Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Underwood 45-70 Government 430 grain flat nose is a hard cast hunting load engineered for maximum penetration on large game. Chambered in the classic 45-70 Government cartridge, this 430-grain projectile exits the muzzle at 1550 feet per second, generating 2294 foot-pounds of energy. The flat nose profile maintains forward orientation through hide, bone, and dense tissue, delivering consistent terminal performance on hogs, black bear, and other heavy-bodied animals at woods distances.
Load Profile
Underwood builds this cartridge around a hard cast bullet treated with Black Cherry polymer coating — a thermally stable compound that prevents lead-to-bore contact and eliminates lead fouling at high velocities. The coating withstands pressure spikes common in strong lever-action rifles and resists chemical degradation from moisture and foreign materials. Nickel-plated brass casings enhance feeding reliability in tubular magazines and protect against corrosion during field carry. Boxer primers and reloadable brass allow handloaders to tailor this cartridge to specific rifles and hunting conditions.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45-70 Government |
| Bullet weight | 430 grains |
| Bullet type | Flat nose hard cast, Black Cherry coating |
| Muzzle velocity | 1550 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2294 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel-plated brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Velocity rating | Supersonic |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Underwood Ammunition |
Flash-suppressed powder preserves low-light vision when shooting at dawn or dusk. This ammunition is field-tested in production firearms under hunting conditions. Browse more options in our 45-70 ammo selection.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Follow the four rules of firearm safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you do not intend to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify ammunition compatibility with your rifle’s chamber specifications and action strength before firing — consult your firearm’s manual or a qualified gunsmith if uncertain.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — wash hands after handling and avoid eating or smoking during range sessions.
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