Buffalo Bore 45-70 Gov 350 gr SJFP Lever Gun Ammunition: Unmatched Power for Discerning Shooters

For serious shooters and hunters seeking uncompromising power and performance from their 45-70 Government firearms, Buffalo Bore Ammunition's 8C/20 Lever Gun series with its 350-grain Semi-Jacketed Flat Point (SJFP) bullet stands as a definitive choice. This specialized ammunition is engineered to unlock the full potential of robust, modern 45-70 platforms, delivering exceptional stopping power and precision that far surpasses standard factory loads. If you're wondering, "What is the most powerful 45-70 ammunition for hunting?" or "Which 45-70 rounds are safe for modern lever guns?", this detailed guide provides the answers you need.

Understanding the 45-70 Government Cartridge: A Legacy of Power

The .45-70 Government, often simply called "45-70 Gov," is a classic American rifle cartridge designed in 1873 for use in the U.S. Army's Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle. Originally conceived as a black powder cartridge, its large bore and heavy bullet earned it a reputation as a powerful big-game cartridge, capable of taking down North American large game like bison and bear.

Over the decades, the 45-70 has seen various iterations and adaptations. With the advent of smokeless powder and stronger modern firearms, its potential for increased power became evident. However, the diverse range of 45-70 firearms, from antique trapdoors to cutting-edge lever actions and single shots, means that not all 45-70 ammunition is safe for all rifles. This critical distinction is precisely where Buffalo Bore Ammunition excels, offering specialized loads like the 350 gr SJFP Lever Gun series that maximize performance while clearly defining safety parameters.

The appeal of the 45-70 lies in its impressive terminal ballistics at moderate ranges. Its heavy bullets deliver tremendous energy transfer, making it a favorite for hunting large animals in dense cover where long-range shots are uncommon. For those who appreciate traditional calibers updated with modern performance, the 45-70 Government, especially in Buffalo Bore's powerful configurations, offers a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge capability.

The Buffalo Bore Ammunition Philosophy: Engineering Extreme Performance

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has built its reputation on a commitment to producing the most powerful, consistent, and reliable ammunition available for various calibers, and their 45-70 Gov line is a prime example. Unlike many manufacturers who load to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) specifications for the weakest firearms, Buffalo Bore designs their ammunition to push the envelope, safely maximizing velocities and energies in appropriate, modern firearms.

The 8C/20 Lever Gun 45-70 Gov 350 gr SJFP load embodies this philosophy. While externally identical to standard 45-70 cartridges, the internal powder charge and pressure generated are significantly higher. This meticulous engineering results in a muzzle velocity of 2150 feet per second (fps) and a formidable muzzle energy of 3591 foot-pounds (ft lbs). These figures represent a substantial increase over conventional 45-70 loads, translating directly to enhanced knockdown power and flatter trajectories within practical hunting ranges.

Buffalo Bore's "Strictly Business" series, to which this Lever Gun ammunition belongs, signifies a no-compromise approach to performance. It's ammunition designed for serious applications where reliability and maximum effectiveness are paramount. Every round is crafted with precision, using high-quality brass casings and carefully selected components to ensure uniformity and consistent ballistic performance shot after shot. This dedication to quality control ensures that when you choose Buffalo Bore, you're choosing ammunition you can depend on in critical situations, whether on the range or in the field.

Unpacking the 350 gr Semi-Jacketed Flat Point (SJFP) Bullet

The choice of a 350-grain Semi-Jacketed Flat Point (SJFP) bullet for this specific 45-70 Government load is highly deliberate and optimized for its intended use, particularly in lever-action rifles.

• Semi-Jacketed (SJ): A semi-jacketed bullet features a lead core partially covered by a copper or gilding metal jacket. This design offers a balance between controlled expansion and deep penetration. The exposed lead tip facilitates initial expansion upon impact, while the jacket provides structural integrity, preventing over-expansion and ensuring the bullet drives deep into the target. This makes it highly effective for transferring kinetic energy to game animals.
• Flat Point (FP): The flat nose profile is crucial for ammunition used in tubular magazines, which are common in lever-action rifles like the Marlin 1895. In a tubular magazine, cartridges are stacked nose-to-primer. A pointed (spitzer) bullet could potentially detonate the primer of the cartridge in front of it under recoil, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction. A flat point eliminates this risk, ensuring safe feeding and operation in these classic firearms.
• 350-Grain Weight: A 350-grain bullet for the 45-70 Gov is an excellent balance of weight and velocity for a wide range of applications. It's heavy enough to deliver significant impact energy and maintain momentum through tough hide and bone, yet lighter than some of the extremely heavy 400-500 grain options, allowing for higher velocities. This balance contributes to a flatter trajectory compared to heavier bullets, extending its effective range while still providing tremendous terminal performance for hunting medium to large game, including various species of deer, elk, moose, and even brown bear or dangerous hogs.

The combination of the SJFP design and the 350-grain weight results in a bullet that is both safe for tubular magazines and devastatingly effective upon impact. This round is designed to deliver maximum energy transfer to the target, creating large wound channels and ensuring quick, ethical takedowns when placed accurately.

Safety First: Compatible Firearms for Buffalo Bore's High-Pressure 45-70 Loads

Due to the significantly higher power and pressure generated by Buffalo Bore's 45-70 Gov 350 gr SJFP ammunition, it is critically important to understand and adhere to the manufacturer's strict safety guidelines regarding compatible firearms. This ammunition is NOT safe for all 45-70 firearms. Its use must be limited exclusively to modern, robust actions capable of safely containing these higher pressures.

Which firearms can safely handle Buffalo Bore's high-pressure 45-70 Lever Gun ammunition?

The following firearms are specifically approved for use with this powerful Buffalo Bore load:

• All Marlin 1895 Iterations (Made Since 1972): Modern Marlin 1895 lever-action rifles are built on a strengthened Model 336 action and chambered in 45-70. These rifles, manufactured from 1972 onwards, are designed to withstand modern smokeless powder pressures and are excellent platforms for Buffalo Bore's enhanced loads. They are widely regarded as reliable and robust lever guns for serious hunting.
• All Browning 1885 and 1886 Copies: The Browning 1885 (a reproduction of the Winchester 1885 Falling Block rifle) and 1886 (a modern take on the Winchester Model 1886 lever action) are built with strong, modern steel and robust actions capable of handling the increased pressure of Buffalo Bore ammunition. These firearms are known for their quality construction and durability.
• Rossi Rio Grande: This lever-action rifle, while often considered an entry-level option, is designed with a strong enough action to safely chamber and fire these more powerful 45-70 loads. Always verify your specific model's compatibility.
• New England Arms (NEA) Handi Rifle: The Handi Rifle is a single-shot, break-action rifle known for its simple yet incredibly strong design. Its robust locking mechanism makes it perfectly capable of handling Buffalo Bore's high-pressure 45-70 ammunition.
• T/C Encore (Thompson/Center Encore): The T/C Encore is a highly versatile and incredibly strong single-shot, break-action platform. Its unique interchangeable barrel system and robust frame make it an ideal choice for chambering powerful cartridges like the 45-70 Gov, and it is fully compatible with Buffalo Bore's enhanced loads.
• ALL Falling Block Actions Made of Modern Steel: This category includes some of the strongest single-shot rifle designs. Specific examples known for their robust construction and compatibility include:
  • Ruger No. 1 and No. 3: These iconic single-shot rifles, built with extremely strong falling block actions and modern steel, are renowned for their ability to handle high-pressure cartridges.
  • Shiloh Sharps: Modern reproductions of the classic Sharps rifle, built by companies like Shiloh, use contemporary steel and manufacturing techniques, making them safe for these potent loads.
  • Christian Sharps and Persoli Sharps: Similar to Shiloh, these are also modern, high-quality reproductions of the Sharps rifle, designed for safe use with modern ammunition.
• All Winchester 1886 Iterations (Made Since 1915): Similar to the Marlin 1895, modern Winchester 1886 rifles, or those produced after the widespread adoption of smokeless powder and improved steel alloys, possess the necessary strength to safely operate with Buffalo Bore's enhanced 45-70 ammunition.
• All Siamese Mauser Bolt Actions: While less common, certain Mauser bolt actions that were converted to 45-70 (often referred to as Siamese Mausers due to their historical use) are exceptionally strong due to their original design for high-pressure military cartridges. These bolt-action rifles, when properly converted and in good condition, are well-suited for high-performance 45-70 loads.

It is absolutely crucial to double-check your firearm's specific capabilities and consult its manufacturer's recommendations before using any high-pressure ammunition. Using Buffalo Bore 45-70 loads in an incompatible firearm can lead to severe damage to the firearm and serious injury to the shooter.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

While the provided data indicates "Target Shooting" as an application, the immense power of Buffalo Bore's 45-70 Gov 350 gr SJFP ammunition truly shines in demanding field conditions. Its formidable energy output and robust bullet construction make it ideal for:

• Big Game Hunting: This ammunition is perfectly suited for hunting a wide array of large game animals. The 350-grain SJFP delivers incredible kinetic energy, making it an excellent choice for species such as:
  • North American Big Game: Elk, moose, large black bears, brown bears (coastal grizzlies), bison, and wild boar. The heavy, non-expanding nature of the SJFP combined with its flat point ensures deep penetration, vital for reaching the vitals of large, heavily muscled animals.
  • African Plains Game (where legal and appropriate for the caliber): For certain species, the 45-70 with this powerful load can be effective at closer ranges.
• Brush Hunting and Short-to-Medium Range Engagement: The 45-70 is legendary for its effectiveness in dense brush. Its heavy, hard-hitting bullets penetrate foliage better than lighter, faster rounds, and the Buffalo Bore load's terminal performance ensures definitive results on impact, even at closer ranges typical of brush hunting.
• Backup/Bear Defense: For those venturing into bear country, particularly in areas with large brown or grizzly bears, a powerful, fast-handling lever action loaded with Buffalo Bore 45-70 can provide a reliable last line of defense. The immense knockdown power and rapid follow-up shots of a lever gun make it a preferred choice for many experienced outdoorsmen.
• Precision Target Shooting: While primarily designed for field use, the consistent quality and power of this ammunition also make it suitable for target practice. Shooters can refine their skills with a load that mirrors the real-world performance they'll encounter when hunting, understanding recoil management and sight adjustments for such a potent cartridge.

Choosing this ammunition means selecting a round that offers significant advantages:

• Superior Knockdown Power: The combination of bullet weight, velocity, and energy ensures maximum impact on the target.
• Deep Penetration: The SJFP bullet design provides excellent penetration, crucial for ethically taking large animals.
• Reliable Performance: Buffalo Bore's rigorous quality control means consistent velocities and reliable feeding.
• Optimized for Lever Actions: The flat point bullet ensures safe and smooth operation in tubular magazines.

Why Choose Buffalo Bore 45-70 Gov 350 gr SJFP Lever Gun Ammunition?

For the discerning individual who demands the utmost from their 45-70 Government firearm, Buffalo Bore Ammunition's 8C/20 Lever Gun 350 gr SJFP offers an unparalleled combination of power, precision, and safety (when used in approved firearms). It addresses the core need for ammunition that can transform a robust 45-70 into a truly formidable tool for serious hunting or personal defense in the wild.

This ammunition is not just "hotter" than standard loads; it's meticulously engineered for a specific purpose: to provide definitive terminal performance. When hunting dangerous game or large, resilient animals, the ability to deliver a decisive blow is paramount. The 2150 fps muzzle velocity and 3591 ft lbs of energy ensure that this 350-grain SJFP bullet does precisely that, delivering deep penetration and massive energy transfer.

Investing in Buffalo Bore ammunition means you're trusting a brand known for pushing the boundaries of cartridge performance while upholding strict safety standards. For those who own modern Marlin 1895s, Ruger No. 1s, T/C Encores, or other approved strong-action 45-70 rifles, this 350-grain SJFP load unlocks a level of capability that few other factory loads can match. It's the choice for those who don't compromise on power or reliability in their pursuit of excellence.

Find your Buffalo Bore 45-70 Lever Gun ammunition, including the powerful 350 gr SJFP rounds, at DEGuns.com, your trusted source for premium firearms and accessories. DEGuns.com offers a wide selection of high-quality ammunition to meet the demands of serious shooters and hunters.

Product Specifications & Key Details

Feature	Detail
Brand	Buffalo Bore Ammunition
Model	Lever Gun
Caliber	45-70 Gov
Bullet Type	Semi-Jacketed Flat Point (SJFP)
Bullet Weight	350 grains
Muzzle Velocity	2150 fps
Muzzle Energy	3591 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	12
Casing Material	Brass
UPC	651815008035