A Look Back: The Legacy of the 45-70 and the Rise of Hornady Leverevolution
The 45-70 Government. A name that echoes with the legends of the American West, a cartridge born from the need for powerful, accurate, and reliable firepower. From the battlefield to the hunting grounds, the 45-70 has cemented its place in history. Today, this venerable cartridge remains a favorite among hunters and shooting enthusiasts, and the ammunition that breathes new life into this classic round is Hornady Leverevolution.
This article dives deep into the world of Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition, providing a comprehensive review of its design, performance, and overall value. We’ll explore how this innovative ammunition transforms the capabilities of the 45-70, offering modern performance without sacrificing the time-honored power of this legendary cartridge. Prepare to explore the world of ballistics, terminal performance, and the suitability of Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 for various hunting scenarios.
The 45-70 Government’s story begins in the 19th century, born from a need for a powerful and reliable cartridge for the U.S. military. Adopted in 1873, it quickly gained a reputation for its devastating stopping power in the hands of soldiers and, subsequently, hunters and frontiersmen. Its large-diameter, heavy bullets packed a punch, capable of taking down large game at considerable ranges. The cartridge’s original black powder loads have evolved, but the essence of the 45-70’s effectiveness remains.
The Hornady Leverevolution line represents a more modern approach to ammunition design. Hornady’s engineers recognized the potential to optimize the performance of traditional lever-action rifles. They focused on improving both the ballistic coefficient (BC) of bullets for flatter trajectories and expanding the effective range for hunting. The key to this lies in their revolutionary bullet design.
Engineering Excellence: Exploring the Features of Hornady Leverevolution 45-70
The heart of the Hornady Leverevolution system is its unique bullet design. Instead of a traditional round or flat-nosed bullet, Hornady employs a Flex Tip bullet. This innovative design utilizes a polymer tip that sits at the bullet’s nose.
The polymer tip of the Flex Tip bullet isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. It’s strategically engineered to maximize ballistic performance. First, it contributes to a significantly higher ballistic coefficient. BC measures a bullet’s ability to resist air resistance, and a higher BC means the bullet retains its velocity and energy over longer distances. This is crucial for maximizing the effective range of the 45-70.
Second, the Flex Tip bullet design is designed for safe operation in tubular magazines, a hallmark of many lever-action rifles. This feature allows the bullet to be safely loaded without the risk of accidental detonation, which can be a concern with pointed bullets in a tubular magazine.
Beyond the bullet design, Hornady uses select propellants and primers to optimize performance. The powder is chosen to deliver consistent velocities and energy, maximizing the potential of the 45-70 cartridge.
Understanding the Numbers: Ballistics and Performance Data
To truly understand the power of Hornady Leverevolution 45-70, it’s essential to examine its ballistic data. While specific ballistics vary depending on the exact bullet weight used, some typical data will give you an idea:
Bullet Weight Options: Hornady usually offers Leverevolution 45-70 in a range of bullet weights, with 225 grain and 325 grain being popular choices.
Muzzle Velocity: A 225-grain bullet, for example, might achieve a muzzle velocity exceeding feet per second. A heavier 325-grain bullet will have a lower muzzle velocity.
Ballistic Coefficient: The Flex Tip design significantly boosts the BC.
Trajectory: Because of the increased BC, the 45-70 with Leverevolution offers significantly flatter trajectories compared to conventional 45-70 loads. The bullet drop at 200 yards, and even at longer ranges like 300 yards, is noticeably less, making precise shots easier.
Energy: The amount of energy delivered by the bullet is also a critical factor. The muzzle energy is impressive, and the ability of the bullet to retain energy at extended ranges allows hunters to achieve ethical kills.
This data translates into real-world advantages. The flatter trajectory makes it easier to hit targets at various distances, reducing the need for excessive holdover at longer ranges. The increased energy at impact ensures effective terminal performance on game at distances that were previously challenging for the 45-70.
Hitting the Target: Accuracy and Performance on the Range
To evaluate Hornady Leverevolution 45-70’s accuracy, we can look at range testing data. This requires a controlled environment: typically, a rifle with a well-maintained barrel is used, and the ammunition is fired from a stable rest at various distances.
The most common measure of accuracy is group size, which refers to the diameter of the bullet holes clustered on the target. Typically, a shooter might expect to produce groups.
The testing process should also consider the environmental conditions. Factors such as wind speed and direction can significantly impact accuracy, and it’s important to account for these when interpreting results.
Additionally, a shooter’s experience is very important. Someone who is experienced with the cartridge and the rifle will be more comfortable, more accurate, and they will be able to take better shots than someone who isn’t.
The Hunt: Applying Leverevolution 45-70 to Hunting Scenarios
Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition opens up the possibilities for hunters. Its combination of power, accuracy, and flatter trajectory makes it suitable for pursuing a variety of game species.
Deer and Similar-Sized Game: The 45-70 has long been a favorite for deer hunting, and with Hornady Leverevolution, you’ll gain a significant advantage. The flatter trajectory allows for easier shot placement at varying distances.
Bear and Larger Game: Its impact force makes the 45-70 an ideal choice for bear hunting. The heavier bullet weights available in the Leverevolution line offer the necessary penetration and energy transfer for quick, humane kills.
Effective Range Considerations: Consider the range limits that the bullet is effective within. As a general rule of thumb, consider the drop that happens as the bullets travel.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages? A Balanced Perspective
The Benefits:
Flatter Trajectory: The Flex Tip bullets significantly reduce bullet drop, making it easier to hit targets at distance.
Increased Energy: The design transfers more energy and velocity over distances.
Safe in Tubular Magazines: The polymer-tipped design enables safe use in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines.
Effective on Many Game Species: This cartridge provides the energy and terminal performance to effectively hunt a wide range of game.
Things to Consider:
Price: Hornady Leverevolution ammunition might be more expensive than other 45-70 loads.
Recoil: The 45-70, in any configuration, has noticeable recoil.
Optimal Range: While the flatter trajectory extends effective range, understanding and respecting range limitations is essential.
Comparing the Options: Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 vs. the Competition
When you are picking ammunition, you are essentially choosing a tool for a specific job. Hornady Leverevolution faces competition from many different 45-70 loads:
Traditional Flat-Nosed Bullets: These are the original style and still a viable choice, especially at shorter ranges. However, they lack the flatter trajectory and long-range performance of the Leverevolution design.
Other Brands: Other manufacturers also offer 45-70 loads. Each company’s product has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Reloading: Many experienced shooters reload their own ammunition, allowing for the greatest control over performance.
The Hornady Leverevolution stands out due to its superior ballistics. The other choices may work as intended, but they do not provide the same level of advantages.
Value and the Final Verdict
Is Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition worth the investment?
The value of a product is more than just its price. In this case, Hornady Leverevolution delivers exceptional performance. It significantly extends the effective range of the 45-70.
Final Recommendation:
Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition is a superb choice for those seeking to maximize the capabilities of their lever-action rifles. This ammunition is especially recommended for those who hunt game species at various distances and desire improved accuracy and terminal performance. If you’re a hunter looking to experience the classic power of the 45-70 with modern precision, this is a great option.
Closing Thoughts
The 45-70 cartridge remains an iconic choice for hunters and shooters. Hornady Leverevolution has successfully modernized its performance, giving a new generation of shooters the power and accuracy that have characterized the cartridge since its creation.
If you’re interested in learning more about the 45-70, be sure to check out our additional articles. We hope that this review of Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition has been helpful.
