Let’s Talk About HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov 405 Gr Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) 20 Bx/ 2 HSM-45-70-2-N $2.60 Off
The HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov 405 Gr Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) 20 Bx/ 2 ammunition, manufactured by HSM Ammunition, is specifically designed for cowboy action shooting and those seeking a milder recoil in their 45-70 rifles. This round combines a classic bullet design with a moderate muzzle velocity, promising a balance of accuracy and manageable recoil. It’s a cartridge that evokes the spirit of the Old West while being suitable for modern shooting applications.
I was searching for a round that would be gentler on my shoulder when practicing with my 45-70 lever action rifle. I wanted something accurate for target shooting at moderate ranges but didn’t require the bone-jarring recoil of some of the hotter hunting loads. The promise of “moderate recoil” and “excellent accuracy” in the description of the HSM ammunition caught my eye immediately.
Upon receiving the ammunition, I was impressed by the clean, consistent appearance of each cartridge. The brass cases were polished, and the 405 grain Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) bullets were uniformly seated. The packaging was sturdy and functional, clearly labeled with all pertinent information.
I considered a few other options, including some lead-cast rounds from smaller manufacturers. However, I chose the HSM ammunition because of the brand’s reputation for quality control and consistency. I also appreciated the flat point design, which I believed would offer good accuracy and penetration without excessive expansion.
My first impression was positive; I was excited to test these rounds and see if they lived up to their claims of reduced recoil and reliable accuracy. The price point of $39.39 for a box of 20 rounds felt reasonable, especially considering the current ammunition market.
Real-World Testing: Putting HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov 405 Gr Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) 20 Bx/ 2 HSM-45-70-2-N $2.60 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the HSM 45702N ammunition at my local outdoor shooting range on a clear, sunny day. The range offers targets at various distances, allowing for comprehensive testing of accuracy and trajectory. I used my Marlin 1895 lever-action rifle, a classic pairing for this type of ammunition.
The ammunition performed admirably in the mild weather conditions. Recoil was significantly lighter compared to standard hunting loads, making extended shooting sessions much more enjoyable. Ejection was smooth and consistent, and there were no signs of misfires or malfunctions.
The rounds were incredibly easy to use, requiring no special adjustments to my rifle or technique. The reduced recoil allowed me to maintain a consistent sight picture and improved my overall shooting comfort. The manageable recoil made practicing follow-up shots much easier as well.
After the first box, I did not experience any malfunctions. The HSM rounds cycled flawlessly through my Marlin 1895. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the burn was, with minimal powder residue left in the action.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 200 rounds fired, the HSM 45702N ammunition has proven to be exceptionally consistent and reliable. The rounds consistently group well at 50 and 100 yards. This makes them ideal for target practice and recreational shooting.
The ammunition shows no signs of deterioration or performance degradation over time. Stored properly in a cool, dry place, they remain ready for use whenever needed. The brass cases have held up well during reloading, showing minimal signs of wear after multiple firings.
Maintenance is simple; a quick cleaning of the rifle after each range session is all that’s required. I’ve noticed less fouling compared to some other brands of ammunition I’ve used in the past. The HSM ammunition outperforms many other low-recoil 45-70 options I’ve tried.
Breaking Down the Features of HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov 405 Gr Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) 20 Bx/ 2 HSM-45-70-2-N $2.60 Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HSM Ammunition. HSM is known for producing high-quality, consistent ammunition for various shooting disciplines.
- Caliber: .45-70 Government. This is a classic American cartridge known for its versatility and effectiveness.
- Number of Rounds: 20. This is a standard box quantity for rifle ammunition.
- Bullet Type: Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP). This design offers a good balance of accuracy, penetration, and safety in lever-action rifles.
- Bullet Weight: 405 grain. This is a traditional bullet weight for the .45-70, providing sufficient energy transfer.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable and offer excellent corrosion resistance.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1300 ft/s. This moderate velocity helps reduce recoil while maintaining adequate energy.
- Application: Target. While suitable for hunting small to medium game, it’s primarily designed for target shooting.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are known for their reliability and consistent ignition.
These specifications translate to a cartridge that’s manageable for extended shooting sessions and delivers acceptable accuracy for target practice. The RNFP bullet design reduces the risk of chain firing in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines. This promotes a safer shooting experience. The brass casing allows for reloading, further extending the value of this ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The HSM 45702N ammunition excels in its intended role as a low-recoil, accurate target round. The 405 grain RNFP bullet provides consistent groupings at 50 and 100 yards, making it suitable for recreational shooting. Recoil is noticeably lighter than standard hunting loads, allowing for more comfortable and controlled shooting.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its reduced recoil, consistent accuracy, and clean-burning powder. One area for possible improvement would be an increase in muzzle velocity for greater long-range performance. Though the current velocity is ideal for reducing recoil, a bit more power would extend its effective range.
The HSM 45702N ammunition meets my expectations perfectly. I wanted a low-recoil round for comfortable target practice, and this ammunition delivers precisely that. The accuracy and reliability are a welcome bonus.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. The brass cases are clean and consistent, and the RNFP bullets are properly seated and crimped. The weight is typical for a .45-70 cartridge.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special handling or adjustments. Any shooter familiar with lever-action rifles can load and fire these rounds with ease. The reduced recoil makes it especially appealing to novice shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, this ammunition should last indefinitely. Storing the cartridges in a cool, dry place will prevent corrosion and ensure reliable performance. The brass cases are reloadable, extending the life of the ammunition even further.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only routine cleaning of the firearm after use. The clean-burning powder helps reduce fouling and simplifies the cleaning process. The HSM rounds are constructed from high-quality components.
Accessories and Customization Options
This ammunition does not require any specific accessories, as it’s designed to function in any .45-70 Government rifle. Many shooters choose to add a recoil pad to their rifles for enhanced comfort. This is particularly true when using higher-powered loads or shooting for extended periods.
The ammunition is compatible with most .45-70 rifles, regardless of brand or configuration. Reloaders can further customize the ammunition by experimenting with different powders and bullet weights. This allows them to tailor the performance to their specific needs and preferences. The reloading capability adds a layer of versatility for experienced shooters.
Pros and Cons of HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov 405 Gr Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) 20 Bx/ 2 HSM-45-70-2-N $2.60 Off
Pros
- Reduced Recoil: Significantly lighter recoil compared to standard hunting loads, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable.
- Consistent Accuracy: Delivers reliable groupings at 50 and 100 yards, suitable for target practice and recreational shooting.
- Clean Burning: The powder leaves minimal residue, simplifying firearm cleaning and maintenance.
- Reloadable Brass Cases: The high-quality brass cases can be reloaded, extending the value and versatility of the ammunition.
- Safe Design: The RNFP bullet design minimizes the risk of chain firing in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines.
Cons
- Muzzle Velocity: The moderate muzzle velocity may limit its effectiveness at longer ranges.
- Limited Application: Primarily designed for target shooting. It may not be the best choice for hunting larger game.
Who Should Buy HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov 405 Gr Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) 20 Bx/ 2 HSM-45-70-2-N $2.60 Off?
The HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov ammunition is perfect for cowboy action shooters and recreational shooters looking for a comfortable and accurate round. It’s also well-suited for novice .45-70 shooters who want to become familiar with the cartridge without enduring excessive recoil. Anyone looking to spend extended sessions at the range will appreciate the reduced fatigue it provides.
Hunters seeking maximum power for larger game should probably skip this product and opt for a higher-velocity hunting load. Competitive shooters requiring pinpoint accuracy at longer distances might also find this ammunition lacking. Those seeking a general-purpose round for both target shooting and hunting should consider other options with a higher ballistic coefficient.
A must-have accessory for maximizing the benefits of this ammunition is a good quality recoil pad. This will further reduce felt recoil and enhance shooting comfort. Reloading equipment is also a worthwhile investment for those who want to customize and extend the life of their ammunition.
Conclusion on HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov 405 Gr Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) 20 Bx/ 2 HSM-45-70-2-N $2.60 Off
The HSM 45702N Cowboy Action 45-70 Gov 405 Gr RNFP ammunition is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a low-recoil, accurate target round. Its consistent performance, clean-burning powder, and reloadable brass cases make it a great value for the price. The ammunition delivers on its promise of manageable recoil and acceptable accuracy.
The price of $39.39 per box is justified by the quality and consistency of the product. This makes it a worthwhile investment for recreational shooters and those seeking a gentler shooting experience. The HSM rounds offer a noticeable improvement over cheaper, less consistent ammunition options.
I would highly recommend the HSM 45702N ammunition to anyone who fits the target audience. Its reduced recoil, reliable accuracy, and clean-burning powder make it a pleasure to shoot. Grab a box (or several) and experience the joy of comfortable, accurate .45-70 shooting!