Ammo Reports Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Big game hunting (deer, bear, elk, hogs) |
| Bullet Type | Barnes TSX (Triple-Shock X) Flat Nose, all-copper lead-free |
| Bullet Weight | 300 grains |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer (assumed standard for caliber; not explicitly stated) |
| 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, Underwood Ammo 45-70 300gr Barnes TSX |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Not published | — |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Not published | — |
| Bullet Weight | 300 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | Barnes TSX Flat Nose, all-copper | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | Not published | — |
| BC G7 | Not published | — |
| Manufacturer SKU | Not published | — |
| UPC | Not published | — |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note on missing velocity and energy: Buffalo Bore does not consistently publish ballistic data for all 45-70 loads on their product pages. No verified muzzle velocity or muzzle energy figure was available from the manufacturer or a named secondary source at time of writing. All ballistic table values below are calculated estimates based on published performance data for the Barnes 300gr TSX flat nose bullet in 45-70 from comparable loads. These estimates assume a 24-inch barrel. Community-submitted chronograph data will be incorporated when available.
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: ~1900 fps (based on comparable 300gr Barnes TSX loads in 45-70 from 24″ barrel). Sight height: 1.5″ above bore. Zero: 100 yards.
| Yards | ~Velocity (fps) | ~Energy (ft-lbs) | ~Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~1900 | ~2405 | -1.5 |
| 50 | ~1790 | ~2133 | +1.2 |
| 100 | ~1685 | ~1890 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 150 | ~1585 | ~1673 | -3.8 |
| 200 | ~1492 | ~1482 | -11.0 |
| 250 | ~1405 | ~1313 | -22.8 |
| 300 | ~1325 | ~1168 | -40.0 |
Key takeaway: The 45-70 Government is a relatively short-range cartridge by modern rifle standards, and these numbers reflect that reality. At 100 yards the load carries substantial energy — well above the 1,000 ft-lbs threshold commonly cited for large deer-class game — and retains meaningful terminal authority out to 200 yards. Beyond 200 yards, trajectory drop accelerates quickly, which means holdover discipline becomes critical. This load is best treated as a 150–175 yard maximum hunting cartridge in practical field conditions, particularly from lever-action rifles with open sights.
The Barnes TSX Flat Nose Bullet in 45-70
The Barnes TSX (Triple-Shock X) is an all-copper, lead-free expanding bullet. The flat nose profile is specific to this 45-70 application and is a deliberate design choice for safe use in tubular magazines, where pointed bullets seated against a primer can cause chain ignition under recoil. Unlike Barnes’ polymer-tipped TTSX variant, the flat nose TSX relies on a hollow cavity at the tip to initiate expansion on impact.
Upon impact, the TSX’s petals peel back and lock open, creating a large, consistent expanded diameter — typically 1.5 to 2 times the original caliber. Because the bullet is monolithic copper, it retains virtually all of its original weight (typically 95–99% weight retention), driving deep into tissue and bone. This makes it particularly effective on heavily built game such as black bear, wild boar, and elk at appropriate distances.
The lead-free construction also makes this load compliant with hunting regulations in California and other jurisdictions that mandate non-toxic projectiles on public lands. Hunters in states with expanding lead-free requirements should verify current local regulations, as rules vary by zone and species.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- White-tailed deer, mule deer, and black bear hunting at ranges inside 175 yards
- Hunting in California or other lead-free zones where copper projectiles are required
- Lever-action rifles with tubular magazines where flat-nose bullet seating is mandatory
- Wild boar and hogs where deep penetration through heavy shoulder bone is a priority
- Jurisdictions with non-toxic ammunition requirements on public land
- Hunters who want high weight retention and consistent expansion without lead core separation
Not the right tool for:
- Long-range shooting beyond 200 yards — trajectory drop makes precision difficult
- Varmint or small game hunting — the 300gr TSX is over-built and destructive for small animals
- Shooters looking for budget practice ammunition — at $4.52/round, this is a hunting-specific load
- Rifles with tight or fouled bores — all-copper bullets can increase pressure in marginal chambers; confirm your rifle’s suitability
- Target shooting or high-volume plinking — cost and recoil make this impractical for range sessions
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 pressure specifications for the 45-70 Government, and this load is marketed toward lever-action rifles chambered for modern Marlin 1895 or equivalent strong-action platforms. The company explicitly cautions against using their heavy 45-70 loads in older Trapdoor Springfield or early Winchester 1886 rifles not rated for higher pressures — this is a critical safety point specific to the 45-70 platform.
The Barnes TSX bullet has a strong open-source reputation for consistent petal expansion across a wide range of impact velocities, which is relevant given that 45-70 velocities from shorter carbine-length barrels can fall meaningfully below 24-inch rifle figures. No recall notices or lot-specific reliability issues were identified at time of writing. All notes above are derived from manufacturer claims and open-source user reporting, not structured chronograph or terminal testing data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 | 325 gr | FTX (flex-tip) | ~0.230 | 2050 fps | ~$42–$50 | Budget alternative; lead-core, not lead-free |
| Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 45-70 | 300 gr | Trophy Bonded Bear Claw | Not published | ~1850 fps | ~$65–$75 | Premium bonded-core; contains lead |
| Underwood Ammo 45-70 Barnes TSX | 300 gr | Barnes TSX Flat Nose | Not published | ~1900 fps | ~$75–$85 | Uses same Barnes TSX bullet; lead-free |
| HSM Bear Load 45-70 | 430 gr | Wide Flat Nose Gas Check | Not published | ~1550 fps | ~$55–$65 | Budget alternative; heavy cast lead, not lead-free |
| Doubletap 45-70 Barnes TSX | 300 gr | Barnes TSX Flat Nose | Not published | ~1880 fps | ~$70–$80 | Uses same bullet as Buffalo Bore; lead-free |
| Winchester Expedition Big Game 45-70 | 300 gr | Nosler AccuBond | ~0.270 | ~1880 fps | ~$70–$80 | Premium bonded-core; contains lead; better BC |
Competitor velocity and price data sourced from publicly available product pages and may vary by retailer and barrel length. Verify current data before purchasing.
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $85–$95 per box of 20
- Per-round cost: approximately $4.25–$4.75
- Case pricing: Not commonly available in bulk case configurations for this load
- By comparison, Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 runs approximately $2.10–$2.50/round — roughly half the cost, though it is not lead-free and uses a different bullet design
- Underwood and Doubletap loads using the same Barnes TSX bullet typically price $3.75–$4.25/round, making Buffalo Bore slightly premium among same-bullet competitors
- Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claw in 45-70 runs approximately $3.25–$3.75/round — lower cost, but a lead-core design
- A price above $100/box for this load should be considered overpriced unless supply constraints are evident; prices at or below $90 represent fair market value for a lead-free Barnes TSX load in this caliber
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Buffalo Bore Ammo 45-70 Gov 300 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 safe to use in an original Trapdoor Springfield 45-70?
No — and this is a critical safety point specific to the 45-70 Government platform. The 45-70 has been chambered in rifles spanning well over a century, and pressure ratings vary enormously between actions. Buffalo Bore explicitly states that their heavy 45-70 loads are intended for modern strong-action rifles such as the Marlin 1895 and equivalent platforms. Original Trapdoor Springfield and early single-shot designs are rated for much lower pressures. Using high-pressure 45-70 loads in these rifles risks catastrophic failure. Always verify your rifle’s pressure rating before selecting ammunition.
Why choose the Barnes TSX flat nose over a bonded lead-core bullet like the Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claw?
The primary reasons are lead-free compliance and terminal performance characteristics. The Barnes TSX retains 95–99% of its weight on impact due to its monolithic copper construction, whereas bonded-core bullets — even well-designed ones — typically retain 85–95%. For hunters in California or other lead-restricted zones, the TSX is a legal requirement. For bear and boar hunters prioritizing deep straight-line penetration through heavy bone and muscle, the TSX’s locked-petal design offers reliable performance. The trade-off is higher cost and, in some rifles, slightly increased bore fouling compared to jacketed lead-core designs.
How does this load compare to the Underwood 45-70 300gr Barnes TSX, which uses the same bullet?
Both loads use the same Barnes TSX flat nose projectile at the same weight, and advertised velocities are comparable. The primary differences are brand reputation, pricing, and load tuning. Buffalo Bore has a long track record in the heavy lever-gun market and is known for pushing loads to the upper end of SAAMI-plus specifications. Underwood similarly loads aggressively. At time of writing, Underwood typically prices slightly below Buffalo Bore for this specific configuration, making it a meaningful comparison point for cost-conscious buyers who want the same bullet.
Will the flat nose design cause feeding issues in bolt-action or single-shot 45-70 rifles?
The flat nose profile is primarily a tubular magazine safety feature and does not inherently cause feeding issues in bolt-action or single-shot platforms. However, flat-nose bullets can occasionally present challenges in box-magazine bolt guns with tight feed ramps designed around pointed projectiles. In single-shot actions (Ruger No. 1, H&R Handi-Rifle), feeding is manual and the nose profile is irrelevant. Shooters using this load in non-lever platforms should confirm smooth chambering with a dummy round before hunting season.
Is the 300-grain TSX adequate for elk, or should hunters use a heavier bullet?
The 300-grain Barnes TSX is a capable elk bullet within the practical range limitations of the 45-70 platform. The combination of high weight retention, controlled expansion, and the cartridge’s inherently large bore diameter produces wound channels that are effective on elk-sized game inside 150 yards. Some experienced elk hunters prefer heavier bullets (350–405 grains) for additional momentum on large bulls at steep angles, but the TSX’s construction compensates substantially for the weight difference through superior penetration. Shot placement and range discipline remain more important than the weight difference between 300gr and heavier alternatives in this caliber.
