The.45-70 Government cartridge is one of the most enduring and versatileprojectiles in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 for theU.S. Army's standard-issue long gun, thisheavy-hitting round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into areliable survival tool. Today,45-70 ammo is prized for itsdevastating stopping power on large game, includingbear.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the45-70 load unique is itsflexibility across pressure levels. In modern lever-action rifles like theMarlin 1895,this caliber can be loaded tohigher pressures, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for oldervintage Sharps rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensurehistorical authenticity. Thestandard projectile ranges from300 to 500 grains, withinitial speeds between1,200 and 1,800 feet per second.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,45-70 ammo excels indense brush. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsa massive wound channel while minimizingpass-through. Manyreloading enthusiasts appreciate theround's reloading potential, allowing them tocreate reduced-recoil options. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theBuffalo Bore offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
Whilethis caliber is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeFederal. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$1.75 to $2.50 per cartridge. For thoselooking to expand their collection, it's crucial tocheck barrel twist rate. Whether used 45-70 round forhunting, the45-70 round remains alegendary cartridge that bridgestraditional design with modern technology.