Gentlemen...

As I sift through the plethora of loads for the .45-70, I see data for the Hornady 350 gr. RNSP for the levergun class of actions. *Am I justified in being a little nervous about a mag tube detonation? *Until recently I have been shooting single shot rifles, for which there is no such consideration. *

The question is...Is the profile of that bullet pointed enough to fire the primer of the following round during recoil?

All input is greatly appreciated.

Cordially,

Smith

Hi, Smith:
   Hornady has data for them in the #4 manual, with loads to 1900 fps in the Marlin, so I'd GUESS they're OK. Might be a good idea to check with them.
<a href="http://www.hornady.com/

Bye" target="_blank">http://www.hornady.com/

Bye</a>
Jack

Was just flipping through the latest Midway catalog and noticed that they list TWO 350 gr. .45 cal rifle bullets from Hornady, one a round nose and one a flat nose. &nbsp;No explanation given in the catalog for the difference.

Guess one is for lever guns and the other any other action type? &nbsp;Don't know.

I'd definitely call Hornady.

I called Hornady &nbsp;and asked the same question about 6 years ago. &nbsp;The answer is (paraphrased) we've shot many thousands of these in tube-fed rifles with no problems. &nbsp; Hornady is (IMHO) a very litgation-sensitive company given the conservative nature of their 45-70 data. &nbsp;

Concerning the FN hornady vs the RN. &nbsp;The RN has a heavier jacket and is specifcally designed for 458 winmag velocities where the 350 FN is of lighter construction designed to dependably expand at 450 marlin velocities.

As I understand, mag tube detination is a very rare event. &nbsp;Even if it does happen, since the mag tube is not all that strong and does not contain the gases at all, the chances of getting hurt are even slimmer. &nbsp;The worst-case scenario is a damaged mag tube and a bruised ego if anyone sees it happen.

If you are still concerned, there are a few things you can do to further reduce your chances of it happening. &nbsp;Starline brass produces 45-70 brass with the primer pocket cut about .006&quot; deeper than spec. &nbsp;You can also use a mil-spec primmer that is tougher than the run-of the-mill primer. &nbsp;Further, Starline is/soon will be producing a 45-70 cases with a small-primer pocket that is also .006 deeper. &nbsp;What all this does is make it much more difficult for the bullet tip to reach the primer of the round ahead of it. &nbsp;THis information is based on several indirect discussions I've had with Tim Sundles at Buffalo Bore. &nbsp;His need for such a primer configuration was due to a very minor occurance &nbsp;where primers had isolated runin with a very wide meplat hardcast bullets. &nbsp;The problem occures due to the way Marling has the magtube designed (but thats another story.)

I personally don't worry about it. &nbsp;Statistically speaking, &nbsp;I'm &nbsp;5 times more likely to be struck by lightning than getting one tube detination. &nbsp;

Hope this sets your mind at ease...

In response,

Indeed it does. *(But I still wear eye protection.)
I appreciate your experience and input. *This forum has proven very valuable while ascending the steep end of the learning curve. *Hats off to the forum developers and moderators. *

Thanks*again,

Smith