What Makes **Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off** Stand Out?
The Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off presents a unique proposition for 45-70 enthusiasts. Manufactured by Atomic Ammunition, this load combines the classic 45-70 Government cartridge with a heavy 500-grain lead hollow point bullet and subsonic velocities. This combination offers reduced noise, recoil, and impressive terminal ballistics at shorter ranges, making it an intriguing choice for specific applications.
My interest in this particular ammunition stemmed from a growing need for a quieter option for hog hunting on my property. The noise from standard 45-70 loads, while undeniably effective, was disturbing the livestock and alerting game animals for miles around. I was specifically looking for something that delivered knockdown power without the sonic boom.
Upon receiving the Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off, my initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense quality. The brass cases were clean and uniformly sized, and the lead hollow point bullets looked menacing. The heft of each cartridge hinted at the potential energy contained within.
I had considered alternatives such as the Buffalo Bore 45-70 Low Recoil loads and the HSM 430 Grain Bear Load, but ultimately chose the Atomic Ammunition due to its heavier bullet weight and specific focus on subsonic performance. The promise of a larger, slower-moving projectile seemed ideal for close-range hog hunting.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for quieter, yet still effective, hog hunting. However, I also had some reservations about the consistent cycling and accuracy of a subsonic load in my lever-action rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off** to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off primarily at my local shooting range. The goal was to establish a baseline for accuracy and functionality in controlled conditions. I also conducted some limited field testing on my property to assess the noise reduction and potential for hog hunting.
The performance in dry conditions was generally positive, with the ammunition exhibiting consistent cycling and acceptable accuracy at 50 yards. However, the subsonic nature of the round introduced some noticeable differences compared to standard 45-70 loads. The most significant being a much more pronounced bullet drop at longer ranges.
The most immediate benefit was the noticeable reduction in noise. Compared to supersonic 45-70 loads, the Atomic Ammunition produced a significantly muffled report, more akin to a high-powered pistol cartridge. This was exactly what I was hoping for in terms of minimizing disturbance to the surrounding environment.
After the initial shooting session, there were no glaring issues, but I noticed some inconsistencies in the bullet trajectory beyond 75 yards. The extreme bullet drop required significant adjustment to sight-in effectively for different distances.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off has held up remarkably well. I have fired approximately 100 rounds through my Marlin 1895 lever-action rifle with only one failure to feed, likely attributable to user error in cycling the action.
The ammunition has demonstrated excellent durability, with no signs of case cracking or bullet separation. I’ve stored the ammunition in a cool, dry environment and have observed no degradation in performance.
Maintenance is straightforward, with standard cleaning procedures adequate to remove powder residue. The lead bullets do leave more residue in the barrel compared to jacketed bullets, requiring slightly more frequent cleaning. This is a common trade-off with lead projectiles.
The Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off has outperformed my initial expectations in terms of noise reduction and close-range terminal ballistics. However, the significant bullet drop limits its effectiveness at longer ranges compared to standard 45-70 loads. For my specific application of close-range hog hunting in a noise-sensitive environment, it has proven to be a valuable tool.
Breaking Down the Features of **Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off**
Specifications
- Caliber: .45-70 Government. This is a classic, large-bore cartridge known for its stopping power.
- Bullet Type: Hollow Point (HP). The hollow point design is intended to promote expansion upon impact, increasing the wound channel and delivering rapid energy transfer.
- Bullet Weight: 500 grain. This is a heavy bullet for the 45-70, maximizing momentum and penetration at subsonic velocities.
- Number of Rounds: 20 per box. This is a standard packaging quantity for rifle ammunition.
- Case Material: Brass. Brass is a common and reloadable cartridge case material.
- Manufacturer: Atomic Ammunition. A manufacturer known for producing a variety of specialized ammunition.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the performance characteristics of the ammunition. The heavy bullet weight, combined with the hollow point design, suggests a focus on maximizing close-range stopping power. The subsonic velocity prioritizes noise reduction, while the brass casing ensures reliable feeding and potential for reloading.
Performance & Functionality
The Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off performs admirably at close ranges, delivering significant impact energy with a noticeably reduced report. Accuracy is acceptable out to 75 yards, but the bullet drop becomes substantial beyond that.
The ammunition’s primary strength lies in its ability to provide significant stopping power in a relatively quiet package. The heavy, expanding bullet transfers energy effectively at subsonic velocities, making it suitable for close-range hunting or pest control in noise-sensitive areas. The major weakness is the extreme bullet drop, which limits its effective range.
The ammunition meets my expectations for close-range hog hunting, providing a balance of power and reduced noise. However, it would not be suitable for longer-range engagements or situations where a flat trajectory is required.
Design & Ergonomics
The Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off features a straightforward design, utilizing high-quality brass cases and well-formed lead hollow point bullets. The weight of each cartridge is substantial, reflecting the heavy bullet and powder charge.
The ammunition is user-friendly and requires no special procedures or equipment for loading and firing. However, familiarity with the ballistic characteristics of subsonic ammunition is essential for accurate shooting.
Durability & Maintenance
The Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off is expected to last for many years when stored properly in a cool, dry environment. The brass cases are reloadable, offering additional value to experienced handloaders.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only standard cleaning procedures to remove powder residue. As with all lead bullets, more frequent barrel cleaning may be necessary to prevent lead buildup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with any rifle chambered in .45-70 Government.
While the ammunition itself cannot be customized, the rifle it is fired from can be modified with various accessories such as optics, slings, and aftermarket triggers. The choice of optic is particularly important when using subsonic ammunition, as the extreme bullet drop necessitates a scope with adjustable turrets or a ballistic reticle.
Pros and Cons of **Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off**
Pros
- Substantial noise reduction compared to standard 45-70 loads.
- Significant stopping power at close ranges.
- Heavy 500-grain bullet for maximum momentum and penetration.
- Hollow point design for rapid expansion and energy transfer.
- Reliable cycling in lever-action rifles.
Cons
- Extreme bullet drop at longer ranges.
- Increased lead fouling in the barrel.
- Not suitable for long-range shooting.
Who Should Buy **Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off**?
This ammunition is perfect for hunters seeking a quieter option for close-range hunting in noise-sensitive areas. It’s also well-suited for pest control or target shooting where noise reduction is a priority. Homeowners in rural areas who may need to dispatch nuisance animals without disturbing neighbors would also benefit from this ammunition.
This product should be avoided by individuals who prioritize long-range accuracy or require a flat trajectory. It is not ideal for hunting in open terrain or situations where shots beyond 100 yards are anticipated.
A must-have accessory for this ammunition is a quality optic with adjustable turrets or a ballistic reticle to compensate for the extreme bullet drop. A rangefinder is also highly recommended to accurately determine distances for precise shot placement.
Conclusion on **Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off**
The Atomic Ammunition 04942 Rifle Subsonic 45-70Gov 500gr Lead Hollow Point 20 Per B
19% Off offers a compelling solution for those seeking a quieter, yet still powerful, 45-70 load. Its heavy bullet and subsonic velocity provide excellent close-range performance with minimal noise disturbance.
At a price of $59.89 for a box of 20, the value proposition is reasonable considering the specialized nature of this ammunition. While it may not be suitable for all applications, it excels in its intended role of close-range hunting and pest control in noise-sensitive environments.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a quieter alternative to standard 45-70 loads for specific applications. However, it is crucial to understand its limitations and adjust shooting techniques accordingly. If you value reduced noise and have a need for close-range stopping power, give Atomic Ammunition a try.