The 45-70 Round: A Timeless Legend in Modern Ammunition

The 45-70 Round: A Timeless Legend in Modern Ammunition

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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 standard-issue long gun, thislarge-caliber round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into areliable survival tool. Today,the 45-70 Government is prized for itsdevastating stopping power on large game, includingelk.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the.45-70 cartridge unique is itsflexibility across pressure levels. In modern lever-action rifles like theWinchester 1886,the 45-70 Government can be loaded tomodern SAAMI specs, deliveringsubstantial kinetic force. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,reduced-velocity ammunition ensuresafe operation. Thecommon grain ranges from325 to 450 grains, withmuzzle velocities between1,200 and 1,800 feet per second.

Hunting and Practical Use

For theoutdoorsman,this cartridge excels inthick timber. Itssubstantial mass createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingover-penetration. Manyreloading enthusiasts appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them todevelop subsonic rounds. Additionally,specialized ammunition like theBuffalo Bore offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

Whilethe 45-70 Government is not asubiquitous as pistol calibers, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeFederal. Prices fora box of 20 typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thoseconsidering a purchase, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used forhunting, the.45-70 Government remains aproven performer that bridgesold-school 45-70 round power and contemporary reliability.

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