Introduction
The 45-70 Government, a cartridge steeped in history, is a legend. Born from the need for a powerful round to arm the US Army, the 45-70 quickly transcended its military origins. Its substantial bullet and impressive knockdown power made it a favorite among hunters, target shooters, and anyone seeking a big-bore experience. For over a century, it has continued to prove its effectiveness, maintaining a prominent place in the world of firearms.
But, even a legendary round can be improved upon. Modern ammunition manufacturers continually strive to push the boundaries of performance, especially when it comes to older cartridge designs. Hornady, a leading name in ammunition, understood this. They recognized the potential to modernize the 45-70, making it a more versatile and effective round than ever before. Enter the Hornady Leverevolution 45-70.
This article delves into the world of Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition. We’ll explore its design, performance, the benefits it brings to the 45-70 platform, and how it stacks up against other choices. This will be a deep dive into what makes this ammunition such a popular choice for hunters and shooters alike.
The Enduring Legacy of the 45-70 Cartridge
The 45-70 Government cartridge, officially designated the .45-70-405, was developed in the 1870s. Its name indicates its specifications: a .45 caliber bullet, weighing 70 grains of black powder, and a 405-grain bullet weight. This cartridge became the standard for the US Army, used in the Springfield Model 1873 “Trapdoor” rifle. Soldiers and frontiersmen alike relied on the 45-70’s stopping power and accuracy.
From the battlefield, the 45-70 quickly gained traction among civilian hunters. Its large bullet diameter and considerable mass made it exceptionally effective on big game animals. The round was powerful enough to bring down bison, elk, and bears. It became a staple for those venturing into the American West, where encounters with both game animals and dangers of all types were commonplace.
Even with advancements in ammunition technology, the 45-70 remains a relevant and beloved cartridge. Its large bore, combined with a variety of bullet weights and designs, allows for incredible versatility. Today, the 45-70 is still used for hunting, target shooting, and recreational shooting. The continued popularity of the round is testament to the 45-70’s inherent capabilities and versatility.
An Overview of Hornady Leverevolution Ammunition
Hornady Leverevolution is a revolutionary (pun intended) ammunition line designed to overcome the limitations of traditional ammunition used in lever-action rifles. The core innovation behind Leverevolution lies in its Flex Tip bullet. This unique design provides two significant advantages:
First, the Flex Tip bullet features a soft, polymer tip that sits within the hollow point of the bullet. This polymer tip provides a streamlined shape, increasing the bullet’s ballistic coefficient. The result is a flatter trajectory, less bullet drop, and reduced wind drift. The Flex Tip’s shape also allows the bullet to maintain better velocity downrange.
Second, the Flex Tip design is safe for use in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines. In lever-action rifles with traditional pointed bullets, the tip of one bullet can come into contact with the primer of the round in front of it during recoil, posing a potential safety hazard. The flexible tip of the Leverevolution bullet prevents this by deforming on impact, eliminating the risk of accidental ignition in the magazine.
This innovative approach allowed Hornady to take the best aspects of modern ballistic design and match them with the utility of lever-action rifles.
Key Features of Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 Cartridges
The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition is a direct result of Hornady’s design and manufacturing philosophy. Several features set it apart:
Flex Tip Bullet
As mentioned, the Flex Tip bullet is central to Leverevolution’s design. This tip provides a high ballistic coefficient, improved velocity, and a flatter trajectory, expanding the effective range of the 45-70.
Optimized Powders
Hornady carefully selects and loads its Leverevolution cartridges with powders specifically tailored to maximize performance in the 45-70. This results in higher velocities and consistent performance.
Premium Components
Hornady uses high-quality brass casings and carefully crafted bullets, designed for consistent performance.
Versatility
The Leverevolution 45-70 is designed for a wide range of lever-action rifles chambered in 45-70, allowing hunters to achieve their objectives.
Increased Effective Range
While the 45-70 has always been considered a short- to medium-range cartridge, Leverevolution ammunition allows for improved range due to the flatter trajectory and superior ballistics.
Performance Analysis
Performance is what matters most when you are choosing ammunition. It’s essential to know what your ammo can do on the range and in the field.
Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical factor in any ammunition, and Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 delivers consistent results. Accuracy tests and user reports commonly show tight groupings at typical hunting ranges. The streamlined bullet design contributes to improved accuracy, reducing wind drift. It is worth noting that the inherent accuracy of the rifle, the shooter’s skill, and environmental conditions are factors to also take into account when considering the level of accuracy to expect.
Ballistics
Bullet Velocity
The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition typically boasts impressive velocities for this cartridge. Specific velocities will vary based on bullet weight and rifle barrel length. Expect velocities around 1,600 to 1,800 feet per second from standard barrel lengths. Always consult the manufacturer’s data and your rifle’s specifications. The increased velocity allows for better performance downrange.
Trajectory
The Flex Tip design provides a flatter trajectory compared to traditional 45-70 ammunition. This flatter trajectory allows for a larger point blank range. The point blank range is the distance at which a bullet will hit its target without the need for any holdover. The trajectory charts provided by Hornady, or those generated by ballistics software, demonstrate the improved trajectory achieved with Leverevolution ammunition.
Energy Transfer
The 45-70 is known for its energy and momentum. Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition maintains a high level of retained energy at various ranges, contributing to its impressive stopping power. This retained energy translates to more effective terminal performance, especially at extended ranges compared to older ammunition.
Terminal Performance
Terminal performance is what really matters when you are hunting.
Expansion and Mushrooming
Upon impact, the Flex Tip bullet expands and mushrooms, creating a wider wound channel. This expansion aids in rapid energy transfer and provides enhanced effectiveness on game animals. Gelatin tests and field reports demonstrate consistent and controlled expansion.
Penetration
Penetration is another factor to consider. The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 bullets offer adequate penetration for a wide range of big game animals. The bullets’ design allows for effective penetration.
Effectiveness on Game
The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 has proven to be highly effective on various big game animals, including deer, elk, bear, and moose. The combination of high velocity, trajectory, and controlled expansion makes it a suitable choice for many hunting scenarios.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any ammunition, Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 has its strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages
Enhanced Ballistics: The primary advantage is improved ballistics. The Flex Tip bullet offers a flatter trajectory, reduced wind drift, and increased effective range compared to traditional 45-70 loads.
Safety for Lever-Action Rifles: The Flex Tip design makes this ammunition safe for use in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines.
Superior Stopping Power: The 45-70 is renowned for its stopping power, and Leverevolution ammunition enhances that capability.
Proven Hunting Performance: The ammunition has a strong track record of success in the field.
Availability: Hornady ammunition is widely available.
Disadvantages
Higher Price: Hornady Leverevolution ammunition typically commands a higher price than some other 45-70 loads due to its advanced design.
Compatibility: While generally safe for most 45-70 rifles, it’s essential to ensure compatibility. Check your rifle’s specifications.
Potential for Over-Penetration: The 45-70’s inherent power can, in certain situations, lead to over-penetration. Shot placement is important.
Limited Bullet Weight Options: The available bullet weight options for Leverevolution are fewer than other ammunition types.
Comparison with Other 45-70 Ammunition
When choosing 45-70 ammunition, it’s important to consider the alternatives.
Lead-Nose Flat Point Bullets
Traditional lead-nose flat point bullets have served hunters for decades. These bullets typically offer excellent penetration and are effective at close ranges. However, their trajectory is more curved than the Leverevolution, limiting the effective range. These rounds are generally less expensive.
Cast Bullets
Cast bullets are frequently used for target shooting or plinking. They are often less expensive.
Specialized Hunting Rounds
Some manufacturers offer specialized hunting rounds designed for specific game animals. These rounds may feature different bullet designs or expansion characteristics. These rounds will be more expensive.
The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 stands out for its blend of safety, and improved ballistics. It provides a good compromise of accuracy, trajectory, and terminal performance. While other rounds may be more suitable for certain niche applications, the Leverevolution is an excellent all-around choice for the 45-70 platform.
Hunting and Shooting Experiences: Real-World Application
Real-world experiences are important when choosing ammunition.
Many hunters have used Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 with great success. Reports of clean kills at moderate ranges are common. Hunters often describe the ammunition’s effectiveness in anchoring game animals. Target shooters have also noted the ammunition’s accuracy in a wide variety of lever-action rifles. The bullet’s consistent expansion and excellent penetration are often cited.
User Reviews and Feedback
The online response to the Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 is largely positive. Users praise the increased range, accuracy, and stopping power. Many hunters note the ammo’s effectiveness on various big game animals. Minor criticisms often focus on the price and bullet weight options. However, the overwhelming feedback is extremely positive, and this adds to the value of the ammunition.
Conclusion
Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 offers a significant upgrade to the 45-70 cartridge, combining the advantages of a classic round with modern ballistic technology. The Flex Tip bullet makes the ammunition safe for tubular magazine rifles while improving trajectory, velocity, and overall performance. This makes it a superior choice compared to older designs.
For hunters seeking a versatile and effective round for their lever-action rifles, Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 is an excellent choice. It offers exceptional performance on a wide range of game.
Call to Action
If you are looking for powerful and accurate 45-70 ammunition for your lever-action rifle, Hornady Leverevolution is worth considering. Research the ammunition for yourself. Read user reviews. Ultimately, your rifle and hunting needs will dictate what ammunition is best for you.
Would you like to share your experiences? We would like to hear about them! Let us know your thoughts.
Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition is widely available at most gun stores and online retailers.
Happy shooting and hunting!
