Grizzly Cartridge Co. Big Bore Hunting, .45-70 Gov’t, RNFP, 405 Grain
Ammo Reports Team
| Official Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Grizzly Cartridge |
| Cartridge | 45-70 Government |
| Product Line | Cowboy |
| Bullet Name / Bullet Type | Round Nose Flat Point |
| Bullet Weight | 405 gr |
| SKU / Part Number / Item Number | GC45/701 |
| UPC | Not found |
| Rounds per Box | 20 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,000 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 899 ft-lb |
| 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 |
| Zero Distance | 100 yd (requested reference; full trajectory unavailable without a manufacturer BC) |
| Sight Height | Not found |
| Intended Use | Cowboy target shooting; deer and elk hunting |
| Product Status | Current manufacturer listing |
| Closest Competitors | Buffalo Bore Heavy .45-70 405 gr RNFP; Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 325 gr FTX; Federal HammerDown 45-70 Government 300 gr Bonded SP; Winchester Super-X 45-70 Government 300 gr JHP; Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Government 405 gr SP, R4570G / 29473; 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
Official muzzle data only. The manufacturer does not publish a SKU-specific ballistic coefficient or downrange table. To avoid guessing, the requested 25-yard rows through 300 yards are shown as Not calculated. The 100-yard zero is identified, but no trajectory is fabricated. No wind column is shown.
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1,000 | 899 | Not calculated |
| 25 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 50 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 75 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 100 | Not calculated | Not calculated | 0.0 (zero) |
| 125 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 150 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 175 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 200 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 225 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 250 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 275 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
| 300 | Not calculated | Not calculated | Not calculated |
Key takeaway: This table is a trajectory reference under the stated conditions, not a terminal-performance test or a recommended maximum hunting range.
The .45-70 Gov’t and the 405-Grain Standard
The identified product is Grizzly 45-70 Government 405 gr RNFP Cowboy, GC45/701. The manufacturer lists 1,000 fps and 899 ft-lbs. It is distinct from Grizzly +P loads. The previous 1,330 fps estimate did not describe this product.
RNFP describes the round nose and flat point. Grizzly identifies this as its Cowboy load; a specific alloy hardness, guaranteed expansion behavior or universal feeding claim was not verified.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Cowboy target shooting and the deer/elk applications listed by Grizzly; no universal hunting range is established
- Lever-action rifles chambered for standard .45-70 pressure loads (Marlin 1895, Henry H010, Winchester 1886 replicas)
- Hunting environments where tubular magazine compatibility is required and pointed bullets are not permitted
- Hunters who prioritize deep penetration over rapid expansion, particularly in thick-skinned or heavy-boned game
- Cowboy target shooting with the correctly identified GC45/701 load
Not the right tool for:
- Open-country shots beyond 200 yards where trajectory compensation becomes impractical
- Rifles rated only for trapdoor Springfield pressure levels — always confirm your action’s rated pressure before using any commercial load
- Hunters requiring lead-free projectiles due to state or federal regulations (California condor zones, national wildlife refuges with lead restrictions)
- Situations demanding rapid fragmentation or polymer-tipped expansion at low impact velocities
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
The identified product is Grizzly 45-70 Government 405 gr RNFP Cowboy, GC45/701. The manufacturer lists 1,000 fps and 899 ft-lbs. It is distinct from Grizzly +P loads. The previous 1,330 fps estimate did not describe this product. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bore Heavy .45-70 405 gr RNFP | 405 gr | Hard Cast RNFP | Not verified | Not verified | Exact factory item and these comparison figures were not verified in this audit. |
| Hornady LEVERevolution .45-70 325 gr FTX | 325 gr | FTX (Flex Tip) | Not verified | Not verified | Exact factory item and these comparison figures were not verified in this audit. |
| Federal HammerDown 45-70 Government 300 gr Bonded SP | 300 gr | Bonded soft point | 0.290 | 1,850 fps | Exact published load; compare its own manufacturer conditions. |
| Winchester Super-X 45-70 Government 300 gr JHP | 300 gr | Jacketed hollow point | Not verified | 1,880 fps (web listing; catalog differs) | Exact published load; compare its own manufacturer conditions. Winchester web and 2026 catalog figures differ. |
| Remington Core-Lokt 45-70 Government 405 gr SP, R4570G / 29473 | 405 gr | Core-Lokt soft point | 0.281 | 1,330 fps | Exact published load; compare its own manufacturer conditions. |
| 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. |
FAQ
Does the 405 grain RNFP bullet expand on impact, or does it rely purely on mass and diameter for terminal effect?
Grizzly identifies a 405 gr RNFP Cowboy load. No controlled-expansion specification or matched terminal test was verified for GC45/701.
Is this load safe to use in a Marlin 1895 or Henry H010?
GC45/701 is the 1,000 fps Cowboy load, distinct from Grizzly +P ammunition. The cartridge name alone does not establish firearm compatibility. Follow the instructions for the exact ammunition and firearm. Low velocity is not proof of low chamber pressure; obtain explicit approval for antique or reproduction actions.
How does this load compare to the Buffalo Bore 405 gr RNFP in practical hunting terms?
The exact Buffalo Bore 405 gr RNFP item named in the earlier comparison was not verified. Do not infer equivalent construction, pressure or compatibility from bullet weight alone.
What muzzle velocity and energy does Grizzly Cartridge publish for this load?
Grizzly publishes 1,000 fps and 899 ft-lbs for GC45/701. The earlier 1,300-1,350 fps estimate was not a specification for this product. Official BC and downrange values were not verified.
Is this load legal for hunting in states with lead-free ammunition requirements?
This is a lead-bearing projectile, not a lead-free alternative. Check the applicable current hunting rules and approved-ammunition requirements.
