Ammo Reports Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Suppressed hunting and target shooting below the speed of sound |
| Bullet Type | Sub-X Flex Tip Expanding Lead Core Jacketed Hollow Point |
| Bullet Weight | 410 gr |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer centerfire |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $47.99/box — $2.40/round |
| Closest Competitors | Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 Govt 400 gr Hard Cast, Buffalo Bore 45-70 Govt 405 gr Lead Flat Nose, Federal Premium 45-70 Govt 300 gr Trophy Bonded Tip |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | — | Not published by manufacturer |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | — | Not published by manufacturer |
| Bullet Weight | 410 gr | Hornady |
| Bullet Type | Sub-X Flex Tip Expanding | Hornady |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | 82742 | Hornady |
| UPC | — | Not confirmed |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note: Hornady does not publish muzzle velocity or muzzle energy for this specific subsonic load. This is consistent with the manufacturer’s practice for subsonic lines, where velocity is intentionally held below the speed of sound (~1,125 fps at sea level, 59°F) but exact figures are not listed in publicly available spec sheets. Ballistic table values below are calculated estimates using a representative subsonic velocity of 1,050 fps, which is consistent with typical 45-70 subsonic loads of this bullet weight. These are not manufacturer-confirmed figures.
Note on BC: Neither G1 nor G7 ballistic coefficient values have been published by Hornady for the Sub-X bullet in this configuration. Calculated trajectory estimates below use an assumed G1 BC of approximately 0.270, which is a reasonable approximation for a 410 gr flat-nosed expanding projectile. Treat all trajectory data as estimates only.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature,altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzlevelocity for comparison. Assumed muzzle velocity: ~1,050 fps. Assumed G1 BC: ~0.270.Sight height: 1.5″ above bore. Zero: 100 yd.
| Yards | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~1,050 | ~1,004 | -1.5 |
| 50 | ~988 | ~889 | +1.2 |
| 100 | ~929 | ~786 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 150 | ~874 | ~695 | -5.0 |
| 200 | ~822 | ~614 | -14.8 |
| 250 | ~773 | ~544 | -30.0 |
| 300 | ~727 | ~481 | -52.2 |
Key takeaway: At subsonic velocities, the 45-70 Govt 410 gr Sub-X sheds speed and energy relatively quickly compared to faster centerfire loads, which is expected and by design. Within 150 yards, the load retains meaningful terminal energy for large game hunting while keeping the projectile comfortably below the transonic threshold. The steep trajectory drop beyond 150 yards — roughly 15 inches low at 200 yards — makes holdover discipline essential. This is a close- to medium-range load; buyers planning shots beyond 200 yards should reconsider whether a subsonic configuration serves their purpose.
The Sub-X Bullet and Why This Load Exists
The Sub-X (Subsonic Expanding) bullet is a purpose-engineered projectile developed by Hornady specifically for below-sonic-threshold performance. Unlike conventional hollow points that depend on high velocity to initiate reliable expansion, the Sub-X incorporates a Flex Tip insert seated inside the hollow point cavity. This insert performs the same function as in Hornady’s FTX line — it initiates and controls expansion even at the reduced impact velocities that subsonic loads produce. Without this mechanical assist, a conventional hollow point at 900–1,050 fps would frequently fail to expand reliably on soft tissue.
The 45-70 Government cartridge has an unusually broad velocity window, having been originally designed for black powder at around 1,350 fps and later downloaded for lever-action use. This flexibility makes it one of the few rifle cartridges that can be loaded to a genuinely subsonic standard while still driving a 410 gr projectile — a mass that carries enough sectional density and momentum to perform on large game at close range even without high velocity. Hornady’s decision to build a subsonic 45-70 load around this bullet weight reflects that physics: when velocity is intentionally constrained, bullet mass and construction become the primary drivers of terminal performance.
Paired with a suppressor, this load is designed to eliminate the supersonic crack entirely, leaving only the mechanical action noise and a reduced muzzle report. This makes it relevant for hunters operating in noise-sensitive environments, for those managing hearing safety on extended hunts without hearing protection, and for hog or predator control scenarios where minimizing disturbance matters.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Suppressed hunting of hogs, black bear, and whitetail deer at ranges inside 150 yards
- Close-range lever-action or single-shot rifle use where hearing protection is impractical
- Noise-sensitive hunting environments such as residential-adjacent properties or areas where repeated shots may disturb livestock or neighbors
- Shooters who want to run a suppressed 45-70 platform and need a factory load confirmed to stay subsonic
- Training and range use where reduced muzzle blast is desirable without switching calibers
Not the right tool for:
- Shots beyond 175–200 yards, where trajectory drop becomes difficult to manage reliably
- Hunting large, dangerous game (bison, Cape buffalo, brown bear) where maximum energy and penetration depth are critical — the subsonic velocity ceiling limits retained energy at distance
- Semi-automatic platforms that require supersonic pressure curves to cycle reliably — function should be verified before field use
- Shooters without a suppressor who want a quiet experience — without a can, the report reduction compared to standard 45-70 loads is modest, not dramatic
- High-volume target shooting where cost per round is a primary concern
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source product information: Hornady states that this load uses powders specifically optimized for subsonic burn characteristics, which are described as producing low flash signatures — a relevant consideration for low-light hunting scenarios. The Sub-X bullet’s Flex Tip design is intended to ensure consistent expansion initiation at the reduced velocities this load produces, addressing a known limitation of conventional hollow points at subsonic speeds. Hornady’s quality control and consistent case preparation are noted positively across its product line in general industry coverage, though no structured, load-specific reliability data has been submitted for this particular SKU. Lever-action feeding reliability with the Sub-X bullet’s tip geometry has been noted as generally positive in open-source user commentary, though this is not manufacturer-confirmed data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Muzzle Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bore 45-70 Govt 405 gr Lead Flat Nose | 405 gr | Cast Lead Flat Nose | ~0.255 | ~1,000 fps (subsonic option) | ~$55–$65 | Buffalo Bore offers a specific low-velocity subsonic download; premium price tier |
| Grizzly Cartridge 45-70 Govt 400 gr Hard Cast | 400 gr | Hard Cast Lead Flat Nose | ~0.250 | ~1,050 fps | ~$50–$60 | Comparable weight; hard cast designed for deep penetration, not expansion |
| Federal Premium 45-70 Govt 300 gr Trophy Bonded Tip | 300 gr | Trophy Bonded Tip | ~0.225 | ~1,850 fps | ~$50–$60 | Supersonic; not a subsonic competitor but a common alternative for hunting use |
| HSM Bear Load 45-70 Govt 430 gr Hard Cast | 430 gr | Hard Cast Flat Nose | ~0.265 | ~1,050 fps | ~$45–$55 | Heavier hard cast option; no expansion, deep straight-line penetration |
| Underwood Ammo 45-70 Govt 405 gr Hard Cast | 405 gr | Hard Cast Lead | ~0.255 | ~1,100 fps | ~$48–$58 | Near-subsonic; hard cast, not expanding; budget-adjacent tier |
| Cor-Bon 45-70 Govt 405 gr Bonded Core | 405 gr | Bonded Soft Point | ~0.260 | ~1,300 fps | ~$50–$60 | Supersonic; bonded construction; not subsonic but common consideration |
Note: No direct factory competitors offer the same Sub-X Flex Tip bullet design. Most competing heavy 45-70 loads in the subsonic or near-subsonic range use hard cast flat nose projectiles optimized for penetration rather than controlled expansion. Buyers choosing between these loads are effectively choosing between two terminal performance philosophies: expanding (Sub-X) versus non-expanding (hard cast).
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $44.99–$52.99 per 20-round box; case pricing (typically 10 boxes/200 rounds) is not widely listed but would approximate $440–$530 where available
- Per-round cost: approximately $2.25–$2.65 depending on retailer and timing
- Versus Buffalo Bore subsonic downloads: Buffalo Bore’s comparable heavy subsonic offerings run $55–$65/box, making Hornady’s pricing moderately competitive
- Versus standard Hornady 45-70 loads: Standard Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 runs approximately $35–$42/box — the subsonic premium adds roughly $8–$12 per box for the specialized powder charge and Sub-X bullet construction
- Fair price benchmark: Paying up to $52/box is within normal market range for this load. Prices above $55/box for a single box represent a meaningful premium and likely reflect supply constraints or low-volume specialty retailer markup
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Hornady Subsonic 45-70 Govt 410 Gr Sub-X (Box)
Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.
FAQ
Does the Sub-X bullet actually expand reliably at subsonic velocities, or does it perform like a non-expanding hard cast load?
The Sub-X bullet is specifically engineered to address this concern. The Flex Tip insert mechanically initiates petal expansion upon impact, bypassing the hydraulic pressure that conventional hollow points rely on at higher velocities. At the ~900–1,050 fps impact velocities typical of this load at close range, Hornady’s design intent is reliable, controlled expansion rather than simple penetration. That said, expansion performance is always influenced by impact velocity, which decreases with range — shots at 200+ yards will arrive with less energy than shots at 50 yards, and expansion consistency may vary accordingly. No independent laboratory expansion data has been published specifically for this load at subsonic velocities.
Is this load safe to use in older or vintage 45-70 rifles chambered for trapdoor Springfield or early lever-action pressure limits?
This is an important safety question. Hornady’s Subsonic 45-70 is a factory load, and its pressure level is not explicitly published in available documentation. The 45-70 Government operates across a wide pressure range depending on the firearm — trapdoor Springfield actions are typically rated for approximately 28,000 CUP, while modern lever-actions and single-shots can handle substantially higher pressures. Subsonic loads are generally associated with reduced powder charges, which suggests lower pressure, but this is not a guarantee. Shooters using antique, vintage, or action-typed firearms should consult the firearm manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith before using any ammunition not specifically listed in that firearm’s approved load data.
How much quieter is this load compared to standard 45-70 ammunition, with and without a suppressor?
Without a suppressor, the subsonic 45-70 eliminates the supersonic crack — the sharp ballistic report caused by a projectile breaking the sound barrier — but the muzzle blast from the powder charge remains present. The result is a noticeably different sound character but not a dramatically quieter overall experience to bystanders. With a quality rifle suppressor, the combination of subsonic projectile and suppressed muzzle blast produces a significantly reduced report — commonly described as comparable to a .22 LR fired unsuppressed, though exact decibel reduction depends on the suppressor model, barrel length, and ambient conditions. Suppressor ownership requires compliance with National Firearms Act regulations in the United States, including a tax stamp and registration process.
How does this load compare directly to the Buffalo Bore 45-70 subsonic offering for hog hunting?
The primary difference is terminal performance philosophy. Buffalo Bore’s heavy subsonic 45-70 loads typically use hard cast flat nose bullets designed for deep, straight-line penetration without expansion — a design optimized for thick-skinned or heavily boned animals where penetration depth is the priority. Hornady’s Sub-X is designed to expand, creating a larger wound channel through soft tissue. For hog hunting specifically, the Sub-X’s expanding design may produce faster incapacitation on body shots through the vitals, while hard cast options may be preferred for quartering shots or situations requiring maximum penetration through bone and shoulder. Neither approach is universally superior — the choice depends on shot placement expectations and target anatomy.
Can this ammunition be used in a lever-action rifle without a suppressor for deer hunting in states with subsonic-only regulations?
Some jurisdictions — particularly certain European countries and a small number of U.S. state-specific zones — impose noise or velocity restrictions on hunting ammunition. The Hornady Subsonic 45-70 is by design a below-sonic-threshold load, making it compliant with subsonic velocity requirements where those exist. For deer hunting in standard U.S. jurisdictions, there are no subsonic requirements, and the load is legal where 45-70 is a permitted deer cartridge. Without a suppressor, the load functions as a standard lever-action round with a somewhat reduced report and a heavy, slow-moving bullet — entirely viable for whitetail deer at woods-range distances inside 100–150 yards. Hunters should verify local regulations independently, as ammunition legality varies by state and season.
