loadout into a deadly duo. The drawback is reduced muzzle velocity and range, but the significantly increased penetration power is what makes this combination so exceptional. FMJ can bring the penetration power of the Winfield’s Centennial Medium ammo to levels surpassing that of Long bullets. The ability to fire through two metal sheets, thin layers of brick, or small trees with no damage penalty is insanely beneficial in Hunt: Showdown.
Pros:
- Increases penetration values
Cons:
- Reduced headshot range
- Reduced muzzle velocity
1. Slug x Caldwell Rival 78
Combined with the Slug, the Caldwell turns into a mini-rifle. This set is one of the best choices for custom ammo loadouts in Hunt: Showdown. While it requires better aim, it’s possible to score a one-shot kill at 25 meters and two-shots at about 45 meters if both hit the chest. Using the Caldwell Rival with the Slug will completely negate the weapon’s poor spread and take advantage of its strengths to fire a follow-up shot. The only downside is the considerable reduction to hip-fire accuracy, but this is why the double-barrel Caldwell matches this custom ammo type so well.
Pros:
- Enhanced body and headshot range, capable of one-shot at an increased distance
- Slightly increased penetration values
Cons:
- Reduced accuracy from hip-fire
What are your personal favorite weapon and custom ammo combinations in Hunt: Showdown? Let us know in the comments!
