Hornady Subsonic 45-70 Government 410gr Sub-X Ammo

Description

When you want legitimate subsonic performance in the powerful .45-70 platform, Hornady's Subsonic ammo brings something rarely seen in this caliber. Most rifle rounds aren't designed to expand at subsonic velocities, but this load builds on a different principle entirely. The 410-grain Sub-X bullet exists specifically to work at speeds well below the sound barrier, which is the whole point.

The Sub-X Advantage in .45-70 Subsonic Performance

The Sub-X bullet features a lead core wrapped in a gilding metal jacket, but the real difference is what's inside the hollow point cavity. A patented Flex Tip insert sits in there, paired with long grooves running down the jacket. These aren't aesthetic touches—they're engineered to initiate expansion at velocities as low as 900 fps, speeds where conventional ammunition simply won't open up reliably. At this load's muzzle velocity of 1075 fps with 1052 ft-lbs of energy, you're getting the terminal performance of a hunting round while staying in that subsonic zone.

Quiet Performance Without Sacrificing Power

Hornady selected specific powders optimized for subsonic use, which also deliver that low-flash signature. Pair this with a suppressor and you're looking at genuinely quiet operation. But you'll notice Hornady doesn't hide what this ammo is for. The heavy bullet weight keeps energy levels manageable while the brass cases and quality primers ensure consistent performance round to round. These 20-round boxes are built with reloadable brass cases, so the value extends beyond the first firing.

Ready for Your .45-70 Rifle

The 410-grain sub-X design was built for rifles, not handguns, and it cycles reliably in modern lever guns and other .45-70 platforms. If you're running a suppressed .45-70 and want ammunition that's actually engineered for the job instead of improvised around a standard bullet, this is purpose-built for that role.