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, thisbig-bore round has evolved from a blackpowder military 45-70 round staple into aversatile sporting cartridge. Today,the 45-70 Government is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingmoose.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the.45-70 cartridge unique is itsflexibility across pressure levels. In modern lever-action rifles like theWinchester 1886,this caliber can be loaded tomodern SAAMI specs, deliveringsubstantial kinetic force. Conversely, for olderantique Trapdoor Springfield rifles,reduced-velocity ammunition ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thecommon grain ranges from300 to 500 grains, withinitial speeds between1,100 and 1,900 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,45-70 ammo excels inthick timber. Itssubstantial mass createsdeep penetration while minimizingrisk to bystanders. Manyhandloaders appreciate theround's reloading potential, allowing them tocreate reduced-recoil options. Additionally,specialized ammunition like theBuffalo Bore offerings providereliable performance at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
While45-70 ammo is not ascommon as 9mm or .223, it remainsin steady production from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$1.50 to $3.00 per round. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used forpersonal defense, the45-70 round remains aproven performer that bridgestraditional design with modern technology.