Expansion question

[Jevyod]

So first off I apologize that my question is not about cast bullets. But I think it is applicable here. I am working up a 300 grain hornady hp load for my 45 70. The best group is only shooting about 1600 fps.
(4shots at 1.35 in.) I emaimed Hornady and they reccommended a minimum impact velocity of 1600. That got me wondering. I am already starting with a 45 caliber bullet and even if it didn't expand, wouldn't that hollowpoint act like a wide meplat and still do considerable damage? The rifle is a 1895 SBL and only has a 18 inch barrel so velocity is hard to attain without a lot of pressure. I had shot a group that had a velocity of 1700 but had a 3.9 inch group at 100 yards.

[GLynn41]

Just me, but you need a flat nose so the boolit will act like a flat nose. While the 45-70 will shoot a right far piece, it's effective range, I would think is 100-125 yards . The 4" group would work on a deer if you all right with it. Try some different powders? Use the .45-70 Marlin loads, and may be a different bullet?

[Winger Ed.]

Expand or not- At 1600 fps, and about 100 yards, it should turn out the lights of anything wandering around North America.

[Larry Gibson]

Expand or not- At 1600 fps, and about 100 yards, it should turn out the lights of anything wandering around North America.

Ed is correct......

"even if it didn't expand, wouldn't that hollow point act like a wide meplat and still do considerable damage?"

That is correct.