Description
If you're running cowboy action competitions or just want traditional-feeling ammunition for your classic rifles, this HSM load checks all the boxes. The 405-grain hard lead round-nose flat-point bullet is designed to replicate the original black powder loading that made the 45-70 Government legendary, but loaded to modest velocities that keep recoil manageable while maintaining downrange accuracy.
HSM Cowboy Action 45-70 Ballistics
With a muzzle velocity of 1300 fps and 1520 foot-pounds of energy, this is not a magnum load. That's by design. These moderate velocities work great for competitive shooting where fast follow-up shots matter, and the flatter trajectory of the heavy 405-grain bullet helps maintain accuracy through wind. The round-nose flat-point shape is classic for a reason—it puts clean holes in paper and performs reliably in magazine-fed or lever-action rifles without the feeding issues you sometimes see with modern hollow-point designs.
Built for Single-Action Rifles and Lever Guns
HSM loaded this specifically with Trapdoor Springfields, Henry rifles, Marlins, and period-correct rifles in mind. The moderate pressures keep stress off older actions, and the brass cases are reloadable so handloaders can keep shooting affordably. Non-corrosive, boxer-primed cases mean easier cleanup and no surprises when you're developing loads for competition.
The triple-lube groove coating on the hard lead bullet helps reduce barrel fouling, which is a real benefit when you're shooting multiple strings at a match or just running volume through your gun. This ammunition appears consistently in ammo reviews as a solid choice for target work—reliable, reasonably priced, and accurate enough for the application.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .45-70 Government
- Bullet Weight: 405 Grains
- Bullet Type: Hard Lead Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP)
- Muzzle Velocity: 1300 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1520 ft-lbs
- Case Material: Brass
- Primer: Boxer, Non-Corrosive
- Reloadable: Yes
- Rounds per Box: 20
- Manufacturer: HSM Ammunition
- Manufacturer Part Number: HSM-45-70-2-N
- UPC: 837306002229
What’s Included
- 20 rounds of HSM Cowboy Action 45-70 Government ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
Will HSM Cowboy Action 45-70 ammunition work in my Trapdoor Springfield or other older rifles?
Yes. This load is specifically designed with older, lower-pressure actions in mind. The 1300 fps velocity keeps pressure down while the hard lead bullet reduces fouling. Always verify your specific rifle is in safe shooting condition, but this ammunition is considered safe in Trapdoor Springfields and other classic rifles when used as intended.
Is this ammunition reloadable, and does it work for handloaders?
Absolutely. The brass cases are reloadable, and the boxer primers make it straightforward for handloaders to recycle the brass. The moderate pressure level also gives you flexibility in developing custom loads for competition or practice.
How does this HSM load compare to other cowboy action 45-70 ammunition?
HSM built this specifically for competitive and recreational shooting where you want reliability and moderate recoil without sacrificing accuracy. The heavy 405-grain hard lead bullet resists wind drift, and the modest 1300 fps velocity keeps recoil down for faster follow-up shots. You'll pay less per round than premium hunting loads, making it practical for high-volume shooting.
Can I use this ammunition in a modern lever-action rifle like a Marlin or Henry?
Yes. The round-nose flat-point bullet feeds smoothly in modern lever-action rifles, and the 45-70 Government cartridge works reliably in most modern lever guns. The moderate velocity keeps recoil manageable, which is especially nice when running strings at a range or during a long shooting session.




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