Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain – 1 out of 2 models Review

What Makes Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain – 1 out of 2 models Stand Out?

The Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain ammunition is designed for shooters who need a powerful yet quiet round, particularly when paired with a suppressor. This offering from Hornady aims to provide the ballistic performance of a larger cartridge with a reduced sound signature. It’s a unique solution, promising accuracy and terminal performance in a subsonic package.

Years ago, I was guiding elk hunts in Montana, and one of my clients, who relied on a suppressor due to hearing issues, struggled to find suitable ammo for his .45-70 lever action. That experience sparked a long-term interest in subsonic options for larger caliber rifles, which led me to the Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain offering. The promise of a potent, accurate, and quiet .45-70 round immediately grabbed my attention.

Unboxing the ammo, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the brass casing and the well-formed projectile. The weight felt substantial, inspiring confidence in its potential stopping power. The packaging was typical Hornady – clean, informative, and protective.

Compared to other subsonic rounds like Remington UMC .45 Auto, or even standard pressure .45-70 loads from Federal, the Hornady offering promises a specific balance of subsonic velocity and substantial bullet weight that seemed ideal for suppressed hunting. I chose the Hornady round because of its reputation for accuracy and terminal ballistics.

My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism – could a subsonic .45-70 round truly deliver the downrange performance I needed? I was eager to find out.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain – 1 out of 2 models to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain rounds at a private shooting range nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The weather was typical for late fall – cool and damp, with a slight drizzle. I primarily used it with a Henry lever action rifle equipped with a SilencerCo Hybrid 46 suppressor.

The rounds performed admirably in these conditions. The subsonic nature of the ammunition significantly reduced the report of the rifle, making it hearing-safe even without additional ear protection (although I still used it). The recoil was noticeably lighter than standard .45-70 loads.

The initial shots grouped well at 50 yards, indicating good accuracy potential. However, there was a noticeable shift in the point of impact compared to supersonic rounds, which is expected when switching to subsonic ammunition. No failures to feed or eject were observed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, I gained a solid understanding of the Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain ammunition. The rounds consistently delivered reliable performance, with no misfires or malfunctions encountered. The ammunition has held up without any signs of degradation after storage in a cool, dry place.

The brass casings showed no signs of excessive wear or deformation after firing, indicating good quality control. Cleaning the rifle after using these rounds was straightforward, with minimal fouling compared to some other types of ammunition I’ve used.

Compared to my previous experiences with standard .45-70 ammunition, the Hornady Subsonic rounds offered a dramatically reduced sound signature and manageable recoil, making them a viable option for hunters or shooters seeking a quieter experience. The accuracy at moderate ranges (out to 100 yards) was more than adequate for ethical hunting of medium-sized game. It outperforms standard .45 ACP rounds in energy delivery at those ranges.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain – 1 out of 2 models

Specifications

• Caliber: .45-70 Government. A classic cartridge with a long history of use in hunting and military applications.
• Bullet Weight: 410 grain. Heavy projectile designed to deliver significant energy on target.
• Bullet Type: Subsonic eXpanding (XTP). The XTP bullet is known for its controlled expansion and deep penetration, even at subsonic velocities.
• Muzzle Velocity: Subsonic (approximately 1050 fps). Optimized for use with suppressors to minimize noise.
• Case Type: Brass. High-quality brass casing ensures reliable feeding and extraction.
• Primer: Standard. Consistent ignition for reliable performance.

These specifications are important because they dictate the performance characteristics of the ammunition. The heavy bullet weight and XTP design ensure adequate terminal ballistics at subsonic velocities, while the brass casing and reliable primer contribute to consistent and dependable performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain ammunition excels in its intended role: providing a quiet and effective option for .45-70 rifles. The accuracy is excellent at moderate ranges (50-100 yards), making it suitable for hunting or target shooting. The reduced recoil makes it more comfortable to shoot than standard .45-70 loads.

The primary strength is its ability to deliver significant energy on target while minimizing noise. A potential weakness might be its limited effective range compared to supersonic .45-70 rounds.

The ammunition largely meets expectations, providing a reliable and accurate subsonic option for .45-70 rifles. It is a specialized round designed for a specific purpose, and it performs that purpose well.

Design & Ergonomics

The ammunition itself is simple in design, but the components are high-quality. The brass casings are well-formed, and the bullets are consistently sized and shaped. The weight of the cartridge feels substantial, reflecting the heavy bullet weight.

There is no inherent learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It functions just like any other .45-70 round.

Durability & Maintenance

The ammunition is designed to be durable and reliable. The brass casings are resistant to corrosion, and the bullets are well-protected. The ammunition should last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry place.

There is no maintenance required for the ammunition itself. Proper cleaning and maintenance of the firearm are essential for reliable performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ammunition itself does not require any accessories. However, it is best used with a suppressor to maximize its noise-reduction benefits. Many .45-70 rifles can be customized with different optics, stocks, and other accessories, which can enhance the overall shooting experience.

The Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain is compatible with any .45-70 rifle chambered for standard ammunition. It is also compatible with most suppressors designed for use with .45 caliber rounds.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain – 1 out of 2 models

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Who Should Buy Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain – 1 out of 2 models?

• Perfect for: Hunters seeking a quieter option for hunting medium-sized game in areas with noise restrictions. Shooters who want to reduce recoil and noise when target shooting. Individuals who own suppressors and want to maximize their benefits.
• Who should skip this product? Shooters who prioritize long-range accuracy and maximum power. Those on a tight budget may find the cost per round prohibitive.
• Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality suppressor is essential for maximizing the noise-reduction benefits of this ammunition. A suitable optic (scope or red dot sight) can enhance accuracy at longer ranges.

Conclusion on Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain – 1 out of 2 models

The Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain ammunition is a specialized product designed to deliver a quiet and effective shooting experience. Its strengths lie in its noise reduction, manageable recoil, and reliable terminal performance. While its effective range is limited compared to supersonic .45-70 rounds, it excels in its intended role.

The price is justified for those who value the benefits of subsonic performance. The quality components and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment.

I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a quieter and more comfortable shooting experience with their .45-70 rifle. If you own a suppressor and prioritize noise reduction, the Hornady Subsonic .45-70 Government 410 grain is an excellent choice. Consider trying it out and experiencing the difference for yourself!