Hornady LeverEvolution

[sirmissalot]

I watched a buddy of mine shoot a buffalo at about 50 yards with a 450 marlin using them, hit it 3 times and finally was able to get one to penetrate far enough to hit the heart. All 3 bullets fragmented bad and didn't have much penetration. I wasn't impressed

[wraithen]

I watched a buddy of mine shoot a buffalo at about 50 yards with a 450 marlin using them, hit it 3 times and finally was able to get one to penetrate far enough to hit the heart. All 3 bullets fragmented bad and didn't have much penetration. I wasn't impressed

You HAVE to use the right bullet type for what you are shooting at. I would never shoot a fragmenting round at that type of animal... wait... They shouldn't have done that! He probably would have been better off using the regular rounds at that distance though.

Looks like I will pick up a box and try them but it sounds like I don't have a barrel that compliments the round. I can't wait until saturday to take her out and see what she can do.

[Fl0und3rz]

Latest issue of Handloader magazine has a nice review of them, if you want to pick it up at a newsstand.   

Conclusion:
Flatter shooting as should be obvious from higher BC.  As designed. Makes for good/better 200 yard shooter.
When coupled with the newer LR powders, there is an increase in velocity over traditional powders. As designed, without necessarily an increase in pressure (not tested).
Terminal ballistics (penetration and bullet performance) not tested as I recall.
Grouping improvement vary (30/30, 45/70, and .338 Marlin Express tested; mix of Win and Marlin rifles).


LRs are more expensive than the typical JHP bullets, and mostly for that reason, I just use the 300 gr. JHP in 45/70 at ca. 2000 fps for a good 200 yard brush gun.

[grundy53]

I shoot them in my .338 marlin express and my .450 bushmaster. I love them.