The Hornady Leverevolution .45-70 Government cartridge has revolutionized lever-action rifle performance. Its unique design allows for flatter trajectories and increased downrange energy compared to traditional .45-70 loads, making it a formidable choice for hunting larger game at extended ranges. This guide delves into the ballistics of Hornady Leverevolution .45-70 ammunition, providing a detailed analysis to help you understand its capabilities. We'll explore various bullet weights and their corresponding performance characteristics. Please note that actual ballistics can vary slightly depending on factors like barrel length, altitude, and environmental conditions.
Understanding Hornady Leverevolution Technology
The key to the Leverevolution's superior performance lies in its innovative bullet design. Unlike traditional .45-70 rounds which utilize heavier, round-nosed bullets, Leverevolution uses a lighter, polymer-tipped FTX (Flex Tip eXpansion) bullet. This design offers several advantages:
- Reduced Recoil: The lighter bullet weight contributes to significantly less recoil, enhancing shooter comfort and follow-up shot capabilities.
- Flatter Trajectory: The aerodynamic FTX bullet design promotes a flatter trajectory, leading to greater accuracy at longer ranges.
- Improved Accuracy: The polymer tip enhances stability in flight, resulting in improved accuracy compared to traditional .45-70 loads.
- Controlled Expansion: The FTX bullet is engineered for controlled expansion upon impact, delivering consistent energy transfer and maximizing lethality on game.
Hornady Leverevolution .45-70 Ballistics Chart (Approximate Values)
Please remember that these values are approximations and can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier. Always refer to the latest data provided by Hornady on their official website for the most accurate information. This chart utilizes commonly available data but should not be used for precise ballistic calculations. Use a ballistic calculator with your specific rifle and environmental conditions for that purpose.
| Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 100-yard Velocity (fps) | 100-yard Energy (ft-lbs) | 200-yard Velocity (fps) | 200-yard Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | ~2100 | ~2800 | ~1700 | ~1800 | ~1400 | ~1200 |
| 325 | ~2000 | ~2900 | ~1600 | ~1900 | ~1300 | ~1300 |
Note: These figures represent typical performance and may vary based on specific ammunition lots and testing conditions.
Factors Affecting Ballistics
Several factors influence the actual ballistics of Hornady Leverevolution .45-70 ammunition:
- Barrel Length: Longer barrels generally produce higher muzzle velocities and energy.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes result in lower air density, potentially leading to slightly increased velocities.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures can slightly reduce velocities.
- Ammunition Lot Variations: Slight variations in manufacturing can affect the performance of different lots of ammunition.
- Rifle Condition: The condition of your rifle's barrel and action will also impact accuracy and velocity.
Choosing the Right Ammunition
Selecting the appropriate Hornady Leverevolution .45-70 load depends on your intended use. For hunting larger game at closer ranges, the 325-grain bullet offers greater stopping power. The 300-grain bullet provides a good balance of energy and reduced recoil, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios and longer ranges, provided proper sight adjustment is made. Always practice extensively with your chosen ammunition before hunting.
Conclusion
Hornady Leverevolution .45-70 ammunition provides a significant advancement in lever-action rifle performance. Its lighter, aerodynamically designed bullets deliver flatter trajectories, reduced recoil, and excellent accuracy, making it a superior choice for both hunting and target shooting. However, always remember to consult official Hornady resources for the most accurate and up-to-date ballistic data. Safe and responsible shooting practices are paramount.
