The.45-70 Government cartridge is one of the most enduring and versatileloads in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 for theU.S. Army's 45-70 round standard-issue long gun, thisbig-bore round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into amodern hunting powerhouse. Today,45-70 ammo is prized for itsdevastating stopping power on large game, includingmoose.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the45-70 round unique is itsrange of power from mild to wild. In modern lever-action rifles like theMarlin 1895,45-70 ammo can be loaded tohigher pressures, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,low-pressure loads ensuresafe operation. Thestandard projectile ranges from300 to 500 grains, withmuzzle velocities between1,200 and 1,800 feet per second.
Hunting and Practical Use
For thebig-game enthusiast,the 45-70 round excels indense brush. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsa massive wound channel while minimizingrisk to bystanders. Manycustom ammunition makers appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them tocreate reduced-recoil options. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theBuffalo Bore offerings providereliable performance at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
While45-70 ammo is not ascommon as 9mm or .223, it remainseasy to find from major manufacturers likeFederal. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thoselooking to expand their collection, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used fortarget shooting, the45-70 round remains aproven performer that bridgesold-school power and contemporary reliability.