The45-70 ammo is one of the most enduring and versatileloads in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 for theU.S. Army's standard-issue long gun, thisheavy-hitting 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 the45-70 round unique is itsability to be loaded for different firearms. In modern lever-action rifles like theMarlin 1895,45-70 ammo can be loaded tomodern SAAMI specs, deliveringtremendous knockdown power. Conversely, for oldervintage Sharps rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensurehistorical authenticity. Thecommon grain ranges from305 to 405 grains, withexit velocities between1,100 and 1,900 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,the 45-70 round excels indense brush. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingover-penetration. Manyhandloaders appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them totune loads for specific rifles. Additionally,defensive loads like theHornady FTX offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
Whilethe 45-70 Government is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it 45-70 round remainseasy to find from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices fora box of 20 typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thoseconsidering a purchase, it's crucial toverify pressure ratings. Whether used fortarget shooting, the45-70 ammo remains abeloved classic that bridgesold-school power and contemporary reliability.