The45-70 ammo is one of the most enduring and versatilerifle cartridges 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 staple into areliable survival tool. Today,the 45-70 Government is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingelk.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the45-70 load unique is itsability to be loaded for different firearms. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,45-70 ammo can be loaded tomodern SAAMI specs, deliveringsubstantial kinetic force. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensuresafe operation. Thestandard projectile ranges from300 to 500 grains, withexit velocities between1,100 and 1,900 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For themodern hunter,this cartridge excels indense brush. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsdeep penetration while minimizingover-penetration. Manyreloading enthusiasts appreciate theround's reloading potential, allowing them todevelop subsonic rounds. Additionally,defensive loads like theLehigh Defense offerings provideexceptional expansion at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
Whilethe 45-70 Government is not asubiquitous as pistol calibers, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeHornady. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used fortarget shooting, the.45-70 Government remains aproven performer that bridgestraditional design 45-70 ammo with modern technology.