Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Gov’t 405 Grain SP

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Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Gov't 405 Grain SP (Box)
Official SpecValue
ManufacturerRemington
Cartridge45-70 Government
Product LineCore-Lokt – Reduced Pressure
Bullet Name / Bullet TypeCore-Lokt Soft Point
Bullet Weight405 gr
SKU / Part Number / Item Number29473 / R4570G
UPC047700057804
Rounds per Box20
Muzzle Velocity1,330 fps
Muzzle Energy1,591 ft-lb
Ballistic Coefficient G10.281
Ballistic Coefficient G7Not found
Case MaterialNot found
PrimerBoxer (Large Rifle), Remington 9 1/2 – 2021 catalog
ReloadableNot found
Test Barrel LengthNot found
Zero Distance100 yd
Sight Height1.5 in
Intended UseBig-game hunting at moderate range
Product StatusCurrent manufacturer listing
Closest CompetitorsHornady LEVERevolution 45-70 325gr FTX; Federal Power-Shok 45-70 300gr JSP; Winchester Super-X 45-70 Government 300 gr JHP; Buffalo Bore 45-70 405gr LFN-GC; Underwood 45-70 405gr Hard Cast; Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 300gr SP

Data is based on official manufacturer sources. Found an error? Send us the source link.

Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Gov't 405 Grain SP (Box)
Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Gov't 405 Grain SP (Box)
Ammunitiondepot.com

Ballistics Table – 100-Yard Zero

Calculated reference – not manufacturer data. G1 point-mass reference using BC 0.281, 1,330 fps muzzle velocity, 405 gr bullet, 100-yard zero and 1.5-inch sight height. Atmosphere: sea level, 59 F, 29.92 inHg, dry air, no wind. The 25-yard rows use shape-preserving interpolation between calculated 50-yard outputs.

Range (yd)Velocity (fps)Energy (ft-lb)Trajectory (in)
01,3301,591-1.5
251,2841,483+1.1
501,2411,386+2.1
751,2011,299+1.5
1001,1651,2210.0
1251,1321,152-3.3
1501,1021,092-8.5
1751,0751,039-15.3
2001,051993-24.1
2251,028952-34.8
2501,008915-47.6
275990881-62.5
300973850-79.6

Key takeaway: This table is a trajectory reference under the stated conditions, not a terminal-performance test or a recommended maximum hunting range.

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.

Remington describes a tapered copper jacket mechanically locked to a lead core. A guaranteed 95% weight-retention figure was not verified for this exact load.

Remington identifies 29473 / R4570G as Reduced Pressure, with a published muzzle velocity of 1,330 fps. It is distinct from 21459 / R4570G1 at 1,600 fps. Cartridge designation alone does not establish firearm compatibility. Follow the ammunition and firearm manufacturers’ instructions for the exact load and firearm; a low advertised velocity is not proof of a low pressure rating.

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.

Manufacturer descriptions establish construction and intended use, not independently measured reliability. No structured results for this exact product are recorded on this page. Remington identifies 29473 / R4570G as Reduced Pressure, with a published muzzle velocity of 1,330 fps. It is distinct from 21459 / R4570G1 at 1,600 fps. Cartridge designation alone does not establish firearm compatibility. Follow the ammunition and firearm manufacturers’ instructions for the exact load and firearm; a low advertised velocity is not proof of a low pressure rating.

  • Remington describes a mechanically locked lead core and jacket; 95% retention was not verified for this exact load.
  • 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.
  • Compatibility must be confirmed for the exact Remington item and firearm; the 405 gr weight and 45-70 chambering do not establish approval for every lever-action rifle.
  • 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

LoadWeightBulletBC G1Advertised VelocityNotes
Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 325gr FTX325 grFTX (flex-tip polymer)Not verifiedNot verifiedPremium — significantly flatter trajectory; safe for tubular magazines
Federal Power-Shok 45-70 300gr JSP300 grJacketed Soft PointNot verifiedNot verifiedBudget alternative — lighter bullet, less sectional density, lower price
Winchester Super-X 45-70 Government 300 gr JHP300 grJacketed Hollow PointNot verified1,880 fpsHollow point design; faster expansion, less penetration than 405gr SP
Buffalo Bore 45-70 405gr LFN-GC405 grLead Flat Nose Gas CheckNot verifiedNot verifiedPremium — higher velocity at same weight; rated for modern lever-actions only
Underwood 45-70 405gr Hard Cast405 grHard Cast Lead Flat NoseNot verifiedNot verifiedPenetration-focused; no expansion; suited for dangerous game or bear defense
Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 300gr SP300 grCore-Lokt Soft PointNot verifiedNot verifiedSame bullet family, lighter weight; flatter trajectory, less energy on impact

The 325 gr FTX has a higher muzzle velocity, but its G1 BC of 0.230 is lower than the Remington 405 gr SP value of 0.281. Compare complete factory tables under their stated conditions.

FAQ

Does the Core-Lokt 405-grain load work in an original Trapdoor Springfield, or only in modern lever-actions?

Remington identifies 29473 / R4570G as Reduced Pressure, with a published muzzle velocity of 1,330 fps. It is distinct from 21459 / R4570G1 at 1,600 fps. Cartridge designation alone does not establish firearm compatibility. Follow the ammunition and firearm manufacturers’ instructions for the exact load and firearm; a low advertised velocity is not proof of a low pressure rating.

How does the 405-grain Core-Lokt compare to the 325-grain Hornady LEVERevolution for deer hunting inside 150 yards?

The Remington 405 gr SP and Hornady 325 gr FTX differ in mass, construction and muzzle velocity. Remington publishes G1 BC 0.281; the FTX value is 0.230, so the former claim that FTX has a higher BC was incorrect. Velocity and zero also affect trajectory.

Is this ammunition legal for hunting in California or other lead-restricted zones?

The projectile contains lead and is not a lead-free alternative. Check the current hunting rules for the location and species; this article does not establish regulatory approval.

What is the effective maximum range for ethical big game hunting with this load?

Published velocity and energy do not establish a universal hunting range or guarantee expansion. The table is a reference under stated conditions, not a terminal-performance test or a recommended maximum range. Remington publishes 1,227 ft-lb at 100 yards and 1,002 ft-lb at 200 yards for 29473 on its current product page.

Why does Remington offer both a 300-grain and 405-grain Core-Lokt in 45-70 — what is the meaningful difference?

Use exact item numbers. Remington lists a separate 300 gr semi-jacketed hollow point as R4570L1 / 21463, not the same 405 gr Core-Lokt soft point in a lighter weight. It also offers two distinct 405 gr loads: 29473 Reduced Pressure and 21459 Full Pressure.

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