HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N Review

First Impressions of HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N

The .45-70 Government cartridge. It’s a name that echoes through history, conjuring images of buffalo hunts, the Old West, and lever-action rifles. When I first laid eyes on the HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N, I was filled with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.

My recent acquisition of a vintage Marlin 1895 lever-action had created a need. I needed reliable ammunition to feed it. I was on the hunt for a versatile round that could handle both target practice and potentially be used for deer hunting in a pinch.

The HSM Ammunition arrived in a standard cardboard box, nothing fancy, but functional. The brass casings gleamed, and the 405-grain Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) bullets looked formidable. Compared to other .45-70 offerings from brands like Remington and Winchester, the HSM rounds appeared consistently well-made, a detail that immediately instilled confidence.

I chose the HSM ammunition primarily because of the RNFP bullet design and HSM’s reputation for quality control. I had read mixed reviews online, but the price point was attractive enough to take a chance. Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the online complaints were isolated incidents.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The ammo looked good, but the proof would be in the shooting. I was eager to see how it performed in my Marlin, both in terms of accuracy and reliability.

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Real-World Testing: Putting HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range on a clear, cool autumn day. I set up targets at 50 and 100 yards to gauge the accuracy of the HSM Ammunition. I fired from a supported position to minimize human error.

The first few rounds cycled smoothly through the lever action. The recoil was stout but manageable, as expected with a .45-70. However, on the sixth round, I experienced my first hiccup: a failure to fire. I inspected the cartridge, and the primer appeared to have been struck, but no bang.

I set that round aside and continued shooting. A few more rounds fired without issue, but then another failure to fire occurred. This was immediately concerning. The failures occurred despite clear primer strikes.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the HSM Ammunition during several range sessions. The failure-to-fire issue persisted, with approximately 10% of the rounds failing to ignite despite visible primer strikes. The brass casings themselves seemed robust.

I meticulously cleaned my rifle after each session, but the reliability problems persisted. The ammo didn’t inspire confidence for any serious hunting purposes. The .45-70 is a proven deer-slayer, but useless if the cartridge doesn’t go bang.

In comparison to my previous experiences with other .45-70 ammunition brands (Remington and Federal), the HSM offering was noticeably less reliable. I expected better performance, especially considering the caliber’s reputation for dependable ignition. This was a disappointment.

Breaking Down the Features of HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N

Specifications

The HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N boasts the following specifications:

• Caliber: .45-70 Government. This is a classic big-bore cartridge renowned for its stopping power.
• Bullet Weight: 405 grain. A heavy bullet ideal for hunting larger game and delivering significant energy downrange.
• Bullet Type: Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP). The RNFP design offers reliable feeding in lever-action rifles and creates a large wound channel.
• Case Material: Brass. Brass is the standard for reloadable ammunition, offering good corrosion resistance and consistent performance.
• Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are known for their reliability and consistent ignition.
• Package Type: Box (20 rounds). The standard packaging for rifle ammunition.
• Lead Free: No.
• Dimensions: 1.55 X 3.10 X 6.15 in

These specifications matter because they dictate the ammunition’s performance and intended use. The heavy bullet and RNFP design are optimized for hunting. The brass casing allows for reloading, potentially saving money in the long run.

Performance & Functionality

When it fired, the HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N performed adequately. Accuracy was acceptable out to 100 yards, producing groupings of around 3-4 inches with iron sights. However, the unacceptably high rate of failure to fire severely hampered its overall performance and usability.

Its strengths include its potential accuracy and stopping power. Its major weakness is its unreliable ignition, which significantly undermines its value. It did not meet my expectations for a reliable hunting or target round.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the HSM Ammunition appeared to be generally good. The brass casings were clean and consistently sized, and the bullets were properly seated. The weight of each round felt consistent, but this didn’t translate to dependable ignition.

There is no real “ergonomics” to speak of when it comes to ammunition, but the rounds were easy to load into the magazine and chamber. However, the failure-to-fire issue negates any positive design aspects.

Durability & Maintenance

Ammunition durability is a factor of its storage conditions. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, the HSM Ammunition should last for many years. However, this is irrelevant if the primers are faulty from the outset.

Maintenance is not applicable to ammunition. Once fired, the casings can be reloaded, but this requires specialized equipment and knowledge. The brass cases are reloadable, offering some potential longevity for experienced reloaders.

Accessories and Customization Options

There are no accessories that come with the HSM Ammunition. Customization is limited to reloading, which allows users to fine-tune the powder charge and bullet selection. However, fixing faulty primers isn’t possible.

The ammunition is compatible with any .45-70 Government rifle. The compatibility with various rifles is a plus, though the ignition problems diminish this advantage.

Pros and Cons of HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N

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Who Should Buy HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N?

This ammunition might be suitable for very casual target practice, IF you’re willing to accept a significant percentage of rounds not firing. Reloaders who are willing to pull the bullets and replace the primers could salvage the brass and projectiles.

Anyone relying on this ammunition for hunting, self-defense, or any serious application should avoid it. The unreliability makes it unsuitable for critical situations. Spend the extra money on premium ammo from a reputable brand for reliable results.

Must-have modification: Replace the primers. This is the only way to make this ammunition reliably functional.

Conclusion on HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N

The HSM Ammunition .45-70 Government 405 Grain Round Nose Flat Point Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 45-70-13-N is a disappointment. While the price is attractive, the high rate of failure to fire makes it unreliable and unsuitable for anything beyond very casual use. The value proposition is ultimately undermined by its poor performance.

I cannot personally recommend this ammunition. Reliability is paramount, especially when dealing with a caliber like the .45-70. The promise of affordable power is meaningless without dependable ignition.

My final thought is this: Save your money and invest in higher-quality ammunition from a more reputable brand. Your rifle, and your peace of mind, will thank you. Don’t gamble with unreliable ammo. Go with a brand you can trust!