Ammo Reports Team
| Official Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Buffalo Bore |
| Cartridge | 45-70 Government |
| Product Line | Heavy 45-70 +P |
| Bullet Name / Bullet Type | Barnes TSX Flat Nose, all copper |
| Bullet Weight | 300 gr |
| SKU / Part Number / Item Number | 8F/20 |
| UPC | Not found |
| Rounds per Box | 20 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,350 fps advertised |
| Muzzle Energy | Not found |
| Ballistic Coefficient G1 | Not found |
| Ballistic Coefficient G7 | Not found |
| Case Material | Not found |
| Primer | Not found |
| Reloadable | Not found |
| Test Barrel Length | Not found for advertised velocity |
| Zero Distance | 100 yd (manufacturer trajectory reference) |
| Sight Height | Not found |
| Intended Use | Big-game hunting – deer, elk, bear and hog |
| Product Status | Current manufacturer listing |
| Closest Competitors | Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70; Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 45-70; Underwood Ammo 45-70 Barnes TSX; HSM Bear Load 45-70 Government 430 gr RNFP Gas Check; Doubletap 45-70 Barnes TSX; Winchester Expedition Big Game 45-70 |
Data is based on official manufacturer sources. Found an error? Send us the source link.
Ballistics Table – 100-Yard Zero
Interpolation reference – the 25-yard rows are not manufacturer-published data. Values use shape-preserving interpolation between Buffalo Bore’s published 50-yard trajectory points for its 2,200 fps reference scenario and 100-yard zero. No wind column is shown.
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,200 | 3,224 | -0.8 |
| 25 | 2,078 | 2,875 | +0.3 |
| 50 | 1,960 | 2,558 | +0.8 |
| 75 | 1,846 | 2,269 | +0.5 |
| 100 | 1,737 | 2,008 | 0.0 |
| 125 | 1,632 | 1,774 | -1.4 |
| 150 | 1,534 | 1,566 | -3.7 |
| 175 | 1,441 | 1,383 | -6.8 |
| 200 | 1,355 | 1,223 | -11.0 |
| 225 | 1,277 | 1,086 | -16.4 |
| 250 | 1,208 | 971 | -23.1 |
| 275 | 1,148 | 877 | -31.4 |
| 300 | 1,097 | 801 | -41.2 |
Key takeaway: This table is a trajectory reference under the stated conditions, not a terminal-performance test or a recommended maximum hunting range.
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.
Barnes describes TSX as an expanding all-copper projectile. The exact expanded diameter and retained-weight percentage depend on test conditions; a universal value for this specific factory load was not verified.
The manufacturer identifies an all-copper, lead-free projectile. That material description alone is not a legal certification; check the current approved-ammunition list and rules for the particular location and season.
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 its premium price, 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.
The 8F/20 product heading advertises 2,350 fps. The same page reports 2,215 fps from a 22-inch Marlin and 2,201 fps from an 18-inch Marlin. Its published trajectory chart is a separate 2,200 fps scenario; its energy values must not be paired with the 2,350 fps heading. No structured, load-specific reliability test is presented here. Component details or general reputation should not be treated as proof of feeding, accuracy or absence of defects.
The 8F/20 product heading advertises 2,350 fps. The same page reports 2,215 fps from a 22-inch Marlin and 2,201 fps from an 18-inch Marlin. Its published trajectory chart is a separate 2,200 fps scenario; its energy values must not be paired with the 2,350 fps heading. No structured, load-specific reliability test is presented here. Component details or general reputation should not be treated as proof of feeding, accuracy or absence of defects.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Advertised Velocity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 | 325 gr | FTX (flex-tip) | Not verified | Not verified | Exact factory item and these comparison figures were not verified in this audit. |
| Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 45-70 | 300 gr | Trophy Bonded Bear Claw | Not verified | Not verified | Exact factory item and these comparison figures were not verified in this audit. |
| Underwood Ammo 45-70 Barnes TSX | 300 gr | Barnes TSX Flat Nose | Not verified | Not verified | Exact factory item and these comparison figures were not verified in this audit. |
| HSM Bear Load 45-70 Government 430 gr RNFP Gas Check | 430 gr | Hard cast RNFP, gas check | 0.230 | 1,801 fps | Exact published load; compare its own manufacturer conditions. |
| Doubletap 45-70 Barnes TSX | 300 gr | Barnes TSX Flat Nose | Not verified | Not verified | Exact factory item and these comparison figures were not verified in this audit. |
| Winchester Expedition Big Game 45-70 | 300 gr | Nosler AccuBond | Not verified | Not verified | Exact factory item and these comparison figures were not verified in this audit. |
Competitor velocity and price data sourced from publicly available product pages and may vary by retailer and barrel length. Verify current data before purchasing.
FAQ
Is this load safe to use in an original Trapdoor Springfield 45-70?
No. Buffalo Bore 8F/20 is a high-pressure +P load with manufacturer restrictions on suitable strong actions. It is not for Trapdoor rifles. Consult the exact approved-firearm instructions.
Why choose the Barnes TSX flat nose over a bonded lead-core bullet like the Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claw?
The TSX is an expanding all-copper projectile; a bonded bullet has a bonded lead core and jacket. No matched weight-retention comparison was verified for these exact loads, and a particular bullet brand is not itself a legal requirement.
How does this load compare to the Underwood 45-70 300gr Barnes TSX, which uses the same bullet?
The exact Underwood item and test conditions were not verified. Buffalo Bore 8F/20 must be compared using its own published figures, including the distinction between its advertised velocity, reported rifle velocities and 2,200 fps chart.
Will the flat nose design cause feeding issues in bolt-action or single-shot 45-70 rifles?
A flat nose does not guarantee feeding or pressure compatibility in every rifle. Follow Buffalo Bore’s restrictions for 8F/20 and the firearm manufacturer’s instructions.
Is the 300-grain TSX adequate for elk, or should hunters use a heavier bullet?
Published velocity and energy do not establish a universal hunting range or guarantee expansion. The ballistic table is not a terminal-performance test or a recommended maximum range. Bullet mass alone cannot establish an advantage over a heavier projectile.
