The Barnes Pioneer 45-70 Government 400 Grain SP ammunition breathes new life into your lever gun, delivering devastating terminal performance rooted in one of America's most legendary cartridges.
- Barnes Original bullet design ensures massive, reliable expansion on impact
- 400-grain soft point optimized for deep penetration and superior weight retention
- Engineered specifically for lever-action rifles and tubular magazines
- Flawless feeding and cycling for fast, confident follow-up shots
- Consistent, accurate loads built to Barnes' exacting quality standards
- 20 rounds per box — ideal for hunting seasons and range zeroing
Who This Is For
This ammunition is purpose-built for hunters and shooters who rely on lever-action rifles chambered in 45-70 Government. Whether you're pursuing black bear, hogs, whitetail, or elk in dense timber where close-range stopping power is everything, the Barnes Pioneer line delivers the knockdown performance this iconic cartridge was born for. It's also an excellent choice for revolvers chambered in 45-70, giving handgun hunters the same terminal reliability in a compact platform.
Specifications
| Brand | Barnes |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Pioneer |
| Caliber | 45-70 Government |
| Bullet Weight | 400 Grain |
| Bullet Type | Soft Point (SP) — Barnes Original |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~1,850 fps (est.) |
| Muzzle Energy | ~3,043 ft-lbs (est.) |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Application | Big Game Hunting |
| Compatible Platforms | Lever-Action Rifles, Revolvers |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this ammunition safe to use in older or vintage 45-70 lever-action rifles?
Barnes Pioneer ammunition is loaded to standard 45-70 Government SAAMI pressure levels, making it appropriate for use in modern lever-action rifles such as the Marlin 1895 and Henry rifles. However, if you own a vintage trapdoor Springfield or other antique firearm, consult your owner's manual or a qualified gunsmith before use, as those platforms may not be rated for modern pressure loads.
How does the Barnes Original soft point bullet perform on big game compared to modern expanding bullets?
The Barnes Original is a time-tested, lead-core soft point design engineered for broad, reliable mushrooming and high weight retention — typically retaining 95% or more of its original mass. This translates to deep, straight-wound channels and consistent energy transfer, making it highly effective on thick-skinned and heavy-boned game like black bear, elk, and wild boar at typical lever-gun ranges of 25–150 yards.
Will this 400-grain load feed reliably from a tubular magazine?
Yes. Barnes Pioneer ammunition is specifically designed with tubular magazine feeding in mind. The soft point profile is carefully shaped to cycle smoothly from magazine to chamber without tip-on-primer contact issues common with some pointed bullet designs. This ensures reliable, safe feeding in lever-action rifles like the Marlin 1895 and Winchester 1886 reproductions.
- Caliber:
- 45-70 Government
- Bullet Weight:
- 400 GR
- Bullet Type:
- SP
- Purpose:
- Hunting
- Type:
- Rifle Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 20
- Case Quantity:
- 200
- Lead Free:
- No