The45-70 round 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, thislarge-caliber round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into areliable survival tool. Today,this classic round is prized for itsdevastating stopping power on large game, includingelk.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the45-70 load unique is itsrange of power from mild to wild. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,the 45-70 Government can be loaded tohigher pressures, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for olderantique Trapdoor Springfield rifles,low-pressure loads ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thecommon grain ranges from305 to 405 grains, withinitial speeds between1,100 and 1,900 fps.

Hunting and Practical Use

For themodern hunter,45-70 ammo excels inthick timber. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsexcellent tissue damage 45-70 ammo while minimizingover-penetration. Manyhandloaders appreciate theround's reloading potential, allowing them tocreate reduced-recoil options. Additionally,specialized ammunition like theHornady FTX offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

Whilethis caliber is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$1.75 to $2.50 per cartridge. For thoseconsidering a purchase, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used forhistorical reenactment, the45-70 ammo remains alegendary cartridge that bridgesold-school power and contemporary reliability.