First Impressions of Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition GC45/702 $1.50 Off
The Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition GC45/702 $1.50 Off promises a potent blend of classic caliber power and modern projectile design. This ammunition, manufactured by Grizzly Cartridge, is specifically tailored for handgun applications chambered in the venerable 45-70 Government cartridge, aiming to deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration.
For years, I’ve chased the ideal load for my customized Thompson Center Contender, seeking a balance of manageable recoil and sufficient power for deer and hog hunting in thick brush. Factory loads often felt either too anemic or brutally punishing. When I saw the Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition, the combination of bullet weight and gas check design piqued my interest, promising both accuracy and reduced leading in my handgun’s barrel.
Upon receiving the ammo, the first thing that struck me was the packaging. The rounds were neatly arranged in a sturdy box, providing good protection during shipping. The visible attention to detail, along with the clean and consistent appearance of each cartridge, inspired confidence.
Compared to my usual handloads and some of the more common factory offerings from Remington and Winchester, the Grizzly Cartridge rounds had a distinctly “premium” feel. The consistent crimp and clean brass hinted at a higher level of quality control. I chose these over Buffalo Bore, for example, due to the gas check design aiming at lower lead fouling, a notorious issue in short-barreled 45-70 handguns.
Initially, I was excited about the potential for a reliable and accurate hunting load in my handgun. The promise of manageable recoil coupled with significant stopping power seemed like the perfect solution for my needs. I hoped these would live up to Grizzly Cartridge’s reputation for producing high-quality, specialized ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition GC45/702 $1.50 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition at my local shooting range. The range offers both indoor and outdoor facilities, allowing me to assess performance under different lighting conditions. I fired from a rest at 50 yards, a practical distance for most handgun hunting scenarios.
The Grizzly Cartridge ammo performed admirably, exhibiting consistent velocity and tight groupings. Even in slightly drizzly conditions, the rounds fed reliably into my Thompson Center Contender. Recoil was stout but manageable, much more comfortable than the heavier 405-grain loads I had experimented with previously. There were no misfires or any other malfunctions, which is always a good sign.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of periodic use, including multiple range sessions and a hog hunt, the Grizzly Cartridge ammunition continues to perform reliably. I’ve fired approximately 100 rounds with no issues. The brass casings show no signs of excessive pressure, and the gas checks appear to be effectively preventing lead fouling.
Durability has been impressive; the rounds store well in my ammo box without any degradation. Cleaning my handgun after shooting these rounds is noticeably easier compared to using non-gas-checked lead bullets. The Grizzly Cartridge offering definitely outperforms other commercial loads I have used in terms of cleanliness and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition GC45/702 $1.50 Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Grizzly Cartridge.
- Caliber: .45-70 Government.
- Bullet Weight: 300 grain.
- Bullet Type: Wide Long Nose Gas Check.
- Number of Rounds: 20.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1500 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 1499 ft-lbs.
- Application: Large Game.
- Package Type: Box.
- Primer Style: Centerfire.
- Lead Free: No.
These specifications are significant because they position this ammunition as a high-powered, yet controllable, option for handgun hunters. The 300-grain bullet offers a good balance of weight and velocity for effective penetration on medium to large game. The gas check design is crucial for minimizing lead fouling, which can significantly impact accuracy and cleaning frequency, especially in shorter handgun barrels.
Performance & Functionality
The Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition performs admirably in its intended role. Accuracy is excellent; I consistently achieve groupings of 2-3 inches at 50 yards with my Thompson Center Contender. Reliability is flawless; I’ve experienced no misfires or feeding issues.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its consistent performance and reduced lead fouling. The recoil, while substantial, is manageable thanks to the 300-grain bullet weight. One potential weakness is its cost compared to some other 45-70 loads, but the enhanced performance and cleanliness justify the premium price. It exceeds my expectations for a dedicated handgun hunting load.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grizzly Cartridge ammunition features a well-designed bullet with a wide long nose profile and a gas check. The brass casings are clean and consistently sized. The overall build quality inspires confidence.
The rounds are easy to load and handle, presenting no issues during chambering or extraction. There’s no noticeable learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition should last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass casings are reloadable, further extending their value. The gas check design minimizes lead fouling, making cleaning and maintenance significantly easier compared to other lead bullet options.
Accessories and Customization Options
This ammunition is compatible with any handgun chambered in 45-70 Government. Customization options are limited to the handgun itself (e.g., aftermarket grips, scopes, etc.). The ammunition is designed to function optimally in factory-standard barrels, but the gas check design makes it particularly well-suited for use with shorter barrels, where leading can be a more significant problem.
Pros and Cons of Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition GC45/702 $1.50 Off
Pros
- Excellent accuracy for handgun hunting, delivering consistent groupings at practical distances.
- Manageable recoil compared to heavier 45-70 loads, allowing for more comfortable and controlled shooting.
- Gas check design significantly reduces lead fouling, simplifying cleaning and maintaining accuracy over extended shooting sessions.
- High-quality components and construction, ensuring reliable performance and consistent velocities.
- Suitable for large game hunting, providing adequate penetration and expansion for ethical kills on deer, hogs, and similar-sized animals.
Cons
- Price is higher than some other 45-70 ammunition options.
- Recoil, while manageable, may still be too stout for inexperienced shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
Who Should Buy Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition GC45/702 $1.50 Off?
This ammunition is perfect for experienced handgun hunters looking for a reliable and accurate 45-70 load. It is ideally suited for those who prioritize reduced lead fouling and consistent performance. It particularly benefits those using shorter-barreled 45-70 handguns where lead fouling can be a significant issue.
Those who are recoil-sensitive or new to the 45-70 cartridge should skip this product. Individuals primarily interested in target shooting with minimal recoil may also find other options more suitable.
A high-quality holster is a must-have accessory for carrying a 45-70 handgun in the field. Reloading dies are also recommended for those who wish to reload the brass casings and further reduce the overall cost of shooting.
Conclusion on Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition GC45/702 $1.50 Off
The Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition is a premium offering that delivers on its promises. The enhanced accuracy, manageable recoil, and significantly reduced lead fouling make it a standout choice for handgun hunters.
The price is justified by the superior performance and high-quality components. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to experienced handgun hunters seeking a reliable and effective 45-70 load.
If you’re serious about handgun hunting with a 45-70, give the Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 GoveRNment 300 Grain Wide Long Nose Gas Check Pistol Ammunition a try; you won’t be disappointed. It’s a worthwhile investment in your hunting success and shooting enjoyment.