Ammo Reports Team
| Official Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Federal |
| Cartridge | 45-70 Government |
| Product Line | Fusion |
| Bullet Name / Bullet Type | Fusion Bonded Soft Point |
| Bullet Weight | 300 gr |
| SKU / Part Number / Item Number | F4570FS1 |
| UPC | 029465060398 |
| Rounds per Box | 20 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,850 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 2,280 ft-lb |
| Ballistic Coefficient G1 | 0.290 |
| Ballistic Coefficient G7 | Not found |
| Case Material | Not found |
| Primer | Not found |
| Reloadable | Not found |
| Test Barrel Length | Not found |
| Zero Distance | 100 yd |
| Sight Height | 1.5 in |
| Intended Use | Deer hunting |
| Product Status | Current manufacturer listing |
| Closest Competitors | Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 325 gr FTX; Winchester Super-X 45-70 Government 300 gr JHP; Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Government 405 gr SP (29473, Reduced Pressure); Buffalo Bore Heavy 45-70 300 gr JFN; Underwood 45-70 300 gr Bonded JHP; HSM Bear Load 45-70 Government 430 gr RNFP Gas Check |
Data is based on official manufacturer sources. Found an error? Send us the source link.
Ballistics Table – 100-Yard Zero
Calculated reference – not manufacturer data. G1 point-mass reference using BC 0.290, 1,850 fps muzzle velocity, 300 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1,850 | 2,280 | -1.5 |
| 25 | 1,787 | 2,127 | +0.1 |
| 50 | 1,725 | 1,983 | +0.7 |
| 75 | 1,665 | 1,847 | +0.5 |
| 100 | 1,607 | 1,720 | 0.0 |
| 125 | 1,550 | 1,601 | -1.5 |
| 150 | 1,496 | 1,491 | -4.1 |
| 175 | 1,444 | 1,389 | -7.6 |
| 200 | 1,394 | 1,294 | -12.1 |
| 225 | 1,346 | 1,207 | -17.7 |
| 250 | 1,301 | 1,127 | -24.5 |
| 275 | 1,258 | 1,055 | -32.6 |
| 300 | 1,218 | 989 | -42.1 |
Key takeaway: This table is a trajectory reference under the stated conditions, not a terminal-performance test or a recommended maximum hunting range.
The Federal Fusion Bonded Bullet
Federal Fusion was the first ammunition line engineered specifically around the requirements of deer hunting, and the construction method behind it distinguishes this load from generic cup-and-core designs. The copper jacket is molecularly bonded to the lead core — a process that creates a chemical-level bond rather than a simple mechanical crimp or fold. This bonding mechanism is what separates bonded soft point bullets from standard jacketed soft points, and it has a direct effect on terminal performance.
When a standard jacketed bullet expands rapidly, the jacket and core can separate, reducing the mass available to penetrate tissue and transfer energy. A molecularly bonded bullet resists this separation even at the high impact velocities that occur at close range. The result is controlled, progressive expansion combined with high weight retention — Federal claims this construction retains the majority of the bullet’s original 300 grains through the target. The pressure-formed core also contributes to a uniform density profile that supports consistent expansion across a range of impact velocities, which matters when shots vary from 30 yards to 150 yards in typical deer hunting scenarios.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Whitetail deer hunting at ranges up to 150–200 yards in wooded or brushy terrain
- Hunters using lever-action rifles where the 45-70 is the chambering of choice
- Situations requiring deep penetration through the shoulder of larger deer or hogs
- Hunters who prioritize weight retention and controlled expansion over flat trajectory
- Black bear hunting in jurisdictions where 45-70 is a legal and practical choice
Not the right tool for:
- Long-range shooting beyond 200 yards, where bullet drop becomes difficult to manage reliably
- Elk or moose hunting where heavier 400+ grain bullets offer a penetration advantage
- Target shooting or plinking, where the premium per-round cost is prohibitive
- Rifles with tubular magazines loaded with pointed bullets — though this load uses a soft point tip, always confirm seating safety with your specific firearm
- Jurisdictions with lead-free requirements, as this is a lead-core bullet
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.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Muzzle Velocity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady LEVERevolution 45-70 325 gr FTX | 325 gr | Flex Tip eXpanding | Not verified | Not verified | Polymer tip; safe for tubular magazines; flatter trajectory |
| Winchester Super-X 45-70 Government 300 gr JHP | 300 gr | Jacketed Hollow Point | Not verified | 1,880 fps | Budget alternative; non-bonded; less weight retention expected |
| Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Government 405 gr SP (29473, Reduced Pressure) | 405 gr | Core-Lokt Soft Point | 0.281 | 1,330 fps | Core-Lokt – Reduced Pressure; exact product and conditions are documented on its linked page. |
| Buffalo Bore Heavy 45-70 300 gr JFN | 300 gr | Jacketed Flat Nose | Not verified | Not verified | Premium; significantly higher velocity; not suitable for all rifles |
| Underwood 45-70 300 gr Bonded JHP | 300 gr | Bonded Jacketed HP | Not verified | Not verified | Premium; bonded construction comparable to Fusion; higher velocity |
| HSM Bear Load 45-70 Government 430 gr RNFP Gas Check | 430 gr | Hard-cast Round Nose Flat Point, gas check | 0.230 | 1,801 fps | Heavy hard-cast; designed for bear defense, not expansion |
FAQ
Does the bonded construction in the Federal Fusion 300 gr actually make a difference compared to standard jacketed soft points?
Federal states that Fusion has an electrochemically bonded copper jacket and a lead core. Bonding is intended to resist core/jacket separation; the source does not establish a universal measured advantage for every animal or impact condition.
How does this load compare to the Hornady LEVERevolution 325 gr FTX for deer hunting?
Federal publishes G1 BC 0.290 for this 300 gr Fusion load. Hornady lists 0.230 for its separate 325 gr FTX, so the claim that the FTX has a higher BC was incorrect. A higher starting velocity can still affect the complete trajectory comparison.
Is this load safe to use in older or vintage 45-70 rifles chambered for lower-pressure loads?
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.
Will this load expand reliably at the lower impact velocities seen at 150–200 yards?
Federal publishes 1,401 fps at 200 yards for this load. A verified SKU-specific expansion threshold was not found, so retained velocity alone is not proof of reliable expansion at that distance.
Is the Federal Fusion 300 gr 45-70 suitable for hog hunting?
Federal identifies this as big-game hunting ammunition with a bonded lead-core soft point. 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.
