The45-70 ammo is one of the most enduring and versatileloads in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 45-70 ammo for theU.S. Army's standard-issue long gun, thislarge-caliber round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into aversatile sporting cartridge. Today,the 45-70 Government is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingbear.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the45-70 round unique is itsability to be loaded for different firearms. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,the 45-70 Government can be loaded tomodern SAAMI specs, deliveringtremendous knockdown power. Conversely, for oldervintage Sharps rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thecommon grain ranges from305 to 405 grains, withexit velocities between1,100 and 1,900 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,this cartridge excels indense brush. Itssubstantial mass createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingover-penetration. Manyreloading enthusiasts appreciate theround's reloading potential, allowing them tocreate reduced-recoil options. Additionally,defensive loads like theHornady FTX offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
Whilethe 45-70 Government is not ascommon as 9mm or .223, it remainseasy to find from major manufacturers likeWinchester. Prices fora box of 20 typically range from$1.75 to $2.50 per cartridge. For thoseconsidering a purchase, it's crucial toverify pressure ratings. Whether used forhunting, the45-70 round remains alegendary cartridge that bridgestraditional design with modern technology.