Introduction
The 45-70 Government cartridge. The very name conjures images of buffalo hunts on the American plains, of lever-action rifles shouldered by determined men, and of a powerful round that delivered a devastating blow. For over a century, this iconic cartridge has maintained a fervent following, beloved for its inherent effectiveness, its historical significance, and its sheer fun to shoot. Today, the 45-70 is enjoying a renaissance, finding favor among hunters, target shooters, and firearms enthusiasts alike. And at the forefront of this modern resurgence is Hornady’s Leverevolution ammunition, a revolutionary design that has extended the range and maximized the performance of the venerable 45-70. This article delves into the world of Hornady Leverevolution, specifically pitting the 250-grain and 325-grain offerings against each other in a head-to-head battle for supremacy.
Hornady Leverevolution Technology
Hornady Leverevolution ammunition is not just another box of bullets; it represents a significant leap forward in the capabilities of traditional lever-action rifles, particularly those chambered in the 45-70. The core innovation behind Leverevolution lies in its Flex Tip bullet design. Unlike conventional bullets with rigid tips, the Leverevolution projectiles feature a soft, flexible polymer tip. This design offers multiple advantages:
Improved Ballistic Coefficient
The streamlined shape of the Leverevolution bullet, coupled with the polymer tip, leads to a higher ballistic coefficient (BC). This means the bullet resists air resistance more effectively, resulting in a flatter trajectory and greater retained velocity downrange.
Safe for Tubular Magazines
The flexible tip is crucial for lever-action rifles, which often use tubular magazines. The soft tip prevents accidental detonation of the primer of a round when it is in contact with the point of the bullet ahead of it in the magazine.
Enhanced Range and Energy
The flatter trajectory and retained velocity translate into a noticeable increase in effective range, allowing hunters to confidently engage targets at distances previously considered difficult with the 45-70. The higher velocity also results in more delivered energy at impact.
Optimized Powders
Hornady utilizes custom-blended propellants in their Leverevolution loads. These powders are specifically formulated to maximize the potential of the 45-70 cartridge, providing higher muzzle velocities without exceeding safe pressure limits.
The result? A modernized 45-70 round that bridges the gap between traditional performance and the requirements of modern hunting and shooting practices.
Hornady 45-70 Leverevolution 250 Grain – Detailed Analysis
The Hornady 45-70 Leverevolution 250-grain bullet offers a compelling option for shooters seeking high velocity and flatter trajectories in their 45-70 rifle.
The design of this bullet is predicated on delivering rapid expansion and minimal drop over distance. It’s designed to be a performer at extended ranges relative to the traditional 45-70 offerings. The 250-grain bullet is a spitzer-style bullet designed to be aerodynamic with its polymer tip and a streamlined profile. The jacket is built for quick expansion on impact, while the core is designed to hold together well, providing excellent weight retention and deep penetration.
The ballistic profile of the 250-grain load is impressive:
Velocity
Muzzle velocity is often around 2200 feet per second, depending on the rifle’s barrel length.
Energy
Muzzle energy generally clocks in around 2680 foot-pounds.
Trajectory
The flatter trajectory is a significant advantage. At 200 yards, the bullet drop is often just under three inches.
Performance-wise, the 250-grain Hornady Leverevolution is an excellent choice for hunters. The higher velocity aids in creating a larger wound channel, promoting rapid incapacitation of game. The bullet’s construction also contributes to reliable expansion and penetration, making it suitable for deer, pronghorn, and other medium-sized game animals. The bullet’s flatter trajectory makes it easier to judge holdover at a longer range. The faster-moving bullet also minimizes wind drift, which can be crucial for accuracy in crosswinds.
The pros of using the 250-grain Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 load are numerous: higher velocity, flatter trajectory, excellent terminal performance on smaller to medium sized game, and reduced wind drift. The cons are fewer in this load, but they still exist. They include: less retained energy downrange than heavier bullets, potentially less penetration on larger game animals.
Hornady 45-70 Leverevolution 325 Grain – Detailed Analysis
The 325-grain Hornady 45-70 Leverevolution load presents another compelling proposition. This heavier offering sacrifices some velocity for increased sectional density and retained energy, and it brings its own set of advantages to the table.
The 325-grain bullet offers a different design. While still featuring the Flex Tip design, the bullet is built for deeper penetration. The heavier bullet weight has a lower BC than the 250 grain offering but it is made up for by the increased mass.
Here’s a breakdown of the 325-grain load’s ballistic characteristics:
Velocity
Muzzle velocity is usually around 1900 feet per second, depending on the rifle.
Energy
Muzzle energy is often in the neighborhood of 2600 foot-pounds.
Trajectory
While the trajectory isn’t quite as flat as the 250-grain load, the bullet still offers a significant improvement over traditional 45-70 loads.
In terms of performance, the 325-grain Hornady Leverevolution is a great choice for all but the largest game. It delivers massive knockdown power and reliable penetration, making it an effective choice for deer, elk, bear, and similar game. The increased bullet weight and sectional density also help it maintain its energy downrange, which translates to better performance at longer distances.
The pros of using the 325-grain Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 load include: enhanced penetration, increased retained energy at longer ranges, excellent terminal performance on larger game animals, and a good overall balance of power and trajectory. The cons include: the bullet’s greater drop at longer ranges, and reduced velocity compared to the 250-grain load.
Direct Comparison: 250 Grain vs. 325 Grain
To truly evaluate the merits of each load, a direct comparison is necessary. Let’s delve into a head-to-head analysis:
Velocity and Energy
The 250-grain load boasts a clear advantage in muzzle velocity, around 300 fps faster in a rifle of similar length, as well as a greater energy level at the muzzle. The 325-grain load, however, carries more energy downrange, particularly at longer distances. This is due to the higher sectional density of the heavier bullet.
Trajectory
The 250-grain load enjoys a flatter trajectory. This translates to easier aiming at longer distances and reduces the need for significant holdover. The 325-grain load, while still performing well, has a steeper trajectory, making accurate range estimation more critical.
Recoil
The 325-grain load will naturally produce more felt recoil. The added bullet weight requires more propellant to achieve its velocity, and the heavier bullet exerts more force on the shooter’s shoulder.
Hunting Performance
This is perhaps the most crucial aspect. The 250-grain load excels on medium sized game, with excellent expansion and energy transfer. The 325-grain load excels on larger and tougher animals. The increased sectional density allows it to punch through thick hide and bone, delivering a devastating blow.
Accuracy
Both loads are capable of excellent accuracy. The rifle, optics and individual shooting technique are generally the greatest determinants of this. In some rifles, one load might group slightly better than the other, due to differences in barrel harmonics and bullet stabilization.
Target Shooting
Both loads are suitable for target shooting. The flatter trajectory of the 250-grain load might give it a slight edge at longer ranges, while the 325-grain load is a good choice for more demanding targets due to its flatter trajectory.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Load
Selecting the right Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 load hinges on careful consideration of several factors:
Hunting Objectives
The primary target animal should be the most influential consideration. For deer, pronghorn, and smaller game, the 250-grain load is an excellent choice. For elk, bear, and other large, tough animals, the 325-grain load may be more suitable.
Rifle Twist Rate
The twist rate of the rifle’s barrel is a key factor in achieving optimal accuracy. The 325-grain bullet may perform better in barrels with a tighter twist rate.
Shooting Conditions
Wind, terrain, and typical shooting distances should also play a role. The 250-grain load will be less affected by wind at any given range. The 325-grain load will retain more energy and hit harder at a longer range.
Personal Preference
Recoil tolerance and perceived effectiveness are key. The 250-grain load will be less punishing to shoot, while the 325-grain offers a more authoritative feel.
Cost and Availability
While the price differences between the two loads are generally negligible, availability can vary. Be sure to check your local retailers and online sources to ensure the load you choose is readily available.
Conclusion
This showdown between the 250-grain and 325-grain Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 loads highlights the power and versatility of this historical cartridge. Both loads provide exceptional performance improvements over traditional 45-70 offerings.
For hunters of medium sized game, the 250-grain load is an obvious choice, it offers a flatter trajectory and higher velocity, delivering impressive terminal ballistics in the field.
For larger game animals and hunters who want a deeper penetrating bullet, the 325-grain load might be the better option.
In the end, the “better” load depends entirely on the individual shooter, the rifle being used, and the intended use. Consider what your shooting and hunting activities are and then choose the load that aligns best with your needs. Perhaps the best course of action is to try both loads and see which one performs best in your rifle and aligns with your shooting style. The 45-70 is a cartridge with plenty of punch and history. Enjoy the journey.
