The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 is a popular cartridge known for its impressive performance in lever-action rifles. Understanding its ballistics is crucial for hunters and shooters alike. This post provides a comprehensive look at the Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ballistics chart, exploring its key features, comparing it to other 45-70 loads, and discussing its applications. We'll also delve into the factors influencing ballistic performance and offer practical tips for maximizing your accuracy and effectiveness.
Understanding the Hornady Leverevolution 45-70
The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 utilizes a unique, low-drag FlexTip™ bullet design. This design allows for significantly flatter trajectories and increased downrange energy compared to traditional 45-70 loads. The reduced drag is achieved through the bullet's streamlined profile and polymer tip, which reduces air resistance. This translates into a longer effective range and improved accuracy.
Key Features of Leverevolution Ammunition:
- FlexTip™ Bullet: This innovative design minimizes air resistance, leading to a flatter trajectory and increased accuracy at longer ranges.
- Reduced Recoil: While still powerful, the Leverevolution 45-70 generally exhibits lower recoil than traditional 45-70 loads, improving shooter comfort and follow-up shot capabilities.
- Improved Accuracy: The streamlined bullet design and reduced recoil contribute to enhanced accuracy at various ranges.
- High Velocity: Compared to standard 45-70 rounds, Leverevolution cartridges boast higher muzzle velocities, translating into greater energy downrange.
Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 Ballistics Chart (Example Data)
Note: Ballistic data can vary based on factors like barrel length, altitude, and atmospheric conditions. Always consult your specific rifle's manual and the ammunition packaging for the most accurate data. The following is example data and may not reflect your specific results.
| Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 100-yard Velocity (fps) | 100-yard Energy (ft-lbs) | 200-yard Velocity (fps) | 200-yard Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2100 | 2600 | 1800 | 1900 | 1500 | 1300 |
| 325 | 2000 | 2700 | 1700 | 1950 | 1400 | 1250 |
Note: The above table represents sample ballistic data. Actual figures can vary.
Comparing Leverevolution to Traditional 45-70 Loads
Traditional 45-70 Government loads typically feature heavier bullets and lower velocities. This results in a much steeper trajectory and significantly less range.
| Feature | Leverevolution 45-70 | Traditional 45-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | Generally lighter | Generally heavier |
| Muzzle Velocity | Higher | Lower |
| Trajectory | Flatter | Steeper |
| Effective Range | Longer | Shorter |
| Recoil | Lower | Higher |
Factors Affecting Ballistics
Several factors can influence the actual ballistic performance of your Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 ammunition:
- Barrel Length: Longer barrels generally yield higher velocities and increased energy.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes result in lower air density, which can slightly increase velocity.
- Temperature: Air temperature influences air density, affecting velocity and trajectory.
- Humidity: Higher humidity can slightly reduce velocity.
- Rifle Condition: A clean and well-maintained rifle will produce more consistent results.
Applications of Hornady Leverevolution 45-70
The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 is exceptionally versatile. Its accurate, flat-shooting characteristics make it suitable for:
- Hunting large game: Deer, elk, and even bear are within its capabilities.
- Long-range shooting: The flatter trajectory extends its effective range.
- Target practice: Its accuracy makes it ideal for target shooting at various distances.
Conclusion
The Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 represents a significant advancement in 45-70 ammunition. Its innovative FlexTip™ bullet design delivers superior ballistics, enhancing accuracy, extending range, and reducing recoil. Understanding the nuances of its ballistic performance, however, necessitates careful consideration of the factors affecting trajectory and energy. Always consult your rifle's manual and the ammunition's packaging for the most accurate ballistic data relevant to your specific setup. Safe and responsible use is paramount.