Ammo Reports Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Big game hunting (deer, elk, bear, hog) |
| Bullet Type | Barnes TSX (Triple-Shock X) Flat Nose, all-copper lead-free |
| Bullet Weight | 350 grains |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer (assumed standard; not explicitly stated by manufacturer) |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $90.49/box — $4.52/round |
| Closest Competitors | Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 325gr FTX, Federal Premium 45-70 300gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Buffalo Bore 45-70 405gr Hard Cast FN |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | — | Not published |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | — | Not published |
| Bullet Weight | 350 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | Barnes TSX Flat Nose, all-copper | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | — | Not published in available data |
| UPC | — | Not published in available data |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note: Buffalo Bore does not publish muzzle velocity or muzzle energy for this specific load in the product data available at time of writing. Velocity figures sometimes cited by third-party retailers vary and cannot be verified against a primary source. No BC values are published by Barnes or Buffalo Bore for this flat-nose configuration in factory-loaded form. All ballistic table values below are calculated estimates using commonly referenced figures for 350 gr flat-nose .45-70 projectiles at typical Buffalo Bore performance levels; they are clearly marked as calculated and should not be treated as manufacturer specifications.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature,altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzlevelocity for comparison.
Assumptions: ~1,800 fps muzzle velocity (consistent with Buffalo Bore’s heavy .45-70 lever-gun loads using comparable bullet weights), G1 BC ≈ 0.235 (typical for 350 gr flat-nose .45-70 projectile), 1.5″ sight height, 100-yard zero, sea level, 59°F standard atmosphere.
| Yards | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~1,800 | ~2,519 | -1.5 |
| 50 | ~1,674 | ~2,178 | +1.2 |
| 100 | ~1,554 | ~1,877 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 150 | ~1,442 | ~1,614 | -4.2 |
| 200 | ~1,338 | ~1,389 | -12.8 |
| 250 | ~1,244 | ~1,203 | -27.1 |
| 300 | ~1,162 | ~1,050 | -48.5 |
Key takeaway: The 350 grain Barnes TSX in this loading carries substantial energy well past 200 yards, retaining over 1,300 ft-lbs at that distance — more than enough for ethical kills on large game. The pronounced drop beyond 150 yards is characteristic of all large-bore flat-nose lever-gun cartridges and demands careful range estimation in the field. For most practical hunting scenarios with a lever-action rifle, shots inside 175 yards represent the realistic effective range where hold-over remains manageable. The all-copper TSX construction ensures consistent expansion and deep penetration regardless of where in this range the bullet connects.
The Barnes TSX Bullet in 45-70
The Barnes TSX (Triple-Shock X) is an all-copper hollow-point bullet with a series of relief grooves machined into the shank. These grooves serve two purposes: they reduce bore pressure compared to a solid copper design, and they allow the bullet to meet lead-free requirements in jurisdictions — including California and several other states — that restrict or prohibit lead projectiles for hunting.
Upon impact, the TSX’s hollow-point cavity initiates reliable expansion across a wide velocity range, typically producing a mushroom diameter of approximately 1.5 to 2 times the original caliber. Because the bullet is constructed entirely from copper rather than a lead-core/jacket combination, virtually all of the original weight is retained after expansion — a meaningful advantage when hunting heavy, thick-skinned animals where deep, straight-line penetration is required.
In the 45-70 Government cartridge, the flat-nose profile is not merely traditional — it is a functional requirement for safe use in tubular magazines, where a pointed or spitzer bullet resting against the primer of the cartridge ahead of it poses a detonation risk under recoil. Buffalo Bore’s decision to load the TSX in a flat-nose configuration preserves magazine safety while still delivering the terminal performance advantages of the all-copper design.
This load is also a direct answer to regulatory pressure. As lead-free hunting mandates expand across North America, the combination of a proven copper bullet in a traditional lever-gun cartridge gives hunters a compliant option that does not require compromising on terminal performance.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Deer, black bear, and feral hog hunting at ranges inside 175 yards with a lever-action rifle
- Lead-free hunting zones in California and other states with copper-only regulations
- Hunters who want maximum weight retention and deep straight-line penetration on heavy game
- Use in strong single-shot actions (Ruger No. 1, H&R/NEF) where higher-pressure Buffalo Bore loads can be safely fired
- Situations where a non-toxic projectile is required on public land or wildlife management areas
Not the right tool for:
- Long-range shooting beyond 200 yards, where the flat-nose profile and moderate velocity produce significant trajectory drop
- Thin-skinned varmints or small game, where the TSX’s design is over-engineered and expensive per shot
- Older, weaker lever-action rifles (pre-1895 trapdoor Springfields, early Winchester 1886 variants) not rated for modern chamber pressures — Buffalo Bore’s heavy loads are explicitly intended for strong modern actions
- Hunters on a tight budget who can find comparable terminal performance at lower cost with lead-core options where lead is permitted
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source information: Buffalo Bore is known for loading to the upper end of SAAMI pressure limits (and in some cases beyond, in loads explicitly marked for strong actions), which contributes to the velocity levels that make their heavy 45-70 loads effective at extended ranges. The Barnes TSX bullet has a well-documented reputation across multiple calibers for consistent expansion down to relatively low impact velocities, which matters in a cartridge that sheds velocity quickly. Reported extraction issues with all-copper bullets in some lever-action rifles (due to higher friction compared to jacketed lead-core bullets) are an occasional concern noted by users of copper projectiles generally — not specific to this load — and are typically resolved by ensuring the chamber is clean and dry. No manufacturer recall or safety notice is associated with this product in available data. All notes here reflect manufacturer claims or open-source reporting, not structured performance submissions.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 | 325 gr | FTX (flex-tip) | ~0.230 | ~2,050 fps | ~$42–$48 | Lead-core; higher velocity; not lead-free |
| Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 45-70 | 300 gr | TBBC bonded SP | ~0.210 | ~1,850 fps | ~$60–$70 | Lead-core bonded; not lead-free; premium terminal performance |
| Cor-Bon DPX 45-70 | 350 gr | Barnes TSX FN | ~0.235 | ~1,650 fps | ~$75–$85 | Same Barnes TSX bullet; lead-free; compare velocity carefully |
| Buffalo Bore 45-70 Heavy 405 gr Hard Cast FN | 405 gr | Hard Cast FN | N/A | ~1,625 fps | ~$65–$75 | Same brand; lead-core; designed for maximum penetration on dangerous game |
| Winchester Expedition Big Game 45-70 | 300 gr | Nosler Partition | ~0.215 | ~1,880 fps | ~$55–$65 | Lead-core; not lead-free; budget-premium middle ground |
| HSM Bear Load 45-70 | 430 gr | Wide Flat Nose GC | N/A | ~1,550 fps | ~$40–$50 | Budget alternative; lead-core hard cast; not lead-free |
Price Reality
- At $90.49 per box of 20, this load sits at the premium tier of 45-70 factory ammunition pricing
- Per-round cost: $4.52, which is among the highest in the caliber category
- Hornady LEVERevolution in 45-70 typically runs $42–$48/box ($2.10–$2.40/round) — roughly half the per-round cost, though it is not lead-free and uses a different bullet design
- Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw in 45-70 runs approximately $60–$70/box, making it a meaningful step cheaper while still offering premium terminal performance — though again, it is not lead-free
- The Cor-Bon DPX load using the same Barnes TSX bullet in 45-70 is a direct comparison point; when available, it typically prices $75–$85/box, making Buffalo Bore’s version slightly more expensive but potentially faster depending on lot
- A price above $95/box for this specific load would represent above-market pricing given current retail norms; anything below $85 represents a fair deal
- Case pricing (when available) typically offers modest savings — verify current case availability before assuming per-box discounts
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Buffalo Bore 45-70 Gov't 350 Grain Barnes TSX Flat Nose Lead Free (Box)
Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.
FAQ
Is this load legal for hunting in California and other lead-free states?
Yes. The Barnes TSX is an all-copper bullet with no lead core, making it compliant with California’s Nonlead Ammunition Regulation and similar lead-free hunting requirements in other states and on federal lands where lead projectiles are restricted. Hunters should always verify current regulations for their specific zone and season before purchasing, as rules can change between seasons. This is one of the primary reasons to choose this load over less expensive lead-core alternatives in the same caliber.
Can this load be safely fired in any 45-70 lever-action rifle?
Not necessarily. Buffalo Bore explicitly states that their heavy 45-70 loads are intended for use in strong modern actions — specifically the Marlin 1895 (modern production), Browning 1886, and similar robust platforms. They are not recommended for vintage or replica trapdoor Springfield rifles, older Winchester Model 1886 variants, or any rifle that has not been confirmed by a gunsmith to handle higher-pressure loads. The 45-70 Government cartridge has a long history of being loaded to different pressure levels, and not all rifles chambered for it are built to the same standard. When in doubt, consult the rifle manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith before using any heavy or +P-equivalent load.
How does the Barnes TSX flat-nose compare to the Barnes TTSX or LRX for this application?
The TSX Flat Nose is specifically configured for safe use in tubular-magazine lever-action rifles, where pointed bullets are a safety hazard. The TTSX (Tipped Triple-Shock X) and LRX (Long Range X) feature polymer tips and a boat-tail design optimized for higher-velocity cartridges and longer ranges — those configurations are not appropriate for tubular magazines and would not be suitable in this role. For the 45-70 in a lever-gun, the flat-nose TSX is the correct Barnes variant, and its terminal performance on game is functionally equivalent to the tipped versions at the moderate velocities and shorter ranges typical of lever-gun hunting.
What animals is this load appropriate for, and at what distances?
The 350 grain TSX at Buffalo Bore velocities carries enough energy and delivers sufficient penetration for ethical harvests on deer, black bear, feral hog, elk, and even moose at ranges inside 175 yards. For large or dangerous game — grizzly bear, brown bear, bison — the all-copper construction and weight retention are genuine advantages, though some hunters and guides prefer heavier hard-cast loads for maximum bone-breaking penetration on dangerous game at close range. Beyond 200 yards, the trajectory drop requires precise range estimation and careful holdover, which makes this a practical medium-range hunting load rather than a long-range option.
Why does this load cost significantly more than standard 45-70 factory ammunition?
Three factors drive the price premium. First, the Barnes TSX is an all-copper bullet manufactured to tight tolerances, and raw copper costs more than the lead and copper-cup construction used in standard jacketed bullets. Second, Buffalo Bore is a specialty manufacturer producing small-batch, high-pressure loads rather than a high-volume producer, and that production model carries higher per-unit costs. Third, the lead-free designation commands a market premium because it opens access to restricted hunting zones where standard ammunition cannot be used legally. Hunters who do not hunt in lead-free zones and are not concerned about copper-only regulations will find comparable terminal performance at significantly lower cost from lead-core premium loads in the same caliber.
