Hornady .458 Monoflex Minimum Velocity?

[KansasTrapper77]

2 years ago I took two large bodies deer with my 45-70. Factory loaded 325 FTX, I’m fairly certain they are trapdoor safe so nothing hot, yet both shots simply anchored running deer. BUT that bullet simply did TOO MUCH damage for my liking, in fact the copper jacket separated from the core entirely. It was messy and I lost some meat.

I would like to try some monolithics (Made by Hornady for now, they’re the most readily available in local stores.) in both bottle neck cartridges and my 45-70. I can’t seem to find on Hornady’s website any info on minimum required velocities for the monolithic to expand. Or any bullet for that matter.

So, do you fellas know the minimum velocities? Or where to find that info? And, have any of you tried the .458 Monoflex in a 45-70. Did it do everything mono’s are cracked up to be?

 

[Mk-211]

https://lehighdefense.com/458-caliber-302-grain-xtreme-penetrator-lead-free-bullets-50-count.html

 

[jmorris]

I haven’t used that bullet but in the ammunition they load with it, they have it moving over 2000 fps with a 24” barrel.

The Sub-X would probably be a better projectile for going slow. That said, I have had great results with 405gn SP subsonic rounds myself.

 

[KansasTrapper77]

I haven’t used that bullet but in the ammunition they load with it, they have it moving over 2000 fps with a 24” barrel.

The Sub-X would probably be a better projectile for going slow. That said, I have had great results with 405gn SP subsonic rounds myself.

Any idea what the minimum and maximum velocity for controlled expansion on the SUBX is? Although I don’t necessarily want to go slow. I just want to know what my bottom line is so I can load accordingly with the MonoFlex

 

[jmorris]

I don’t see anything for the 458 bullets but they show this for the .30 cal.



Their 45-70 mono flex loaded ammunition starts out closer to 2000 fps, make me assume the floor for that bullet would be lower but we all know what assumptions get us.

Their sub X bullet is designed for slower velocity but also has a smaller window they feel it’s effective.



Might shoot them an email and see if they what they say. Let us know if you do.

This is how they load the 458 monoflex.


https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/45-70-government-250-gr-monoflex-leverevolution#!/

 

[Varminterror]

Where are you placing the 325 FTX?

Running bullets into shoulder joints - dense muscle and bone - always comes with the sacrifice of meat. I tend to lay off of the shoulders and punch through soft stuff over the heart and lungs for broadside shots - much less bullet damage, and much less meat loss.

This 325FTX left the station at 1795, made contact around 1050fps, and still weighs 291.7grn, 5 yards, jumped a fence, buckled and died on the other side, only loss was a bit of rib meat, as intended.



The softer the bullet you choose, the more opportunity for excess meat damage - and naturally, even a hard 45cal bullet will knock the tar out of deer.

 

[KansasTrapper77]

Might shoot them an email and see if they what they say. Let us know if you do.

Those were nifty visuals where did you find them? I’ve crawled all over the Hornady website to no avail. Are they reasonably quick to respond to email? I thought about calling customer service but its not like its an emergency I just want more info.

 

[KansasTrapper77]

Where are you placing the 325 FTX?

My aim point in general is shoulder or right behind the front leg. But as you know that depends on a great many factors and snap decisions in the field.

And I’m not opposed to the Hornady FTX because it obviously will put down a deer like Thor’s hammer. But I’m starting to think I’ll load the FTX in the 1885 High Wall for the longer shots, knowing it will expand well even at lower velocities.

I am interested in the Monoflex for the 30 yard running shot out of my Marlin Guide gun. When the bullet is going to be flying at near max velocity and not grenade on impact due to the stiffer material. I often have to make that snap shot on a moving deer or one that simply doesn’t give me time to consider all the angles.

Given what I just said most people would be like “oh hell 30 yards with “strong action” 45-70 don’t worry it will expand well.” And I understand that. But I got into reloading to be anal about knowing my ammunition.

 

[jmorris]

Those were nifty visuals where did you find them?

Hit this link, https://www.hornady.com/bullets/monoflex#!/

Scroll down to the videos, hit play, capture screenshot when you get to the info.

 

[Shooterbob]

Muzzle velocity for #4015 FTX .458 diameter 1300 -2300 fps . From Hornady 9th edition. That’s 325 gr FTX

 

[jmorris]

Muzzle velocity for #4015 FTX .458 diameter 1300 -2300 fps . From Hornady 9th edition. That’s 325 gr FTX

Any chance they have 45 Cal .458 250 gr MonoFlex®
Item #45010 in there?

 

[Shooterbob]

Jmorris I will check when I get home from work.But I believe it is there as well

 

[Shooterbob]

#45010. 250 yr monoflex muzzle velocity 1400-2500 fps