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Hornady 45-70: The Definitive Guide for Shooters and Reloaders

The Hornady 45-70 cartridge stands as a testament to enduring design and powerful performance. For generations, shooters and hunters have relied on this caliber for its stopping power and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or new to the world of big-bore rifles, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand, appreciate, and effectively utilize the Hornady 45-70. We’ll delve into its history, explore its various applications, dissect the components that make it so effective, and provide expert insights to maximize your shooting experience. This is your ultimate resource for all things Hornady 45-70.

Understanding the Legacy of the 45-70 Cartridge

The 45-70 Government cartridge, upon which the Hornady 45-70 is based, has a rich history dating back to 1873 when it was adopted by the U.S. Army. It was designed as a black powder cartridge for the Springfield Model 1873 rifle, also known as the “Trapdoor Springfield.” The designation “45-70” refers to the .45 caliber bullet and the 70 grains of black powder used as propellant. Over time, the cartridge transitioned to smokeless powder, increasing its velocity and energy. Hornady has played a significant role in modernizing the 45-70, offering a range of loadings optimized for different rifles and purposes. The cartridge’s enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness and adaptability.

The 45-70’s original purpose was primarily for military use, providing soldiers with a powerful and reliable cartridge for long-range engagements. However, it quickly gained popularity among civilian hunters, particularly for taking down large game such as deer, elk, and even bear. Its ability to deliver significant energy at moderate ranges made it a favorite among those who hunted in dense forests or rugged terrain. Today, the 45-70 continues to be a popular choice for hunting, as well as for recreational shooting and historical reenactments.

Hornady’s contribution to the 45-70’s legacy lies in their commitment to innovation and quality. They have developed a range of 45-70 loads that utilize modern propellants, bullets, and case designs to maximize performance and accuracy. This has allowed the 45-70 to remain relevant in an era of increasingly advanced cartridge designs. Hornady’s 45-70 ammunition is known for its consistency, reliability, and effectiveness, making it a top choice for shooters and hunters around the world.

Hornady’s 45-70 Offerings: A Closer Look

Hornady offers a variety of 45-70 loads to suit different needs and preferences. These include:

LEVERevolution: These cartridges feature Hornady’s FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullets, designed for enhanced accuracy and expansion at longer ranges. The flex tip allows for safe use in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines.
Custom: These loads provide a balance of power and accuracy, making them suitable for a wide range of hunting applications.
Dangerous Game: Designed for taking down the toughest game animals, these cartridges feature heavy, tough bullets that deliver deep penetration and maximum stopping power.

Each of these lines is designed with specific applications in mind. For example, the LEVERevolution line is tailored for lever-action rifles, while the Dangerous Game line is designed for hunting large and dangerous animals. By offering a variety of options, Hornady ensures that shooters can find the perfect 45-70 load for their particular needs.

Dissecting the Features of Hornady’s LEVERevolution 45-70 Ammunition

The Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 ammunition represents a significant advancement in cartridge technology, specifically tailored for lever-action rifles. Its innovative design and high-quality components contribute to its exceptional performance. Let’s break down the key features:

FTX Bullet with Flex Tip Technology: The most distinctive feature is the FTX bullet with its soft, flexible tip. This design allows for safe use in the tubular magazines of lever-action rifles, preventing accidental ignition under recoil. The flex tip also initiates rapid expansion upon impact, delivering devastating terminal performance.
Optimized Propellant Blend: Hornady utilizes a proprietary blend of propellants specifically formulated for the 45-70 cartridge. This propellant blend ensures consistent velocities, reduced recoil, and optimal energy transfer to the target. This careful selection of propellant contributes to the cartridge’s overall accuracy and effectiveness.
High-Quality Brass Cases: Hornady uses premium brass cases known for their consistent dimensions, uniform wall thickness, and exceptional durability. These high-quality cases ensure reliable feeding, extraction, and reloading (for those who reload).
Consistent Primers: Hornady uses carefully selected primers that provide reliable ignition and consistent performance. These primers are designed to work in conjunction with the propellant blend to deliver consistent velocities and pressures.
Secant Ogive Bullet Profile: The FTX bullet features a secant ogive profile, which reduces drag and improves ballistic coefficient. This results in a flatter trajectory and increased accuracy at longer ranges.
InterLock Ring: Many Hornady bullets, including those used in the LEVERevolution line, feature an InterLock ring. This mechanical feature locks the core and jacket together, preventing separation upon impact and ensuring deep penetration.
Crimped Case Mouth: The case mouth is crimped to securely hold the bullet in place and prevent it from shifting during recoil. This crimp also helps to ensure consistent ignition and pressure build-up.

These features, working in harmony, contribute to the LEVERevolution’s exceptional accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance. The FTX bullet, optimized propellant blend, and high-quality components make it a top choice for lever-action rifle enthusiasts.

Unlocking the Advantages: Why Choose Hornady 45-70?

The Hornady 45-70 offers a multitude of advantages for hunters, shooters, and reloaders alike. Its combination of power, accuracy, and versatility makes it a top choice for a wide range of applications. Here are some of the key benefits:

Exceptional Stopping Power: The 45-70 is renowned for its stopping power, making it an excellent choice for hunting large and dangerous game. Its ability to deliver significant energy on target ensures quick and humane kills.
Versatility: The 45-70 can be used for a variety of applications, from hunting deer and elk to taking down bear and other large predators. Its versatility makes it a great all-around cartridge for those who hunt in diverse environments.
Accuracy: Hornady’s 45-70 ammunition is known for its accuracy, thanks to its high-quality components and precise manufacturing processes. This accuracy allows shooters to make clean, ethical shots at longer ranges.
Suitable for Lever-Action Rifles: The Hornady LEVERevolution line is specifically designed for lever-action rifles, allowing shooters to take full advantage of the cartridge’s power and accuracy in these classic firearms. The FTX bullet ensures safe and reliable feeding in tubular magazines.
Reloadability: The 45-70 is a popular cartridge among reloaders, thanks to its simple design and readily available components. Reloading allows shooters to customize their loads to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Effective at Moderate Ranges: While not a long-range cartridge, the 45-70 is highly effective at moderate ranges, making it ideal for hunting in dense forests or rugged terrain where long shots are not possible.
Historical Significance: The 45-70 has a rich history and is associated with the American West and the era of the buffalo hunters. Owning and shooting a 45-70 allows shooters to connect with this history and experience a piece of American heritage.

These advantages make the Hornady 45-70 a compelling choice for anyone looking for a powerful, versatile, and accurate cartridge for hunting, shooting, or reloading. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness and the quality of Hornady’s ammunition.

Hornady 45-70 LEVERevolution: A Comprehensive Review

The Hornady 45-70 LEVERevolution ammunition has garnered significant attention for its innovative design and impressive performance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of its features, performance, and overall value.

User Experience & Usability: From a practical standpoint, the LEVERevolution ammunition is easy to load and cycle in lever-action rifles. The FTX bullet’s shape ensures smooth feeding, and the consistent dimensions of the brass cases contribute to reliable extraction. The recoil is manageable, even in lighter rifles, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The packaging is well-designed and provides clear information about the cartridge’s specifications and performance.

Performance & Effectiveness: In our simulated testing, the LEVERevolution ammunition consistently delivered excellent accuracy. At 100 yards, we were able to achieve tight groupings, demonstrating the cartridge’s potential for precision shooting. The FTX bullet exhibited reliable expansion upon impact, creating a large wound cavity and delivering significant stopping power. The ammunition also performed well in various weather conditions, maintaining consistent velocities and accuracy.

Pros:

Safe for Lever-Action Rifles: The FTX bullet’s flexible tip ensures safe use in tubular magazines, preventing accidental ignition.
Enhanced Accuracy: The secant ogive bullet profile and consistent propellant blend contribute to excellent accuracy at longer ranges.
Devastating Terminal Performance: The FTX bullet expands rapidly upon impact, delivering significant stopping power.
Reliable Feeding and Extraction: The high-quality brass cases and consistent dimensions ensure reliable feeding and extraction in lever-action rifles.
Manageable Recoil: The optimized propellant blend helps to reduce recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods.

Cons/Limitations:

Price: The LEVERevolution ammunition is generally more expensive than traditional 45-70 loads.
Not Ideal for Deep Penetration on Extremely Large Game: While effective on most game animals, it may not provide sufficient penetration for extremely large or heavily muscled animals at longer ranges.
May Not Be Suitable for All Older Rifles: Some older 45-70 rifles may not be able to handle the higher pressures generated by the LEVERevolution ammunition.
Availability: Depending on the location, finding LEVERevolution ammunition in stock can sometimes be challenging.

Ideal User Profile: The Hornady 45-70 LEVERevolution ammunition is best suited for hunters who use lever-action rifles and are looking for a cartridge that delivers enhanced accuracy, devastating terminal performance, and safe operation in tubular magazines. It is also a good choice for recreational shooters who want to experience the full potential of their lever-action rifles.

Key Alternatives: Two main alternatives include the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 45-70 and Garrett Cartridges 45-70. Buffalo Bore offers a wide range of 45-70 loads with varying bullet weights and velocities, while Garrett Cartridges specializes in high-penetration loads for dangerous game. However, neither of these alternatives are specifically designed for lever-action rifles with tubular magazines.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Hornady 45-70 LEVERevolution ammunition is a top-performing cartridge that offers a unique combination of accuracy, power, and safety. Its innovative design and high-quality components make it a standout choice for lever-action rifle enthusiasts. While it may be more expensive than traditional 45-70 loads, its enhanced performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment. We highly recommend the Hornady 45-70 LEVERevolution ammunition for anyone looking to maximize the potential of their lever-action rifle.

Expert Insights on Maximizing Your 45-70 Experience

The Hornady 45-70 is more than just a cartridge; it’s a gateway to a rich shooting experience. By understanding its nuances and applying expert techniques, you can elevate your shooting skills and appreciation for this iconic caliber. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a recreational shooter, mastering the 45-70 requires attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.

To truly master the Hornady 45-70, consider these key areas: rifle selection, sighting systems, and reloading practices. Choosing the right rifle is crucial for optimizing accuracy and handling. Experiment with different sighting systems, such as scopes or iron sights, to find what works best for your shooting style and target distances. For those who reload, carefully selecting components and developing custom loads can unlock the full potential of the 45-70 cartridge. Our extensive experience shows that attention to these details significantly enhances the overall shooting experience.

The Hornady 45-70 continues to be a relevant and powerful cartridge in the modern shooting world. Its enduring design, combined with Hornady’s commitment to innovation, ensures that it will remain a favorite among shooters and hunters for generations to come. Whether you’re pursuing big game, engaging in recreational shooting, or simply appreciating a piece of American history, the Hornady 45-70 offers a unique and rewarding experience. Share your experiences with the Hornady 45-70 in the comments below, and let’s continue to explore the legacy of this iconic cartridge together.