First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets represent a classic choice for lever-action rifles chambered in this iconic cartridge. Berry’s Manufacturing is known for producing affordable, quality projectiles, and these plated bullets are intended for target shooting and plinking, offering a cost-effective alternative to jacketed options. My initial interest was sparked by a desire to reduce costs associated with reloading my .45-70 rounds, especially for range practice.
I was looking for a reliable and accurate projectile that wouldn’t break the bank, allowing me to enjoy my Marlin 1895 without feeling the financial sting of each shot. The package of 150 bullets arrived well-sealed. The bullets themselves looked uniform and cleanly manufactured.
The Berry’s Manufacturing rounds had a smooth, consistent plating. This made them appear ready for loading. Compared to some jacketed rounds I’ve used, the initial impression was positive, particularly given the price point. These are less expensive than jacketed alternatives.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The price was right. The visual inspection gave me confidence. I was eager to see how they would perform in terms of accuracy and cleanliness in my rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets at my local outdoor shooting range. I used my Marlin 1895 lever-action rifle at distances of 50 and 100 yards. The weather was clear and mild, with a slight breeze.
The bullets loaded smoothly into the cases. They also fed reliably through my rifle’s action. I did notice a slightly different recoil impulse compared to heavier, jacketed bullets I typically use, but it was manageable. After about 20 rounds, I did observe a noticeable amount of lead fouling in the barrel, which I hadn’t experienced with jacketed bullets.
The accuracy at 50 yards was acceptable for casual target shooting, producing groupings of around 3-4 inches. At 100 yards, however, the groupings opened up to around 6-8 inches. This suggested that these bullets might be better suited for shorter-range shooting. I had no malfunctions during the initial testing, but the increased fouling was a slight concern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and about 300 rounds fired, the Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets have proven to be reliable for plinking. However, I’ve consistently observed the same issue of increased lead fouling. This meant more frequent cleaning of my rifle. The plating seems adequate for moderate velocities. It doesn’t completely eliminate lead exposure to the barrel.
In terms of durability, the bullets themselves held up well during loading and firing. I didn’t experience any issues with deformation or bullet separation. The increased cleaning frequency is the trade-off for the lower cost. This is something I now factor into my range trips.
Compared to my previous experiences with jacketed bullets, these Berry’s Manufacturing bullets offer a significant cost saving. However, they require more maintenance. For high-volume shooting, the increased fouling is a notable drawback. The accuracy is adequate for recreational shooting, but they are not ideal for precision work.
Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS
Specifications
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets are designed for use in rifles chambered in the .45-70 Government cartridge. They have a diameter of .458 inches. These bullets weigh 350 grains.
The bullet type is Round Shoulder (RS), a classic profile for .45-70 rounds that offers good feeding and reliable expansion. Berry’s Manufacturing constructs them with a lead core. They also have a copper plating. This plating helps to reduce lead fouling. The box contains 150 rounds.
These specifications matter because they dictate the bullet’s performance characteristics. The 350-grain weight offers a balance between manageable recoil and sufficient energy transfer. The round shoulder design facilitates smooth feeding in lever-action rifles. The copper plating aims to reduce lead exposure in the barrel.
Performance & Functionality
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets perform adequately for target shooting and plinking. They offer acceptable accuracy at shorter ranges (50-75 yards). They are also reliable in terms of feeding and firing. However, they are not ideal for long-range precision shooting due to the limitations of the plating and bullet design.
The main strength of these bullets is their cost-effectiveness. They allow shooters to practice without the high expense of jacketed rounds. A significant weakness is the increased lead fouling. This demands more frequent cleaning.
They meet expectations for affordable range ammunition but don’t exceed them in terms of accuracy or cleanliness.
Design & Ergonomics
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets feature a simple and functional design. The round shoulder profile is a proven design that is easy to load and feed. The copper plating is uniformly applied. This provides a smooth surface.
The build quality is consistent across the box of 150 rounds. The weight is consistent too. There isn’t a steep learning curve associated with using these bullets. Reloading them is no different than reloading other .45-70 projectiles.
Durability & Maintenance
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets are durable enough for their intended purpose. They hold their shape during loading and firing. Their lifespan is limited by the amount of shooting one does, but the bullets themselves are not prone to degradation or damage.
Maintenance is primarily focused on cleaning the firearm more frequently due to the increased lead fouling. No special tools or procedures are required to maintain the bullets themselves.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets do not come with any accessories. There are no customization options directly related to the bullets themselves.
However, reloaders can adjust the powder charge and seating depth to fine-tune performance. The .45-70 cartridge is compatible with a wide range of reloading components. These include different powders, primers, and cases. The bullets are compatible with standard reloading dies for the .45-70 cartridge, making them easy to integrate into existing reloading setups.
Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS
Pros
- Affordable price: Significantly cheaper than jacketed alternatives, making high-volume shooting more budget-friendly.
- Reliable Feeding: The round shoulder design ensures smooth feeding in lever-action rifles like the Marlin 1895.
- Consistent Build Quality: Uniform weight and dimensions provide consistent performance.
- Easy Reloading: Compatible with standard .45-70 reloading dies and components.
- Suitable for Plinking: Adequate accuracy for casual target shooting and recreational use at shorter ranges.
Cons
- Increased Lead Fouling: The copper plating doesn’t completely eliminate lead exposure. This requires more frequent cleaning of the firearm.
- Limited Accuracy: Not ideal for long-range precision shooting due to the bullet design and plating.
Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS?
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets are perfect for recreational shooters. They are also great for those who enjoy plinking and target shooting at shorter ranges. These rounds are suitable for individuals who are looking for a cost-effective way to practice with their .45-70 rifles without breaking the bank.
Those who prioritize precision accuracy at longer distances or are sensitive to the need for frequent cleaning should skip this product. Hunters seeking maximum terminal performance would be better served by jacketed hollow point or soft point bullets.
A must-have modification, though not to the bullet itself, is a good bore cleaner designed to remove lead fouling. A quality set of reloading dies for the .45-70 cartridge is essential for those who wish to reload these bullets.
Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS bullets offer a compelling value proposition for recreational shooters seeking an affordable option for their .45-70 rifles. The price is justified, especially for high-volume shooting where the cost savings can be significant.
I would personally recommend these bullets to those who understand the trade-offs. They are a great option for fun range days, but they require more frequent cleaning.
If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a little extra elbow grease, give the Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 Govt (.458) 350GR RS a try! They might just be the perfect solution for your plinking needs.