First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS
Let’s talk about big bores. When the need arises for serious knockdown power, many experienced shooters turn to the venerable .45-70 Government cartridge. This round, steeped in history and capable of taking down practically anything on the North American continent, demands respect and quality components. Berry’s Manufacturing, known for their reliable and affordable plated bullets, offers a 350-grain round shoulder (RS) bullet in this classic caliber, and the promise of consistent performance at a reasonable price immediately piqued my interest.
For years, I’ve been handloading various calibers for hunting, competition, and general range use. I was specifically searching for a cost-effective projectile for developing accurate, yet manageable, practice loads for my Marlin 1895 lever-action. These practice loads will mimic the trajectory and felt recoil of my hotter hunting rounds, so I need good bullets to make that possible.
Upon receiving the 500-count box, the first thing I noticed was the uniformity of the bullets. The consistent plating and shape were immediately reassuring. Compared to cast lead bullets, which can sometimes vary in size and weight, these Berry’s Manufacturing bullets offered a much cleaner and more consistent starting point for reloading.
I’ve previously used cast lead bullets from another manufacturer, but the leading in my barrel was becoming a significant issue, requiring extensive cleaning after each shooting session. I chose the Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS bullets hoping the copper plating would minimize this issue. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – excited about the potential for cleaner shooting and consistent performance, but also aware that plated bullets have limitations compared to jacketed projectiles at higher velocities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range on a crisp autumn afternoon. I loaded up a batch of cartridges using a moderate charge of IMR 4198, aiming for a velocity around 1600 fps – well within the recommended range for plated bullets. I mounted a Caldwell Lead Sled to my shooting bench. This helps reduce fatigue and keeps my shots consistent.
The first few rounds were surprisingly pleasant to shoot. Recoil was manageable, and there was noticeably less smoke and smell compared to the unplated lead bullets I had been using. After 50 rounds, a quick inspection of the bore revealed minimal leading. This was a HUGE win.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a couple of months, and hundreds of rounds fired, the Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS bullets have proven to be remarkably consistent. I’ve continued to use a moderate powder charge to remain within the recommended velocity range for these plated bullets. Accuracy has remained consistent at 50 and 100 yards, easily holding groupings of 2-3 inches with iron sights.
Durability has been excellent for their intended use. I haven’t pushed them to extreme velocities that would compromise the plating. Cleaning has been significantly easier; a quick bore snake run through the barrel is typically all that’s needed to remove any residue. This is a major improvement over the arduous scrubbing required after using cast lead. These are not designed for magnum velocities, and expecting them to perform like premium jacketed bullets would be unrealistic.
Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS
Specifications
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS bullets boast several key specifications. The caliber is, of course, .45-70 Government, with a bullet diameter of .458 inches. The weight is 350 grains, offering a good balance of recoil and downrange energy.
These bullets are round shoulder (RS) design, providing a generous bearing surface for good accuracy and reliable feeding in lever-action rifles. The construction features a lead core with a thick copper plating. This helps to minimize leading in the barrel. This is particularly important for those who prefer to avoid the extra steps and mess associated with cast lead bullets.
Performance & Functionality
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS bullets perform admirably within their intended velocity range. Accuracy is excellent for practice and recreational shooting, easily achieving groupings suitable for deer hunting at moderate ranges. Reliability in feeding has been flawless in my Marlin 1895.
Their strength lies in consistent performance and cleaner shooting compared to unplated lead. Their weakness is their velocity limitation due to the copper plating. They meet my expectations for a cost-effective practice bullet perfectly.
Design & Ergonomics
The round shoulder design is well-suited for lever-action rifles. Its generous bearing surface contributes to good stability in flight. The bullets are easy to handle during the reloading process. The consistent shape and weight make them a pleasure to work with.
There is no real learning curve associated with these bullets. Reloaders with experience using other plated bullets will find them familiar and easy to load.
Durability & Maintenance
The longevity of these bullets depends on how they are used. Keeping them within the recommended velocity range is crucial to prevent the copper plating from separating. With proper loading practices, they should provide consistent performance for years. Cleaning is a breeze compared to cast lead, requiring minimal effort to maintain the barrel.
Accessories and Customization Options
These bullets do not require any specific accessories beyond standard reloading equipment. They can be loaded using standard .45-70 Government dies. Many reloaders will find success experimenting with different powders and seating depths to fine-tune accuracy. The Berry’s Manufacturing bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading data available online and in reloading manuals.
Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS
Pros
- Cost-effective option for practice and recreational shooting.
- Reduced leading in the barrel compared to unplated lead bullets.
- Consistent accuracy at moderate velocities.
- Easy to load and work with during the reloading process.
- Flawless feeding in lever-action rifles.
Cons
- Velocity limitations due to the copper plating.
- Not suitable for high-pressure or magnum loads.
Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS?
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS bullets are perfect for reloaders looking for a cost-effective and clean-shooting option for practice and recreational shooting with their .45-70 lever-action rifles. They are ideal for those who want to develop accurate, low-recoil loads for familiarization and training. They are also a good choice for hunters who primarily hunt deer-sized game at moderate ranges and are willing to load within the bullet’s velocity limitations.
This product isn’t suitable for reloaders seeking maximum velocity and penetration for hunting large or dangerous game. These bullets are not designed for high-pressure loads or magnum velocities. Skip these if you plan on pursuing bears or elk and need to ensure maximum penetration at longer ranges.
A chronograph is a must-have accessory for reloaders using these bullets. This allows you to carefully monitor the velocity of your loads and ensure they remain within the recommended range for plated bullets. It may be beneficial to use a slightly tighter crimp to keep the bullets from moving in the case.
Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS bullets are a solid choice for reloaders seeking a cost-effective and clean-shooting option for their .45-70 lever-action rifles. While they have velocity limitations, they offer excellent accuracy and reliability within their intended range. The reduced leading in the barrel is a major plus for those who want to minimize cleaning time.
The price is certainly justified. They offer a significant cost savings compared to jacketed bullets. I would definitely recommend these bullets to reloaders looking for a quality practice round for their .45-70 lever-action rifles.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable way to practice with your .45-70, give Berry’s Manufacturing .45-70 GOV’T (.458) 350GR RS bullets a try. You won’t be disappointed!