Barnes Original Hunting Rifle Bullet, .45-70 Government, 400 Grain, Semi-Spitzer Flat Base Review

Let’s Talk About Barnes Original Hunting Rifle Bullet, .45-70 Government, 400 Grain, Semi-Spitzer Flat Base

The Barnes Original Hunting Rifle Bullet, .45-70 Government, 400 Grain, Semi-Spitzer Flat Base is a time-tested reloading component designed for serious big-game hunters. Manufactured by Barnes, these bullets promise exceptional accuracy, deep penetration, and reliable expansion, making them a solid choice for taking down large and dangerous game with the venerable .45-70 cartridge. With its thick copper jacket and pure lead core, this bullet aims to deliver devastating performance in the field.

I’ve been loading .45-70 for years, primarily for hunting elk and the occasional black bear in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. I was looking for a bullet that offered both reliable knockdown power and consistent expansion at the relatively moderate velocities of the .45-70. The Barnes Original seemed like a perfect candidate.

The bullets arrived in a simple, functional box containing 50 projectiles. Examining them, the construction appeared solid and well-formed, with a noticeable heft that inspires confidence. The semi-spitzer flat base design is a classic profile known for good accuracy and energy transfer.

I have used other 400-grain bullets from manufacturers like Remington and Hornady in the past. The Barnes Original stood out due to its noticeably thicker jacket, suggesting better weight retention and deeper penetration compared to some of the competition. I picked these over others, hoping for more controlled expansion.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. They looked and felt like a quality product, promising the performance I needed. I was eager to get to the range and, more importantly, into the field to see how they performed on game.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Barnes Original Hunting Rifle Bullet, .45-70 Government, 400 Grain, Semi-Spitzer Flat Base to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested these bullets at my local shooting range, loading them over a moderate charge of IMR 3031 in my Marlin 1895 lever-action rifle. The range provided a controlled environment to assess accuracy and chronograph the loads. The temperature was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.

The bullets proved easy to load and exhibited excellent accuracy from my rifle, consistently grouping within 2 inches at 100 yards. Velocity was consistent as well, averaging around 1750 fps. I experienced no feeding issues and felt the recoil was manageable with this load.

I encountered no immediate issues; however, I did notice that these bullets required a slightly tighter crimp than other .45-70 bullets I’ve loaded, likely due to the thicker jacket. Also, the bullet seating depth was sensitive to maintaining consistent pressures.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and numerous range sessions, the Barnes Original bullets have proven to be very reliable. I’ve loaded and fired hundreds of rounds without any significant issues. The consistency in accuracy and velocity has been notable.

The bullets have held up exceptionally well, with no signs of jacket separation or deformation during loading or firing. The thick copper jacket has maintained its integrity. Minimal fouling has been observed in the barrel after extended shooting sessions.

Maintaining these bullets is straightforward since they are reloading components; no specific maintenance is required beyond proper loading techniques and cleaning the firearm after use. Compared to my previous experiences with other brands, these have been far more consistent. They outperform other bullets in terms of consistent grouping and weight retention upon simulated impact.

Breaking Down the Features of Barnes Original Hunting Rifle Bullet, .45-70 Government, 400 Grain, Semi-Spitzer Flat Base

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Barnes. This is a well-respected name in the bullet manufacturing industry, known for producing high-quality components.

• Bullet Type: Semi-Spitzer Flat Base. This design combines the aerodynamic advantages of a spitzer with the improved energy transfer of a flat base, creating a versatile hunting bullet.

• Caliber: .45-70 Government. Specifically designed for the .45-70 cartridge, a classic big-game round.

• Bullet Weight: 400 grain. Offers a good balance of trajectory and terminal performance for a variety of game.

• Projectile Caliber: .45 Caliber. Standard diameter for .45-70 rifles.

• Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullet. A convenient quantity for reloading enthusiasts.

• Country of Origin: USA. Assurance of quality control and manufacturing standards.

• Fabric/Material: Copper. The thick copper jacket ensures controlled expansion and deep penetration.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the bullet’s performance in terms of accuracy, penetration, and expansion. A thicker jacket, for example, can improve weight retention, leading to deeper penetration on large game. The semi-spitzer flat base design is a proven profile for delivering significant energy on impact.

Performance & Functionality

The Barnes Original Hunting Rifle Bullet, .45-70 Government, 400 Grain, Semi-Spitzer Flat Base performs its job admirably, offering a combination of accuracy and terminal performance that is well-suited for hunting medium to large game. Accuracy is excellent, providing consistent groupings at typical hunting ranges.

Its strengths lie in its reliable expansion and deep penetration, ensuring humane kills. A potential weakness might be its trajectory at longer ranges due to the relatively blunt nose. It certainly meets and, in some aspects, exceeds expectations for a traditional .45-70 hunting bullet.

Design & Ergonomics

The bullet’s design is classic and functional, with a focus on practical performance rather than flashy aesthetics. The build quality is excellent, with consistent dimensions and a clean finish. Its weight is substantial, giving the user confidence in its ability to deliver significant energy on target.

The bullet requires no specific ergonomic considerations, as it’s a component used in reloading. There’s no learning curve associated with the product beyond mastering safe and proper reloading techniques.

Durability & Maintenance

As a reloading component, the bullet itself is durable and designed to withstand the stresses of loading and firing. With proper storage, it will last for many years without degradation. Maintaining the bullet is not applicable beyond ensuring proper storage and handling during the reloading process.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Barnes Original Hunting Rifle Bullet, .45-70 Government, 400 Grain, Semi-Spitzer Flat Base doesn’t come with any accessories, as it is a component intended for handloading. The customization options revolve around selecting appropriate powder charges, primers, and seating depths to achieve desired velocity and accuracy.

These bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment and components from various brands. However, ensure correct bullet seating depth and neck tension for optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of Barnes Original Hunting Rifle Bullet, .45-70 Government, 400 Grain, Semi-Spitzer Flat Base