Still researching google and various search engines and forums for more about the 45-70 Leverevolution ammo specifically and the Leverevolution FTX factory loads in general.
One seems to have to dig and type in what you are looking for a variety of ways with each new search revealing something new to look at. I especially like coming across reviews written by individuals on forums and/or on ammunition reviews from Cabela's, Midway USA, and others.
Most of the excitement is about the accuracy of these rounds which I can verify in my own experience out of the my Marlin mdl 1895 with 22 inch bbl and a Wild West Happy Trigger" installed.
My particular rifle shoots some very tiny groups with the 325 grain FTX Leverevolution ammo. I also recently did the water jug tests on this load, except this time I moved the jugs out to a measured 25 yards (instead of the 20 feet or so I usually conduct testing at). I thought this would be a reasonable distance between a baited bear bait site and a ladder stand in the N/E, specifically in Maine.
As mentioned the FTX bullet blew apart (4) one gallon jugs of water and landed neatly resting on the 2X4 in front of the 5th jug. From a penetration standpoint, this was the equal of the BB 405 grain Expander load recommended by Tim Sundle's for bear hunting. Tim indicates it is designed for 2 1/2 feet of penetration in flesh with tremendous expansion qualities. Their 350 JFN (the penetrator) is designed to go 4 feet in flesh and is rated for game up to 2500 pounds, which certainly includes anything I am ever likely to hunt.
My one shot test in water jugs of the Leverevolution 325 grain FTX bullet duplicated the 4 jugs blow apart along with the BB 405 grain JFN, however the FTX bullet mushroomed nicely and HELD together intact.
I have been criticized in print for using water jug testing for bullet penetration as water is a HARSH medium to use and plays havoc on bullets. I have not shot my first bear yet, however I am told that bears can play havoc on bullet construction also.
That being said, I have now read probably 15 or more separated accounts of the Leverevolution bullet being used on baited black bear with great success. One in particular I read involved a 300 pound bear purposely shot in the near shoulder quartering towards the hunter by a 45-70 with the 325 grain leverevoluton ammo.It broke the shoulder, and penetrated through the length of the bear and left a golf ball sized exit hole. I find it difficult to fault that performance.
I have read a dozen or more testimonials on various forums, bullet reviews for customer's writing in from Internet supply companies including Cabela's, Midway USA to and the bullets always rated between 4 and 5 *****'s. Much of this is due again to accuracy, however there are enough wild hogs, black bears, bison, and large (4-500 lb Plus hoofed animals to make up a respectable data base).
The bullet itself is similar in construction to Hornady's famous (Interlock) bullet, except I understand the locking ring has been moved forward to allow it to retain more weight. The rubber type pointed tip (elastic polymer) of course allows one to use it safely in a lever action without the point of one bullet detonating the one in front of it etc. It also adds measurably to the ballistics of the various loads it is used in. It has been tested under severe heat and severe cold etc. enough to satisfy me it works. The point also aids in expansion of the bullet. I believe this a better bullet than the old Interlock design, and a lot of game fell to the Interlock bullet over the years.
Factoring in the price of these loads from the on line companies, and they have a winner in this market. I still have some reservations about the bullet, however I cannot find any out and out failures using this load on black bear, even with shoulder shots at close range. I did read a couple of notes about the bullet coming apart, however the animal was still recovered and died quickly. It is designed to penetrate, retain its weight and also expand. The 200 grain FTX bullet in the .338 Marlin is designed specifically for bigger game including black bear, elk, moose etc. and is of the same design as the 325 grain 45-70 load.
It has certainly turned my 45-70 from a 125-150 yard gun into a 200 yard or better rifle.
I may just end up taking the 325 grain Leverevolution loads to Maine in September after all.
I guess enough bear have been cleanly taken with .50 caliber muzzle loaders using round balls ahead of 80 or 90 grains of black powder, that I should be okay with the FTX load.
JUST thinking out loud again.
RESEARCH UPDATE: 7/13/2010 / Found a post on the Marlin Owners forumn dated March 8, 2010 on a subject entitled (.450 Marlin Leverevolution) This post was from member by the name of (Tenderfoot) and indicates water jug testing similar to mine, except his took place at 75 yards. He lined up 9 water jugs and on his first shot (3" high), the bullet exited the 6th jug at an angle and went into the dirt pile. His second attempt lined up better and the bullet landed in the bottom of the 8th jug. The bullet retained about 90-95% of it weight and was mushroomed nicely.
Dan
2 comments:
great article ... thank you
I have witnessed three kills with this round. The first was on a 2000+ pound buffalo. One shot kill behind the ear at 80 yards. Not another breath was taken. The bullet was not recovered.
The second was on a 175 pound hog. One shot kill through the front shoulder. Bullet recovered under the hide on the far side. Bullet weighed 230 grains upon recovery. The third was on an 400 pound Oryx. Agian a one shot kill. Dead on the spot. Bullet recovered on far shoulder. Bullet weighed 220 grains upon recovery.
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