Author Topic: .45-70 LeverEvolution (Read 1806 times)

Sierra Sherpa · « **on:** September 27, 2011, 02:34:00 PM »

Does anyone have experience with this ammo, did you like it? I just did some limited testing of a small number of handloads and the Hornady LE ammo today with my open sighted Handi-Rifle. At 100 yds., a single 3-shot group each of two handloads gave 2.5" (300-gr. Hornady HP) and 1.25" (405-gr. Rem. FN) groups. The LE 3-shot group went 1.75". This followed 50-yd. accuracy tests in which all performed admirably. However, at 100 yds. I had to stop when I started running low on handloaded ammo and completely out of the LE 325-gr. spire pts. I use Varget powder.

I'm heading up for a little deer hunting later this week. Despite it's larger group, I'll be relying on the 300-gr. Hornadys because the gun is zeroed for that combo; the other loads hit at 3 and 4 o'clock. When I get back I'll do some additional reloading and testing. Was curious as to whether anyone prefers the LE factory stuff over their homebrewed concoctions and if they've had success in the field with them. Thanks.

Swampman · « **Reply #1 on:** September 27, 2011, 02:46:23 PM »

I prefer hard cast 405s or Remington 405s.

Stan in SC · « **Reply #2 on:** September 27, 2011, 03:28:07 PM »

I prefer my handloaded 300 grain jacketed hollow points.

Stan in SC

petemi · « **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2011, 03:31:32 PM »

I shoot both the 405 Rems and the LEs. I like both. I usually shoot a near max load with the 405s for distance. I just bought a jug of LE powder to try since I have a fair amount of LE brass in .30-30, .44 Mag and .45-70. I'm ordering the FTX bullets, so we'll soon see.

Pete

tacklebury · « **Reply #4 on:** September 27, 2011, 04:48:32 PM »

I shot a couple boxes of the Leverevolution .45-70 and found them very consistent and accurate in my Buffalo Classic. One thing I will warn you is that the brass is a pain to reload, because it's shorter than normal by over 1/8". I use Starline because I don't like the short stuff and get many reloads on their brass. I keep the Hornady for really long lead-in bullets that won't chamber when placed in a Starline case and have to live with a taper crimp, because the FCD cannot get down far enough usually. Good ammo though for off the shelf deer thumpin.

petemi · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2011, 12:56:29 AM »

Ah So. Now It is understood. Confucius say "Man who crimp short case crimp on bullet". I'll have to play with that one.

Pete

Swampman · « **Reply #6 on:** September 28, 2011, 05:33:30 AM »

I would suggest reading "40 Years With The .45-70"

Most large caliber cartridges don't need gimmiky bullets to do the job.

http://www.amazon.com/Forty-Years-45-Paul-Matthews/dp/0935632840

tacklebury · « **Reply #7 on:** September 28, 2011, 12:14:44 PM »

Not a matter of need in many cases. Matter of want.... If you want to shoot your .45-70 and get better BC, enter the FTX...

lol

Swampman · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2011, 01:39:19 PM »

So bullet performance on game isn't a factor?

spikehorn · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2011, 02:29:33 PM »

I had 3 45-70 handi's All of them shot the rem 405gr factory loads extremely well. 1 of them shot the Hornady LE's as well as the rem's But alas a 280 barrel came up for trade and that 45-70 barrel went to another member. My manlicher 45-70 and my SS ultra hunter wont shoot the Hornady LE's even minute of pie plate. So until I start rolling my own I will stick with the Rem's.

tacklebury · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2011, 05:33:41 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on September 28, 2011, 01:39:19 PM

So bullet performance on game isn't a factor?

Well considering I've read several reviews here and many reviews elsewhere on how well it works on deer sized game it's performance appears acceptable by all counts as well. Of course performance is a necessary piece of the puzzle for hunters, but there are a lot of range junkies that don't always or never hunt, but like to shoot also.

Simple fact though, higher BC means that the bullet flies flatter than a 405 Rem etc. Thus for a lot of 200 yard hunters, this puts them in a situation, where sighted for 125 yards they always have point blank shooting without having to worry about elevation. If you don't like them, basically don't use them, but there are others who do like them and they fill a niche previously unavailable for .45-70 shooters.

I like my 350gr FP and it does all I need out to 300 yards. So I'll stick with them.

Swampman · « **Reply #11 on:** September 28, 2011, 06:20:47 PM »

I hate to see game lost so I'll stick with good bullets that don't explode on impact. I want to recover and eat what I shoot.

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #12 on:** September 28, 2011, 07:06:49 PM »

I've shot the Hornady LE 325grain FTX's thru my iron sighted Handi. I found them extremely accurate, 3 shot groups within 1 1/2". First two usually touching, third opens group up to 1 - 1 1/2". Probably me not waiting long enough for barrel to cool down enough.

Couldn't tell you how it performs on game, never shot a deer with it.

crazylikeafox · « **Reply #13 on:** September 29, 2011, 05:20:31 AM »

I shot a doe at 190 yds or so last year with the 45-70 leverevolution ammunition, she dropped in her tracks. It performed well that time, I'd like to shoot a few more deer with it before I praise it's performance. But I'd say for any deer sized game, it'd more than do the trick.

tacklebury · « **Reply #14 on:** September 29, 2011, 04:04:09 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on September 28, 2011, 06:20:47 PM

I hate to see game lost so I'll stick with good bullets that don't explode on impact. I want to recover and eat what I shoot.

I had my concerns after shooting some into jugs and recovering some. That's why I'm using the 350gr FP myself.

Had a couple friends using Ballistic tips and always hated helping them clean their deer due to the damage levels. Seems like Crazylikeafox had decent first outing with em.

Swampman · « **Reply #15 on:** September 30, 2011, 12:50:55 AM »

I've had bad trouble with plastic bullets myself.

petemi · « **Reply #16 on:** September 30, 2011, 03:03:20 AM »

I've only shot one deer with the .45-70 LE. It was DRT at 220 yards. It was a high shoulder shot and did very little meat damage.

Pete

Singlebarrel · « **Reply #17 on:** September 30, 2011, 04:09:15 AM »

I have killed two with the LE, one at about 40 yards and one at a little over 200. Both DRT. Both through and through the shoulders. I will stay with the LE unless something bad happens to change my mind.

surehuntsalot · « **Reply #18 on:** October 03, 2011, 06:43:14 AM »

I have shot 5 deer with my 45-70 and the Hornady LE
will NOT ever use them again on any animal...lost 2 of the deer and almost lost the other 3
switched over to Winchester 300gr HP's and have not lost any more deer

Swampman · « **Reply #19 on:** October 03, 2011, 08:26:51 AM »

Quote from: surehuntsalot on October 03, 2011, 06:43:14 AM

I have shot 5 deer with my 45-70 and the Hornady LE
will NOT ever use them again on any animal...lost 2 of the deer and almost lost the other 3
switched over to Winchester 300gr HP's and have not lost any more deer

Sounds rather typical of the reports I'm getting.

Sierra Sherpa · « **Reply #20 on:** October 03, 2011, 11:34:54 AM »

Attended a gun show over the weekend with a buddy and bought 3 boxes of reloaded ammo: 2 boxes of 405-gr. and 1 box of 350-gr. jacketed soft points. Man, they were not cheap. Did not buy any LE simply because after buying the ammo and a 1.25-4.5X30mm scope I'd run the money well dry. Don't know whether I'll have the time to check the ammo or dial in the scope before heading back up the Sierras for the remainder of the season. If not, I'll visit the gun range after deer season for more load testing. Sounds like we are getting some varied reports on the LE ammo. $:-\$

xhare · « **Reply #21 on:** October 03, 2011, 11:44:56 AM »

I shot an 8 point buck with factory LE ammo 2 years ago. 40 yard shot. Hit the shoulder. The bullet exited. The deer got maybe 20 feet. I dont know of a single 45-70 bullet that wont kill a deer. Especially when the bullet is shot at its designed velocity. Deer just aren't that hard to kill.

tacklebury · « **Reply #22 on:** October 03, 2011, 11:53:28 AM »

You are correct Xhare, albeit the problem in the case of the .45-70 is excessive damage with some bullets.

I have NO doubt that my load'll put down anything in the US and pretty much anywhere else, but after a couple tries, my goal is to find one that will also do it humanely and without insane damage. hehe. I blew my backstraps in half last year, so looking to avoid that.

xhare · « **Reply #23 on:** October 03, 2011, 04:33:18 PM »

I should have added....and shoot the deer in the proper place. I have shot a deer high before. It was standing broadside, couldn't miss. But I shot high and sent the 400 grain Speer right through the spine and both tenderloins. Lost half the loins. 1-2 inches higher, and I would have missed.