First Impressions of **Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
40145 15% Off**
The Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
40145 15% Off promises a blend of Nosler quality and deer-specific performance in a classic cartridge. The 45-70, a round steeped in American history and renowned for its stopping power, gets a modern update with this offering, designed to ensure reliable expansion at the lower velocities often associated with straight-walled cartridge hunting regulations. With over a decade in the field, I’m always on the lookout for ammunition that delivers both accuracy and terminal performance, and this offering from Nosler piqued my interest immediately.
Living in a straight-walled cartridge state, the 45-70 has become a go-to for deer season. I needed an accurate and hard-hitting round for my lever-action that was also ethical for harvesting whitetail at reasonable distances.
The box itself is classic Nosler, clean and informative. Upon opening, the brass cases gleam, and the 300-grain solid base bullets look consistently seated. This speaks to Nosler’s reputation for quality control.
I considered the Hornady LEVERevolution and Buffalo Bore’s offerings, but I was drawn to Nosler’s promise of controlled expansion at straight-wall velocities. The price point, especially with the 15% discount, was also a deciding factor.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The reputation of Nosler precedes them, but ammunition performance is highly rifle-dependent, and 45-70 rifles can be notoriously finicky. My hope was that the Whitetail Country would live up to the Nosler name, providing a reliable and accurate hunting round for my lever gun.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Nosler Whitetail Country at my local shooting range, a well-maintained outdoor facility with distances out to 200 yards. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight crosswind.
Recoil was stout but manageable, as expected from a 45-70. However, my initial groups at 100 yards were disappointing, hovering around 3-4 inches. This immediately raised a red flag for me given my rifle’s typical sub-2″ MOA performance with other loads.
The first few shots felt inconsistent, almost as if the powder charge varied slightly from round to round. There were no signs of excessive pressure, but the group sizes were not confidence-inspiring.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of shooting, I continued to struggle with consistent accuracy from the Nosler Whitetail Country. I tried different seating depths and powder charges (reloading the brass), but the groups remained erratic.
The brass itself held up well to reloading, showing no signs of cracking or deformation. However, the inconsistent performance was a major concern.
Compared to my preferred hunting load (a handload with a different bullet), the Nosler offering was significantly less accurate in my rifle. While the terminal performance on paper looked promising, I wouldn’t be comfortable taking an ethical shot at a deer beyond 75 yards with this ammunition, given my experience.
Breaking Down the Features of **Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
The Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
40145 15% Off features a 300-grain solid base bullet, designed for optimal expansion at lower impact velocities. The cartridge is chambered in .45-70 Government.
The case is made of brass, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction. It comes in a box of 20 rounds.
The stated muzzle velocity is 1950 ft/s, providing ample energy for ethical deer hunting. It is specifically designed for deer hunting applications.
This round is not lead-free. The manufacturer is Nosler.
These specifications are critical for achieving the desired terminal performance on deer. The 300-grain bullet offers a good balance of weight and velocity for penetration.
Performance & Functionality
The Nosler Whitetail Country aims to deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration for ethical kills on deer within straight-wall cartridge hunting zones. However, my experience revealed accuracy issues.
The ammunition’s primary strength should be its ability to expand reliably at lower velocities. Unfortunately, the inconsistent accuracy undermines its potential for ethical hunting at longer ranges.
While the bullet design is sound in theory, the execution, at least in my rifle, leaves something to be desired. I expected much more from Nosler.
Design & Ergonomics
The brass casing ensures smooth feeding in lever-action rifles. The bullet profile is designed for reliable cycling.
The ammunition is visually appealing, with clean and consistent construction. The weight is standard for a 45-70 round.
There’s no learning curve; it’s point and shoot. However, the inconsistency issues overshadow any ergonomic advantages.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are reloadable, extending the lifespan of the ammunition. Proper storage is essential.
Cleaning the rifle after shooting this ammunition is standard. There is nothing particularly unique about its maintenance requirements.
The brass casings are durable and can be reloaded multiple times with proper care. This adds to the value for reloaders.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is ammunition, so accessories primarily revolve around reloading components. Reloading allows for customizing powder charges and seating depths, potentially improving accuracy.
The brass is compatible with standard 45-70 reloading dies and equipment. Aftermarket bullets can be substituted to tailor the ammunition to specific rifles.
While there are no specific Nosler accessories designed for this ammunition, the reloading community offers extensive customization options. This allows handloaders to tweak the performance of this round in their rifles.
Pros and Cons of **Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Reputable Brand: Nosler is known for quality ammunition components and consistent manufacturing processes.
- Designed for Deer Hunting: The 300-grain solid base bullet is optimized for expansion at straight-wall cartridge velocities.
- Reloadable Brass: The high-quality brass casings are reloadable, allowing for customization and cost savings.
- Adequate Muzzle Velocity: A muzzle velocity of 1950 ft/s provides sufficient energy for ethical deer hunting.
- Potentially good terminal performance: The design of the bullet should allow it to expand and provide an effective wound channel.
Cons
- Inconsistent Accuracy: My testing revealed significant accuracy issues, with groups larger than expected at 100 yards.
- Rifle Dependence: Ammunition performance is highly rifle-dependent, and this load may not perform well in all 45-70 rifles.
- User Feedback: Other user reviews also indicate challenges related to accuracy.
Who Should Buy **Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
40145 15% Off might be perfect for hunters in straight-wall cartridge states looking for a Nosler offering specifically designed for deer. Reloaders who enjoy experimenting with different loads may also find value in the reloadable brass.
Hunters prioritizing pinpoint accuracy should skip this product, at least initially, and explore other options with proven performance in their rifles. Anyone unwilling to handload or experiment with different seating depths should also consider alternatives.
A chronograph is a must-have accessory for anyone using this ammunition to verify its consistency and velocity. Reloading dies and components are essential for handloading enthusiasts.
Conclusion on **Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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The Nosler Whitetail Country 45-70 Government 300 Grain Solid Base Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
40145 15% Off promises a lot but ultimately fell short of my expectations due to accuracy issues. While the design and components are promising, my real-world testing revealed inconsistent performance in my rifle.
Given the accuracy challenges, the price, even with the 15% discount, isn’t entirely justified. Other 45-70 ammunition options offer better accuracy and reliability in my experience.
I cannot personally recommend this ammunition without reservation. While it might perform well in other rifles, my experience suggests that it’s a gamble. Before committing to this load, I strongly advise testing it extensively in your rifle at various distances to verify its accuracy and consistency. If it doesn’t shoot well, consider a different load from Nosler, or another manufacturer.