Let’s Talk About **Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition isn’t just another cartridge; it’s a game-changer for lever-action rifles. Hornady designed this ammunition to bring modern ballistic performance to a classic platform, and the results are impressive. The key is the Flex Tip (FTX) bullet, which allows for safe use in tubular magazines while delivering a flatter trajectory and improved downrange energy.
For years, I’ve been a .45-70 Government enthusiast, primarily for hunting big game in dense brush. The rainbow trajectory of traditional loads always presented a challenge for longer shots. I needed something that extended my effective range without sacrificing the caliber’s legendary knockdown power.
Unboxing the Hornady LEVERevolution, the first thing I noticed was the distinctive polymer tip of the FTX bullet. The brass cases were clean and consistent, and the overall build quality inspired confidence. Compared to traditional flat-nosed .45-70 rounds from other manufacturers, these rounds looked like a modern marvel.
I considered other brands, but the positive reviews about the LEVERevolution’s improved ballistics and terminal performance swayed me. The promise of a flatter trajectory and more energy on target was too good to ignore. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, but I was eager to see if the hype matched reality.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My first test was at the local shooting range, sighting in my Marlin 1895 lever-action. The weather was typical for early spring – a mix of sunshine and intermittent drizzle. Right away, I could tell the LEVERevolution rounds had a different feel than the traditional lead loads I was accustomed to.
Recoil felt a bit snappier, but the most noticeable difference was the flatter trajectory. At 100 yards, the point of impact was significantly higher than with my old loads, confirming Hornady’s claims of improved ballistics. There were no malfunctions, and the rounds fed smoothly from the magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including a week-long elk hunt in the Montana backcountry, the Hornady LEVERevolution has proven its worth. The ammunition consistently delivers excellent accuracy and reliable performance in various conditions. I experienced no failures to feed or extract, even in the cold and damp mountain environment.
The brass cases held up well to multiple reloads, and the bullets showed no signs of deformation or damage after being carried in my rifle’s magazine. Compared to my previous experiences with other .45-70 loads, the LEVERevolution clearly outperforms in terms of both accuracy and retained energy at longer distances. This ammunition has become my go-to choice for hunting with my lever gun.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
- The Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition features a 325-grain FTX bullet. This is designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration.
- It is chambered in the classic .45-70 Government caliber, a cartridge known for its substantial stopping power. This caliber is a proven performer on large game.
- The cartridge case material is brass, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction. Brass is the standard for high-quality ammunition.
- The muzzle velocity is rated at 2000 ft/s, providing a flatter trajectory compared to traditional .45-70 loads. A higher velocity translates to more downrange energy.
- The muzzle energy is 3032 ft-lbs, delivering significant knockdown power on large game. High energy ensures ethical and effective kills.
- It is suitable for Medium and Large Game, making it versatile for various hunting scenarios. The round can effectively take down deer, elk, and even bear.
- The package type is a box, typically containing 20 rounds. This is convenient for storage and transport.
- It utilizes a Centerfire Primer style, ensuring reliable ignition. Centerfire primers are known for their consistent performance.
- The Sectional Density is 0.221, contributing to the bullet’s penetration capabilities. A higher sectional density helps the bullet maintain its momentum.
- The G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.23, which aids in predicting the bullet’s trajectory and resistance to air drag. A higher BC means less bullet drop at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition excels in its intended role. It delivers a flatter trajectory and greater retained energy compared to traditional flat-nosed .45-70 loads. Accuracy is consistently good, and the terminal performance on game is impressive.
One strength is its ability to extend the effective range of a lever-action .45-70 rifle. Previously, I would have hesitated to take a shot beyond 150 yards with standard loads, but with the LEVERevolution, I feel confident out to 200 yards or more. The only real weakness is the price, as it’s generally more expensive than other .45-70 options.
It meets, and even exceeds, my expectations for a modern .45-70 load. I have harvested several elk with this ammunition, and the results have been consistently positive.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hornady LEVERevolution is focused on functionality and safety. The FTX bullet’s polymer tip prevents accidental ignition in tubular magazines, a critical safety feature for lever-action rifles. The ammunition is well-made, and the brass cases are clean and consistently sized.
The weight of the cartridge is typical for a .45-70 load, and it handles well in my Marlin 1895. There is no learning curve involved; it shoots like any other .45-70, but with improved ballistics.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady LEVERevolution ammunition is designed for single use, but the brass cases are reloadable. If properly stored, the ammunition should last for many years without any degradation in performance. Maintenance is minimal, simply cleaning the firearm after use.
The components used are high-quality, so I expect the ammunition to remain reliable over time. I have reloaded the brass cases multiple times without any issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, a good quality scope or peep sight will help you take full advantage of its improved ballistics. The LEVERevolution is compatible with any .45-70 rifle that is in good working order.
There are no specific customization options for the ammunition itself, but you can adjust your rifle’s sights or optics to optimize its performance. It’s important to note that some older rifles may not be able to handle the higher pressures generated by the LEVERevolution, so always check your rifle manufacturer’s recommendations before using this ammunition.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Significantly flatter trajectory compared to traditional .45-70 loads, extending the effective range.
- Improved downrange energy for more ethical and effective kills on large game.
- Safe to use in tubular magazines due to the Flex Tip (FTX) bullet design.
- Excellent accuracy and consistent performance.
- Reloadable brass cases for cost savings and customization.
Cons
- Price is higher than traditional .45-70 ammunition.
- Increased recoil compared to lighter loads.
Who Should Buy **Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is perfect for hunters who use lever-action rifles and need to extend their effective range. It’s also a good choice for anyone who wants a .45-70 load with a flatter trajectory and more downrange energy. This ammunition is ideal for taking down medium to large game at distances beyond 150 yards.
Those who primarily hunt in very dense brush at close ranges might not see as much benefit from the improved ballistics. Also, shooters who are sensitive to recoil may prefer lighter loads. A must-have accessory is a good quality scope or peep sight to fully utilize the ammunition’s potential.
Conclusion on **Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is a modern update to a classic cartridge. It delivers improved ballistics and terminal performance while maintaining the .45-70’s legendary knockdown power. The price is higher than traditional loads, but the performance benefits justify the cost for serious hunters.
I would absolutely recommend this ammunition to anyone who wants to get the most out of their lever-action .45-70 rifle. It’s a game-changer that will extend your effective range and increase your confidence in the field. Upgrade your lever gun experience today and see the difference for yourself!
