Let’s Talk About **Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750**
The Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750 isn’t your grandpa’s cowboy load. This ammunition, manufactured by Underwood Ammo, is a powerhouse designed for serious stopping power and deep penetration, meant for modern lever-action rifles and single-shots chambered in .45-70. The combination of a heavy, hard-cast bullet, nickel-plated brass casing, and a high muzzle velocity makes it a formidable choice for hunting large game.
I was searching for a reliable and potent .45-70 load for hunting elk in thick timber. Factory loads often felt anemic, lacking the punch needed for ethical kills at longer ranges. I needed something that could deliver bone-crushing energy and maintain accuracy at distances beyond 100 yards.
The ammunition arrived securely packaged in a sturdy box. The nickel-plated brass casings gleamed, a testament to the quality and care put into the manufacturing process. The 430-grain hard cast bullets looked menacing, promising deep penetration and significant tissue damage.
Compared to other .45-70 loads I’ve used, like the Remington 405-grain soft point and the Buffalo Bore 405-grain hard cast, the Underwood Ammo stood out due to its higher muzzle velocity and the use of nickel-plated brass. While the Buffalo Bore offered similar performance, the Underwood Ammo was more readily available and slightly more affordable. I chose the Underwood Ammo primarily for its reputation for consistent quality and high performance.
My initial impression was one of excitement tempered with respect. This ammunition is clearly designed for serious hunting, and I anticipated significant recoil. I was eager to see how it performed in my Marlin 1895 Guide Gun.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750** to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750 at my local shooting range, focusing on accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal shooting conditions. My rifle was a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun with a 18.5-inch barrel and a 2.5x scout scope.
The ammunition performed exceptionally well. Recoil was significant but manageable, and the muzzle blast was impressive. The rounds consistently grouped within 2 inches at 100 yards, indicating excellent accuracy for a hard-cast load in a lever-action rifle.
The only issue I encountered was slightly stiffer extraction compared to standard factory loads. This was likely due to the higher pressures generated by the Underwood Ammo. This didn’t present a major problem, but required a firmer hand on the lever.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Underwood Ammo has proven to be extremely reliable. I’ve fired approximately 200 rounds through my Marlin 1895, and I haven’t experienced any failures to feed, fire, or eject. The ammunition is consistently accurate, and the nickel-plated brass casings remain corrosion-resistant, even after being stored for extended periods in humid conditions.
The ammunition shows no signs of degradation, and the hard-cast bullets maintain their integrity even after being loaded and unloaded multiple times. The nickel plating on the brass casings has held up well and shows no signs of flaking. It noticeably reduces friction during chambering and extraction, which is a plus.
This ammunition noticeably outperforms standard factory loads in terms of terminal ballistics. I took a whitetail deer at 150 yards with this ammunition, and the bullet passed completely through, leaving a massive wound channel. I have full confidence in this ammunition for taking down large game like elk and bear.
Breaking Down the Features of **Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750**
Specifications
- Caliber: .45-70 Government. This is a classic big-bore cartridge renowned for its stopping power.
- Bullet Weight: 430 grain. The heavy bullet weight ensures deep penetration, even through thick hide and bone.
- Bullet Type: Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN). The flat nose design enhances energy transfer upon impact, maximizing tissue damage.
- Cartridge Case Material: Nickel Plated Brass. The nickel plating improves corrosion resistance and aids in smoother feeding and extraction.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1550 ft/s. The high muzzle velocity significantly increases the effective range and impact energy of the bullet.
- Muzzle Energy: 2294 ft-lbs. This high energy level translates to significant stopping power on large game.
- Number of Rounds: 20. This is a standard box size for hunting ammunition.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are known for their reliability in a wide range of conditions.
- Lead Free: No. This ammunition contains lead, which may be restricted in certain areas.
- Application: Hunting. This ammunition is specifically designed for hunting large game.
- Package Type: Box. The ammunition is packaged in a standard cardboard box.
- Manufacturer: Underwood Ammo. This company is known for producing high-quality, high-performance ammunition.
- Dimensions: 2.60 X 3.25 X 4.95 in. These dimensions refer to the package size.
- Width: 3.25 in. Package width.
These specifications are critical to the performance of the ammunition. The high muzzle velocity and energy combined with the heavy, hard-cast bullet ensure that this ammunition delivers maximum stopping power. The nickel-plated brass casing adds to the overall reliability and longevity of the ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750 excels in its intended role: delivering maximum stopping power on large game. The accuracy is excellent for a hard-cast load, and the ammunition consistently performs as expected.
The primary strength of this ammunition is its terminal ballistics. The heavy, hard-cast bullet penetrates deeply and creates a devastating wound channel. One area for potential improvement is the recoil. While manageable, it can be tiring for extended shooting sessions.
This ammunition exceeded my expectations in terms of performance. It is a significant improvement over standard factory loads and provides the confidence needed for ethical and effective hunting of large game.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this ammunition is straightforward and functional. The nickel-plated brass casing is aesthetically pleasing and provides a degree of corrosion resistance.
The ammunition is easy to load and handle. The slight increase in extraction force is the only real ergonomic consideration, and it is not a significant drawback.
Durability & Maintenance
The nickel-plated brass casing and hard-cast bullet contribute to the overall durability of the Underwood Ammo. The ammunition can be stored for extended periods without significant degradation.
The ammunition requires no special maintenance. Normal firearm cleaning procedures are sufficient to maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Underwood Ammo itself does not require any accessories or customization. However, the overall performance can be enhanced by using a high-quality scope or other sighting system on your rifle.
The ammunition is compatible with most .45-70 rifles that are designed to handle higher pressure loads. It is important to consult your rifle manufacturer’s recommendations before using this ammunition.
Pros and Cons of **Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750**
Pros
- Exceptional Stopping Power: The heavy, hard-cast bullet delivers bone-crushing energy and deep penetration, ideal for large game hunting.
- Excellent Accuracy: The ammunition consistently groups within 2 inches at 100 yards in my Marlin 1895 Guide Gun.
- High Muzzle Velocity: The 1550 ft/s muzzle velocity increases the effective range and impact energy of the bullet.
- Reliable Performance: I have fired approximately 200 rounds without any failures to feed, fire, or eject.
- Corrosion Resistance: The nickel-plated brass casing provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Cons
- Slightly Stiffer Extraction: Extraction can be slightly stiffer compared to standard factory loads due to higher pressures.
- Significant Recoil: The ammunition generates significant recoil, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters.
Who Should Buy **Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750**?
This ammunition is perfect for hunters who need a reliable and powerful load for taking down large game such as elk, bear, and moose. It is also well-suited for individuals who own modern lever-action rifles chambered in .45-70 and want to maximize their rifle’s potential.
Individuals who are sensitive to recoil or who own older .45-70 rifles not designed for higher pressure loads should skip this product. Always consult your rifle’s manual and the ammunition manufacturer’s recommendations before using this ammunition.
A must-have modification would be a recoil pad for your rifle. A quality recoil pad can significantly reduce the felt recoil and make shooting this ammunition more comfortable.
Conclusion on **Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750**
The Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750 is a top-tier option for hunters seeking maximum stopping power in their .45-70 rifles. The combination of a heavy, hard-cast bullet, high muzzle velocity, and reliable components makes it a standout performer.
The price of $59.79 for a box of 20 rounds is justified by the quality and performance of this ammunition. While it may be more expensive than standard factory loads, the increased stopping power and reliability are well worth the investment for serious hunters.
I would highly recommend this ammunition to anyone who needs a reliable and powerful .45-70 load for hunting large game. If you’re ready to step up your .45-70 game and experience true stopping power, then don’t hesitate to give the Underwood Ammo .45-70 Government 430 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
750 a try!
