Ammo Reports Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Big game hunting (deer, bear, hog, elk at moderate range) |
| Bullet Type | Core-Lokt Soft Point (tapered copper jacket, lead core mechanically locked to jacket) |
| Bullet Weight | 405 grain |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $58.49/box — $2.92/round |
| Closest Competitors | Federal Power-Shok 45-70 Gov’t 300gr JSP, Winchester Super-X 45-70 Gov’t 300gr JHP, Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 Gov’t 325gr FTX |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | — | Not published |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | — | Not published |
| Bullet Weight | 405 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | Core-Lokt Soft Point | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | — | Not published in provided data |
| UPC | — | Not published in provided data |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note on velocity and energy: Remington does not publish muzzle velocity or muzzle energy for this specific load in the product data available at time of writing. The ballistics table below uses a commonly cited industry reference figure of 1,330 fps for a 405-grain load from a standard 24″ barrel, which is consistent with historical SAAMI-level data for this cartridge and bullet weight combination. All derived values are labeled Calculated and should be treated as estimates only. Community-submitted chronograph data will be added as it becomes available.
Note on BC: Neither a G1 nor G7 ballistic coefficient is published by Remington for this load. The Core-Lokt line is not marketed as a long-range projectile, and the absence of a published BC is consistent with Remington’s positioning of this ammunition for moderate-range hunting applications.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature,altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzlevelocity for comparison.
Reference muzzle velocity: ~1,330 fps (405 gr from 24″ barrel — industry reference, not manufacturer-published). Sight height: 1.5″ above bore. Zero: 100 yards.
| Yards | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~1,330 | ~1,591 | -1.5 |
| 50 | ~1,227 | ~1,353 | +1.4 |
| 100 | ~1,138 | ~1,165 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 150 | ~1,068 | ~1,026 | -4.9 |
| 200 | ~1,013 | ~924 | -14.4 |
| 250 | ~967 | ~841 | -29.3 |
| 300 | ~927 | ~773 | -50.6 |
All values Calculated from reference muzzle velocity. Energy = (v² × mass in grains) ÷ 450,437.
Key takeaway: The 45-70 Gov’t 405-grain load is a moderate-range cartridge by modern standards. At 100 yards it still delivers over 1,100 ft-lbs of energy, which is sufficient for most North American big game, but the trajectory drops sharply beyond that point — nearly 15 inches low at 200 yards and over 50 inches at 300. Hunters using this load should plan shots inside 150 yards for clean, ethical kills without holdover guesswork. The heavy 405-grain bullet trades flat trajectory for deep, wide-diameter wound channels that have anchored game reliably for over a century.
The Core-Lokt Bullet Design
The Remington Core-Lokt is one of the longest-running controlled-expansion bullet designs in commercial ammunition history, having been introduced in 1939. Its defining feature is a mechanical interlock between the lead core and the copper jacket: the jacket is tapered and crimped inward at the bullet’s shank, physically locking the two components together rather than relying solely on bonding chemistry. This construction is specifically intended to prevent the jacket from separating from the core during expansion — a failure mode that reduces penetration and terminal energy transfer.
On impact, the soft point tip initiates expansion by allowing the exposed lead to deform and push outward, peeling the jacket back into a mushroom shape. Remington’s stated goal for the Core-Lokt line is 2x diameter expansion with 95% weight retention, though these figures are manufacturer claims from controlled media testing and may vary in field conditions depending on impact velocity, tissue density, and shot angle.
For the 45-70 Government chambering specifically, the 405-grain weight carries historical significance — it replicates the original U.S. Army service load from the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor era. Modern lever-action rifles chambered for 45-70 operate at significantly higher pressure limits than the original Trapdoor, and this load is rated for use in all modern lever-action rifles. It is not a +P or high-pressure load and is safe for use in original Trapdoor Springfield actions as well, provided the firearm is in serviceable condition.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Deer hunting inside 150 yards in dense cover where a lever-action’s compact profile is advantageous
- Black bear and hog hunting where heavy, deep-penetrating bullets are preferred over rapid fragmentation
- Elk and large ungulates at close to moderate range with shot placement emphasis
- Hunting in jurisdictions with no restrictions on lead projectiles
- Shooters running traditional lever-action rifles (Marlin 1895, Henry, Winchester 1886) who want a historically appropriate load
- Hunters who prioritize proven, widely available factory ammunition over specialty boutique loads
Not the right tool for:
- Shots beyond 150–175 yards — the trajectory drop becomes difficult to compensate for without a rangefinder and practiced holdover
- Varmint or predator hunting where meat damage is a concern — a 405-grain expanding bullet is excessive for small-bodied targets
- States or public lands where lead-free ammunition is mandated (California condor zones, certain national parks)
- Hunters expecting flat-shooting performance comparable to modern spitzer-loaded cartridges
- Lever-action rifles with magazine tube concerns around pointed bullets — this is a flat-point soft point and is safe for tubular magazines, but the blunt profile accelerates velocity loss downrange
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source product descriptions, the following notes are available — these reflect manufacturer claims or open-source retailer data, not independently verified structured testing:
- Remington states the Core-Lokt design is engineered for 95% weight retention on impact, achieved through the mechanically locked jacket-core construction rather than chemical bonding.
- The tapered copper jacket is described as controlling expansion rate to produce consistent mushrooming across a range of impact velocities, which is relevant for a cartridge like the 45-70 whose velocity varies significantly depending on range.
- The 405-grain soft point configuration is noted in product descriptions as suitable for all modern lever-action rifles chambered in 45-70, with no restriction to specific action types.
- Open-source field reports (hunting forums, outdoor publications) frequently describe reliable feeding in Marlin 1895 and Henry lever-action platforms, though these are anecdotal and not part of structured data collection.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 325gr FTX | 325 gr | FTX (flex-tip polymer) | ~0.230 | ~2,050 fps | ~$45–$52 | Premium — significantly flatter trajectory; safe for tubular magazines |
| Federal Power-Shok 45-70 300gr JSP | 300 gr | Jacketed Soft Point | Not published | ~1,880 fps | ~$38–$46 | Budget alternative — lighter bullet, less sectional density, lower price |
| Winchester Super-X 45-70 300gr JHP | 300 gr | Jacketed Hollow Point | Not published | ~1,880 fps | ~$40–$48 | Hollow point design; faster expansion, less penetration than 405gr SP |
| Buffalo Bore 45-70 405gr LFN-GC | 405 gr | Lead Flat Nose Gas Check | Not published | ~1,800 fps | ~$65–$75 | Premium — higher velocity at same weight; rated for modern lever-actions only |
| Underwood 45-70 405gr Hard Cast | 405 gr | Hard Cast Lead Flat Nose | Not published | ~1,625 fps | ~$55–$65 | Penetration-focused; no expansion; suited for dangerous game or bear defense |
| Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 300gr SP | 300 gr | Core-Lokt Soft Point | Not published | ~1,810 fps | ~$48–$54 | Same bullet family, lighter weight; flatter trajectory, less energy on impact |
The Hornady LEVERevolution is the most direct premium competitor and offers a meaningfully flatter trajectory due to its lighter, higher-BC FTX bullet — a relevant advantage for hunters who want to stretch shots to 200 yards. The Federal Power-Shok and Winchester Super-X are the primary budget alternatives, both using 300-grain bullets at higher velocity but with less downrange energy retention than the heavier 405-grain Core-Lokt. Buffalo Bore and Underwood represent the specialty/premium tier for hunters prioritizing maximum velocity or deep non-expanding penetration.
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $55–$65 per box of 20 rounds
- Per-round cost at $58.49: $2.92/round
- The Hornady LEVERevolution 325gr FTX runs approximately $45–$52/box, making it $0.35–$0.65 cheaper per round while offering a ballistically superior trajectory — buyers should weigh the trade-off between bullet design preference and cost
- Federal Power-Shok 300gr typically retails at $38–$46/box, representing a meaningful savings of roughly $0.60–$1.00 per round for shooters who do not require the heavier 405-grain bullet weight
- At the specialty end, Buffalo Bore 405gr runs $65–$75/box — approximately $0.35–$0.85 more per round for higher velocity from the same bullet weight
- A fair price benchmark for this load is under $65/box. Listings above $70/box for a standard 20-round box should be considered overpriced given current market availability.
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Gov't 405 Grain SP (Box)
Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.
FAQ
Does the Core-Lokt 405-grain load work in an original Trapdoor Springfield, or only in modern lever-actions?
The Remington Core-Lokt 405-grain SP is loaded to standard 45-70 Government pressure levels — specifically the SAAMI maximum of 28,000 CUP — which is the same pressure standard that governs ammunition safe for use in original Trapdoor Springfield actions. It is not a +P or high-pressure load. However, any shooter using a Trapdoor Springfield should have the firearm inspected by a qualified gunsmith before firing modern factory ammunition, as the condition of 150-year-old actions varies significantly. Modern lever-action rifles such as the Marlin 1895 and Henry rifles operate comfortably with this load.
How does the 405-grain Core-Lokt compare to the 325-grain Hornady LEVERevolution for deer hunting inside 150 yards?
Inside 100 yards, both loads are effective on whitetail deer, but they represent different design philosophies. The Hornady LEVERevolution 325gr FTX has a higher ballistic coefficient and meaningfully flatter trajectory, which matters more at 150–200 yards than inside 100. The Core-Lokt 405-grain carries more mass and sectional density, which translates to deeper penetration on quartering or heavy-boned shots. For shots inside 100 yards on deer-sized game, the practical difference in terminal effect is small. At 150 yards, the LEVERevolution’s trajectory advantage becomes more operationally significant.
Is this ammunition legal for hunting in California or other lead-restricted zones?
No. The Core-Lokt 405-grain SP uses a lead-core bullet and is not compliant with California’s lead-free ammunition mandate for hunting on all lands. California requires certified non-lead projectiles statewide for all hunting with firearms. Several other states and federal lands within condor range have similar restrictions. Hunters in affected areas should look at lead-free alternatives such as the Barnes TSX or Lehigh Defense offerings in 45-70. Always verify current regulations with your state fish and wildlife agency before purchasing.
What is the effective maximum range for ethical big game hunting with this load?
Based on the calculated ballistic data, the 405-grain Core-Lokt retains approximately 1,165 ft-lbs at 100 yards and drops to roughly 924 ft-lbs at 200 yards. Most hunting authorities cite 1,000 ft-lbs as a minimum threshold for clean kills on deer-sized game, and 1,500 ft-lbs for elk. By those benchmarks, this load is adequate for deer to approximately 175 yards and for elk inside 75–100 yards. The more limiting practical factor is trajectory: the steep drop beyond 150 yards demands precise range estimation and holdover discipline that many field conditions do not allow. A practical ethical range of 150 yards is a reasonable guideline for most hunters using this load on big game.
Why does Remington offer both a 300-grain and 405-grain Core-Lokt in 45-70 — what is the meaningful difference?
The two loads serve overlapping but distinct use cases. The 300-grain Core-Lokt exits the muzzle at a higher velocity (approximately 1,810 fps vs. ~1,330 fps for the 405-grain), producing a flatter trajectory and faster expansion on impact. The 405-grain has significantly higher sectional density, which drives deeper penetration through heavy muscle mass, shoulder bone, and hide — a meaningful advantage on large, tough-bodied animals like black bear, wild boar, and elk. Hunters targeting deer in open terrain where a longer shot is possible may prefer the 300-grain for its trajectory. Hunters pursuing dangerous or large-bodied game at close range, or those who value the historical authenticity of the original 45-70 service load, will generally prefer the 405-grain option.
